|
| March 21. |
683. Monsieur to the Deputies for Peace. |
|
Since he wrote to them three or four days ago by the Sieur
de Mirambeau concerning the affairs of the King of Navarre,
he understands that Navarre desires to send deputies for himself. Prays them take his demands as if in his own name,
for each is unwilling to do anything without the other.
Assures them he will esteem their service to the King of
Navarre as if done for himself.—Sissy, 21 March 1576. Signed. |
|
Copy. Endd. Fr. Pp. 2. |
| March 23. |
684. William Herle to Lord Burghley. |
|
Imparted his Lordship's answer of yesternight, which he
was most sorry to write, to these poor Hollanders this
morning, who were most comforted to see him so nobly
affected towards them. It served very well to qualify these
poor men who were in a marvellous passion for the answer
which they had received in writing from her Majesty, wherein
besides denying them her aid or relief, she threatened them
further with her resentment if they joined with any other,
which they the less expected at her hands after presenting to
her themselves and all they had; and thought it very hard if
they being free men should be forbidden to seek aid to
preserve their lives, which was by despair to bring them to
fear no evil who could hope for no good. It had sufficed they
said without this aggravation that they had consumed here
so much time, so many occasions and such great sums, being
persuaded thereto by her Majesty's own messenger and
attending the performance of her own promises; yet satisfied
in nothing, but must depart without thanks, and threatened also
if they did not voluntarily yield their own throats to be cut at
the arbitrament of others. Burghley's letter somewhat appeased
them, and he added that the Queen's answer in writing was
but for outward show to satisfy Champagny and to help them
the better in secret when occasion offered. Upon this Paul
Buyz took him aside and said that they had a small suit to
make, which was for leave to export custom free 2,000 English
cloths and kerseys for their soldiers and people, which he said
could be managed without suspicion. He said this journey
would cost them one way and another 3,000li, having entertained Mr. Hastings in Holland with a table furnished
continually for 18 people, defraying all his other charges,
presenting him with a chain worth 600 crowns, and appointing
two men-of-war to bring him over; and likewise had been
bountiful and loving to Rogers and all others who came from
the Queen, marvelling whence these hard dealings here towards them should be provoked. Herle told them that it
surely proceeded of Champagny's negotiation, who was a cunning and diligent fellow, and was partly to be pleased for
some outward cause which was weaker than the inward. He
was not sure of the news of the King of Spain's death, but
persisted in his opinion that peace was thoroughly concluded
in France.—Redcross Street, 23 March 1575. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Pp. 2¼. |
| March 23. |
685. Benedetto Spinola to Lord Burghley. |
|
Has received a letter from his brother at Venice, of the
26th February, who informs him that the illustrious Count
[the Earl of Oxford] continues in his resolution to return
home by way of Lyons, and believes that he will set out after
the Carnival. Forwards a packet for Thomas Atkinson.
Encloses advices from Italy, and prays that his Lordship's
health may be restored.—23 March 1576. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd., with seal. Ital. P. 2/3. |
| March 24. |
686. Philip II. to the Queen of England |
|
Informs her that, owing to the death of the Commendator
Requescens, he has committed the government of the Low
Countries to the Council of State until he can send another
Governor-General thither.—Madrid, 24 March 1576. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Fr. Royal letter. |
| March 24. |
687. William Herle to Lord Burghley. |
|
Desires an answer to Paul Buys' request, which he sent
yesterday, as he is ready to depart. On Wednesday evening
there went out of Dunkirk three ships, two galleys, and 27
flyboats laden with corn and victual for them before Zerickzee,
and to transport Champagny over. The Prince has taken an
isle over against Zerickzee, whereby the besiegers are brought
in danger of famishment, and will make them leave that
enterprise. The Duke of Arschot will not take the charge of
the government upon him. The Spaniards steal away both
by Calais and Campen into France. A mutiny of the Spaniards
has been repressed at Brussels. Champagny hopes to take
shipping this night at Dover. Has great things to reveal to
his Lordship, which may be dangerous to the whole state.
Wanten would wait upon his Lordship to go through with
him for the exchange, and to give him as much or more than
any other will do.—24 March 1575. Signed. |
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Add. Endd. Pp. 1. |
| March 24. |
688. Philip II. to the Estates of Brabant. |
|
The Grand Commendator of Castile being dead, he orders
them to obey the Council of State until the arrival of the
Governor whom he intends to send.—Madrid, 24 March 1576. |
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Copy. Fr. P. ¾. |
|
689. Copy of the above. |
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Endd. Fr. P. ¾. |
| March 25. |
690. News in Letters from Paris. |
|
Containing the same information as that given in the letter
and enclosure of same day from Dr. Dale to Smith and Walsingham. |
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Endd. P. 1. |
| March 25. |
691. Dr. Dale to Lord Burghley. |
|
1. Montpensier is arrived, and does much good, for he declares
plainly to the King the forces of Monsieur and the inconveniences which are like to ensue if the peace be not concluded. They begin to fall to disobedience in all places,
Provence has begun already. The deputies look for Elizabeth's
furtherance at this pinch.—Paris, 25 March 1576. Signed. |
|
2. P.S.—Certain of the deputies are gone to Monsieur, and
the treaty of peace prorogued till their return, which is
appointed for the last of this month. There is one Scotto,
an Italian, that plays such knacks as Feates does upon the
cards, who comes to show the Queen some of his toys. He
has been made much of in this Court, and has been in the
Emperor's Court, and makes himself a jolly fellow. |
|
Add. Endd. P. 1. |
| March 25. |
692. Dr. Dale to Lord Burghley. |
|
Although Nutshawe has gotten warrants for his money, yet
can he neither have his money presently nor yet would the
Treasurer appoint him any certain day for his payment, but
only upon "if" and "and" if such money or such money be
received. Furthermore, the Treasurer had devised a trick that
the poor man should have made an absolute quittance, which
might have been showed by the King's ambassador to prove
the money had been paid. The Treasurer would have given
him but a scroll to have received his money at Angers, and if
he could not have his money there, which is a thing very
uncertain, then the Treasurer would have delivered back the
quittance as he said, which had been a new suit and either
an utter discharge of the debt or an infinite delay. Was so
earnest in the matter that it was moved in Council and
order taken that the money should be paid within 15 days,
and 100 crowns awarded for his tarrying, wherewithal he
remains satisfied for the time, and the Treasurer has sent his
man to Angers for the money. God help them that have to
do in this Court!—Paris, 25 March 1576. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. P. ¾. |
| March 25. |
693. Dr. Dale to Walsingham. |
|
All them that know nothing of the doings of the treaty of
peace say that the peace is made, and they which are against
the peace say that the King has granted such things as were
never looked for; but they which deal in the matter find it
otherwise, and begin to mislike and have mistrust even
amongst themselves. True it is there are great practices to
draw Monsieur from the rest; they proffer him nothing but
in general terms.—Paris, 25 March 1576. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. by Walsingham. P. 1. |
| March 25. |
694. Dr. Dale to Walsingham. |
|
Sends Captain Thomas to discourse with him at large.
He accompanies Petro Capponi [a] Florentine, who desires to
be recommended to him, nothing needful, considering his goodwill to that nation and his courtesy to all men. Coming in
displeasure as he does he has need of some favour for his
own safety, whereof he cannot assure himself in this country.
—Paris, 25 March 1576. Signed. |
|
Add., with seal. Endd. by Walsingham. P. 1. |
| March 25. |
695. Dr. Dale to Smith and Walsingham. |
|
Sends the articles of the demands of the deputies and the
answers of the King, whereby it appears the King gives
no such satisfaction to the deputies as has been looked for;
therefore they are ready at this present to break off with great
stomach on both sides. Such as stand against the peace
menace the King to leave him utterly desolate, if he condescend to peace. He lately said in a great passion that
he would adventure crown, life, and all, rather than yield
to the demands of the deputies. The deputies despair of
any good to be done, and mistrust that all this treaty has
been to delay them and weaken their forces. The Queen
Mother seeks to temper the matter indifferently between both
sides. She puts the King in hope of Monsieur's conformity,
and has sent to Monsieur to remit of his demands. The
deputies beseech her earnestly for her furtherance of the
peace. The Bishop of Nazareth is an earnest travailer against
the peace. The Duke of Maine has scattered and bestowed
the King's army in several places in the country about
Montargis, and is himself returned to the Court. The Prince
of Condé and Duke Casimir are at Moulins, and it is thought
that the King of Navarre will be joined with them very
shortly.—Paris, 25 March 1576. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. by Walsingham. Pp. 1½. |
|
696. Events in France. |
|
News has come that Monsieur is in possession of Decize,
and it is said they of Auvergne have agreed to give the
strangers 150,000 francs upon composition to withdraw themselves out of that country. It is credibly reported that the
most part of Provence is in arms against the King. |
|
Slip of paper. Enclosure. |
| March. |
697. The Deputies Demands and the King's Answers thereto. |
|
Monsieur and the rest desire
the realm may be brought to its
former flourishing estate. |
The King desires the
same, but will have the
Romish religion set up
again in all places, and the
ecclesiastical persons entirely restored. |
|
1. That liberty of religion be
granted throughout the realm,
countries of Metz, Toul, and Verdun, marquisate of Saluces,
countries of Barrois and Dombes,
according to the confessions exhibited to the late King, with
administration of sacraments,
schools, synods, printing and selling of books, for any recantation
or abjuration to the contrary. |
1. Restrained to one place
in every seneschalship, and
the said place at the King's
choice, and to such towns
as they had before the truce;
also to gentlemen having
haute justice and fief de
haubert and in their houses,
to be named by them to the
King's officers, and in these
places administration of sacraments and schools and
nowhere else. No printing,
but by licence under the
King's own hand. No sale
of books, except they be first
visited and allowed by the
King's officers. No synods
permitted, but only to assemble themselves in the
towns appointed for the
exercise of religion, to
have consultation in the
presence of the King's officers. No exercise within
two leagues about the Court,
nor 10 about Metz, Toul, and
Verdun, the marquisate of
Saluces, nor duchy of Barrois [Bar]. For Dombes the
King refers himself to the
Duke of Montpensier. Nevertheless no man shall be
molested for his conscience,
nor for any abjuration heretofore made. |
|
2. That they of the religion
may build temples, and such as
have been built be restored to
them; nor be they molested
for any stuff employed upon
the building of any, being
taken of ruins made in these
troubles. |
2. Granted in such places
where the exercise shall be
permitted, provided the said
places belonged not to any
church or ecclesiastical person. |
|
3. That all ecclesiastical persons having made vows and now
of the religion be comprehended,
their marriage be accepted lawful, and their children legitimate. |
3. Such marriages hereafter shall not be suffered,
but those past shall not be
troubled. The children to
succeed only to moveable
goods, and such as shall be
purchased by the parties,
who shall not be admitted to
any succession, either in the
right line or collateral of
any predecessor. |
|
4. Controversies of marriage
between them of the religion to
be decided before the King's
judges, according to the discipline of the Reformed church and
opinion of the consistories, and
not forced to take any dispensation for marriage in any degree
forbidden by the Pope. |
4. They shall observe the
laws heretofore received by
the Catholics concerning the
degrees prohibited for the
avoiding of quarrels. Nevertheless, for contracts in
the third or fourth degree,
they shall not be molested,
and the children shall be
enabled to succeed. If controversies arise for such
matters, and one of the parties be a Catholic, then the
official shall be judge thereof, if both be of the religion
then the King's judge. |
|
5. That they may receive
ministers and schoolmasters, as
well strangers and natural born
Frenchmen. |
5. Denied. |
|
6. No difference to be made of
religion in receiving into universities, hospitals, &c. |
6. Granted. |
|
7. They of the religion not to
contribute for the entertainment
of anything depending on the
Catholic religion, nor take oath
in other form than is by them
thought lawful, nor desire any
dispensation of oaths in contracts
whereof by the law they may not
be absolved. |
7. They shall pay accustomed duties for entrance
into their charges as heretofore. They shall not be
further bound in oaths, but
to hold up their hands and
to swear that they will say
truth, nor shall be bound
to take any dispensation
for any oath passed in contract. |
|
8. That they of the religion be
exempted from paying tenths to
ecclesiastical persons, but to employ the same to the maintenance
of their ministers. |
8. They shall pay the
tenths as the Catholics do. |
|
9. The King to appoint in
every cathedral church the revenue of one prebend to make a
college for the teaching of children. |
9. Cannot be granted. |
|
10. That they of the archbishopric of Avignon and country
of Venaissin may enjoy full liberty
of religion according to an assurance made to them by Marshal
Vielleville in the late King
Charles' time. |
10. The King will write
to the Pope to know his
meaning therein. |
|
11. To confirm to the Prince of
Orange the promises made by the
late King for the profession of
religion in the town and principality of Orange. |
11. The Prince shall be restored as before the troubles,
and according to a declaration granted by the late
King Henry. |
|
12. That they of the religion
be not tied to the observation of
the feasts and holy days of the
Romish church. |
12. They shall be subject
to the same. |
|
13. Their religion to be no
more called the new or pretended
reformed religion, but religion,
or reformed religion, without any
other addition. |
13. It shall be called pretended reformed as heretofore. |
|
14. That only their religion
and the Catholic be permitted,
and none other, and atheism
punished. |
14 and 15. This is sufficiently provided for by
other ordinances which the
King will cause to be observed. |
|
15. Blasphemy and whoredoms
punished. |
|
16. That they of the religion
be declared capable and be employed in all offices and charges
within the realm without oath
or bond to observe the Catholic
religion. |
16. The King will so declare them and admit them
without any other oath but
that they shall faithfully
execute their offices and observe the edicts. |
|
17. That for the more indifferent execution of justice the
King supply such offices as shall
be void with men of the religion
if it may be in equal number in
every high and inferior court. |
17. The King will indifferently place such as be
capable and meet for the
service. |
|
18–25. That in every parliament a new chamber be instituted, whereof one half of the
presidents and councillors be of
the one religion and the other
half of the other, and they that
shall exercise the place first to
be named by Monsieur. |
18–25. The King will
erect certain chambers in
the Courts of Parliament to
judge of such controversies,
of which they of the religion
may refuse some of the
number appointed, and certain of the religion shall be
joined with them. |
|
26. To have certain presidial
courts appointed, to be one half
of the religion and the other
Catholic. |
26. For avoiding the excessive number of courts
the King thinks it not meet
to establish any new, but
from these inferior judges
they may appeal to the Parliament or Chamber established as before. |
|
27. To have a court presidial
at Lavaur besides Toulouse of
like number of both religion. |
27. It shall not need, seeing there is an appeal granted from the court presidial
of Toulouse to the chamber
to be created at Montpelier. |
|
28. That the provost marshal
may not proceed to any judgment
without having called unto
them an equal number of both
religions of the next court presidial. |
28. They shall judge as
they did before, neither does
the King mean to alter anything therein. |
|
29. The Prince of Condé and
the Marshal Danville to be restored to their offices, pensions,
&c. as before, and if any resignation shall have been made the
same upon repayment of the
money received shall be restored
to them again. |
29. They shall be restored
as they were before. |
|
30–39. Touching resignations
of churchmen making profession |
30–39. Nothing answered.
of religion, sale and bargain of
ecclesiastical goods, alienation or
other things, and touching the
decrees against the town of
Pamiers. |
|
40–49. Touching the misliking
of the massacre in Paris, restitution of goods spoiled, annulling
of adverse judgments and sentences, restitution of the Admiral,
Bricquemault, and Cavagnies, forbidding of processions and acts
in remembrance of the same, restitution of prisoners committed
to the galleys, punishing of offences committed without authority, and setting at liberty one of
the Admiral's sons. |
40–49. Nothing answered. |
|
50. The moveable goods of them
of the religion to be restored
where they shall be found, upon
such price as the possessors paid
for them. |
50. The King thinks it
not necessary for quietness'
sake. |
|
51. To have the profit of their
immoveable goods for this year,
and also such as have not been
during these wars seized into the
King's hands, the revenues of
ecclesiastical goods only excepted. |
51. Every man, yea ecclesiastical persons, shall
enter upon their own and
enjoy it. Such arrearages
as have been taken by the
King's commandment shall
be restored. |
|
52. Those whose castles or
houses have been retained without the King's commission shall
have recompense for all damage
from the retainers. |
52. The King will not
that any profits shall be demanded or any pursuit
made for damages that have
happened heretofore. |
|
53. All garrisons and forces to
be removed out of houses and
towns, that the owners may have
free and quiet possession, and
such as have spoiled any person
under pretence of law or right
shall restore the goods again. |
53. After the publication
of the Edict the forces shall
be removed, notwithstanding any pretence of right,
whereof they shall seek
remedy by law, and the like
to be observed in benefices
where persons have been
dispossessed. |
|
54. That the King's subjects
having goods in the country of
Venaissin may enjoy them, or
otherwise be recompensed upon
such good as they of the said
country have in France. |
54. The King will do
what he can to help this
that they may enjoy their
goods. |
|
55. All evidence, writings, &c.
restored on both sides. |
55. Granted. |
|
56. The passage and traffic
within the realm restored to the
former estate as they were before
the troubles. |
56. Granted. |
|
57. All privileges, liberties,
&c. restored to countries and
towns as they were before the
troubles, at the death of King
Henry, notwithstanding the suppressions. |
57. Agreed for restitution of privileges and
franchises; but for establishing of places for justice
where they have been so
suppressed they shall so
continue. |
|
58. That they of the religion
and associate Catholics be declared capable of offices both
under the King as other lords,
cities, and places. |
58. They shall be declared capable. |
|
59. That they shall not be
grieved or overburdened in any
charge or imposition more or
above than the Catholics. |
59. They shall not. If
any be he may appeal to
such judges as are or shall
be appointed. |
|
60. That they be not constrained to contribute to any imposition since the 24th August
1572, but be discharged and not
molested for the same. |
60. They shall not be
forced. |
|
61. That the King would discharge them of the debts and obligations made to the reiters, and
especially to quit the heirs of the
late Admiral for the payment of
the same. |
61. The King cannot
change anything in the contracts that heretofore have
been made. |
|
62. To give them towards the
discharge of their other debts
200,000 crowns. |
62. The King cannot. |
|
63. That Poitou, Saintonge,
Angoumois, Guienne, Languedoc,
and Dauphiny, for six years,
may be exempted from taxes by
reason of the late troubles and
wars. |
63. The King will deal
with them as a good Prince
ought to do, and as his
affairs shall require. |
|
64. That the King declare his
brother, the King of Navarre,
and other lords, for his true and
faithful kinsmen and subjects,
and allow of the devices made at
Bois de Vincennes and St. Germain to bring his brother out of
the Court. |
64. The King holds them
for such. For anything done
at Bois de Vincennes or St.
Germain no pursuit shall
be made thereof. |
|
65. The children of those which
fled out of the realm for religion
since the death of King Henry II.
to be accounted as natural born. |
65. Granted. |
|
66. That Monsieur, the King's
brother, the King of Navarre,
Prince of Condé, and other towns
and officers be discharged of all
assemblies, levies of men, taking
and receiving of money, sale
of woods, acts of hostility, making of artillery, treaties with
foreign princes, &c. |
66 and 67. They shall be
discharged of all this. |
|
67. Also of all acts of hostility
happened in these troubles. |
|
68. That the town of Rochelle
be likewise discharged, nor have
any governor in garrison placed
therein. |
68. They shall not be disquieted for any act heretofore done, but the King will
maintain the governor and
garrison in their old privileges. |
|
69. The Vidame of Chastres
and M. Beauvais to be discharged
for the treaties with the Queen of
England in 1562 for New Haven
[Havre de Grace]. |
69. They shall be discharged thereof. |
|
70. The King to confirm the
capitulation made by the Prince
of Condé and others with Duke
Casimir. |
70. It shall be answered
when the said capitulation
shall be seen. |
|
71. All taxes taken by virtue
of any licence or commission from
them of the religion and Catholics upon the seas associated
to be good and not troubled hereafter. |
71. Granted. |
|
72. The Marshal Montmorency
and De Cosse to be declared innocent. |
72. It shall be inquired
of them what their meaning is to have done herein. |
|
73. That the breaches and razing of towns may be built up again,
with a declaration that they were
done for necessity of the time and
without any injury or blot of the
corporation hereafter. |
73. Granted. |
|
74. For such farms of lands,
offices or customs whereof they
of the religion had no use during
the troubles, or have paid by the
commandment of the heads of
the religion anything, they shall
be discharged thereof and not be
molested hereafter. |
74. The King will discharge them. |
|
75. The sale and contracts for
salt made by them of the religion
to be declared good and confirmed by the King, and especially with two merchants of
Basle. |
75. Granted to the sales
made bonâ fide, and for the
contracts made with the
two merchants, the King
shall take order when he
shall see them. |
|
76. For a general assembly of
the Estates, and to have the taxes
reduced as they were in the time
of Louis XII. |
76. They shall be assembled according to the ancient and commendable
order. For the taxes the
King wishes his estate were
in so good case that he
might relieve his subjects. |
|
77. For granting to Monsieur
some country where he may
have absolute government, and
besides his company of 100 menat-arms some other companies,
and 3,000 footmen, which he
shall choose, and they to be paid
at the King's charge. |
77. The Queen Mother
has assured the King that
Monsieur will content himself with that which shall
please the King. |
|
78. The Marquis of Conti, the
Prince of Condé's brother, to have
another company of men-at-arms. |
78. The Cardinal of Bourbon has assured the King
that he will content himself with the King's pleasure. |
|
79. The Prince of Condé to
remain in his government of
Picardy, to have disposition of
Boulogne and Boulonnais, and to
appoint a Governor at his discretion. |
79. The Prince shall be
maintained in his government as other governors
have been. For Boulogne
and Boulonnais order and
provision is made already
as has been always accustomed. |
|
80. To have for their assurance
such towns as they presently
hold, and to retain such artillery
and munition as they have, and
further to have in every province
of France two towns where a
Governor shall be established by
the King, with such a number of
soldiers as shall be thought requisite, and that at the nomination
of Monsieur, and they to be paid
by the King. |
80. They shall have four
towns of them that shall
be appointed for the exercise of religion, which Monsieur and others shall swear
to keep for the King, and
after three years to restore
to such as the King shall
appoint without alteration,
innovation, or difficulty.
For the rest of the towns
which they hold they shall
be restored after the Edict
as they were before. Towns
appertaining to private men
shall be delivered to their
owners. |
|
81. That they of the religion
may retain the places they held
in Dauphiny, and although belonging to Catholics by engagements made by the King or his
predecessors; paying the price
they were engaged for, and then
they of the religion to hold them
of the King as the others did. |
81. The King thinks it
not convenient to break any
contract heretofore made. |
|
82. That in the country of
Venaissin there be granted places
for their assurance with a sufficient garrison, to be paid at the
charge of the country. |
82. The King cannot dispose of place appertaining
to the Pope. |
|
83. For garrisons to be in no
places but upon the frontiers. |
83. Answered above. |
|
84. That when the King's
governors shall visit the places
holden of them of the religion
they may come with their ordinary train and no great force. |
84. The King will give
such order that his governors shall give no occasion
of resentment or difference. |
|
85. The inhabitants of Metz,
Verdun, and Dombes to enjoy
the benefits of this Edict. |
85. Answered above. |
|
86. Preachers of both religions
forbidden to make seditious sermons. |
86. Granted. |
|
87. That in a full assembly of
the Privy Council, and afterwards
of the Parliament of Paris, the
peace be published and sworn by
the King, Queen Mother, Queen
wife, princes of the blood, Marshals of France, and other Councillors, the Presidents of the
Parliament, the Advocates, and
Procureur-General. |
87. The King will make
no difficulty solemnly to
swear and cause to be observed all that he shall
promise. |
|
88. The like oath to be taken
throughout the realm by the
inhabitants of the towns, by the
governors and officers for the
answering of all contradictions
to the contrary, and likewise
yearly to be taken at the making
of any head officer in any town,
city, or place. |
88. Granted. |
|
89. All Edicts made heretofore
to the contrary hereof to be revoked and declared void. |
89. Granted. |
|
90. That for the better observation hereof the four marshals
may repair to their several governments to cause it to be
observed. |
90. The King will take
order therein. |
|
91. That certain persons well
affected to the Catholic religion
may consider of the abuses
thereof according to a complaint
made by the Estates at Orleans
in his brother's time, and thereupon advise of some remedy for
the same, for the preventing of
such inconveniences as else may
ensue. |
91. Unanswered. |
|
92. A petition of Monsieur
that at the answering of these
articles the Duke of Nevers, the
Chancellor, the Marshal de Retz,
and Monsieur Chiverny be present, being men desiring trouble
and suspected for causes which
the deputies have commission to
declare at the King's pleasure to
himself and the said lords. |
92. Unanswered. |
|
93. When upon these requests
an Edict shall be put in writing
and engrossed, the proceeding
and consideration thereof may
be by an equal number of the
deputies of the religion with
those which shall be appointed
by the King for that purpose.
Endd. by Walsingham. Pp. 10½. Enclosure. |
93. Unanswered. |
|
698. Answers of the King to the Articles.
Endd. by Dale. Fr. Pp. 18½. Enclosure. |
|
699. Another copy.
Endd. Pp. 24½. |
| [March 25.] |
700. Copy of Articles 31–49 of the above. It is noted on the
back of the document that "the French King answers nothing
at all unto. |
|
Endd. Pp. 2. |
| [March 27.] |
701. Sir Henry Cobham's Negotiations. |
|
1. The King of Spain's answer delivered by the Duke of
Alva touching Cobham's negotiations in behalf of the Prince
of Orange and the States of Holland and Zealand. |
|
2. First, that the King had offered them pardon at two
several times. |
|
3. That there is none of their privileges taken away from
them; that the Commendator has made them such proffers
of agreement at the treaty lately made at Breda as the King
will not consent to the like hereafter. Yet, notwithstanding
this, as her Majesty has entreated for them, the King is
pleased to receive them at her hands, submitting themselves. |
|
Endd. P. ¾. |
| March 28. |
702. The Queen to the Prince of Orange. |
|
Letter of credence for William Davison, whom she sends to
those at present governing the Low Countries for the King of
Spain, for the purpose of negotiating a cessation of arms, in
order to give an opportunity for treating of a durable peace.
—Westminster, 28 March 1576. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd., with seal. Royal Letter. |
| March 28. |
703. Extracts of various Documents relating to France. |
|
1. Extract from M. de la Porte's instructions, dated Montreuil Bellay, 27 November 1575, commanding him to treat
with the Queen in Monsieur's name with regard to marriage,
assistance, &c. |
|
2. Extract from the obligation of the Elector Palatine,
dated 11 April 1575, with regard to the repayment of 50,000
crowns advanced to him by the Queen of England for the
service of the Prince of Condé. |
|
3. Extract from the obligation of the Prince of Condé,
dated 8 June 1575, for the payment of the 50,000 crowns advanced to him by the Elector Palatine. |
|
4. Extracts from further obligations of the Elector Palatine
and the Prince of Condé, dated 23 July 1575, for the repayment of 50,000 crowns to the Queen. |
|
5. Extract from the instructions of MM. de la Mothe Fenelon and de la Porte, dated 7 January 1575–6, for negotiating
the marriage of Monsieur with the Queen, settling terms,
arranging an interview, obtaining his passport, &c. |
|
6. Extract of the answer of the Queen to the King of
France, dated 31 January 1575–6, giving thanks for the good
will of the King for the marriage, but saying that she cannot
enter into the negotiation till he and his brother be openly at
accord. |
|
7. Extract from the Queen's letter to Monsieur, sent by M.
du Plessis, dated 28 March 1576, assuring him of her care for
his welfare. |
|
8. Extract of a letter from the Queen to [Duke Casimir]
assuring him that he may command her assistance in anything
that may require it. |
|
9. Extract from a letter from the Queen to Monsieur, assuring him of her assistance in all that will be consistent
with her honour, and that with regard to his request that
she shall join the league made between him and the Elector
Palatine, she will send a gentlemen who will give him her
answer. |
|
Fr. and Lat. Pp. 6½. |
| March 29. |
704. William Herle to Lord Burghley. |
|
Is fain through sickness to use his brother's hand to him
instead of his own. These parties have received the Queen's
grant for the licence of 2,000 cloths very thankfully, and
to-morrow depart hence. Champagny took the seas yesterday
morning at daybreak in a very small vessel, belike to steal
a passage, whilst the bruit was that he would be transported in one of the Queen's ships. These matters of
Brussels grow sharper and sharper, for Barliamont was of
intelligence with Julian Romero to have delivered to the
Spaniards the keys of Brussels' gates, which were taken
by the magistrates from his custody and delivered to Count
Mansfeldt. A practice was afterwards discovered of the
Spaniards to set fire in certain parts of the city, but they
were commanded to keep their lodgings upon pain of killing, and now have leave to retire into Hainault. The Duke of
Arschot still refuses to take the government upon him. The
Estates were assembled at Brussels, and have bent the
ordnance against certain of the King's horsemen, who appeared before the town to let their proceedings. At Antwerp,
Count Hannibal of Altemps, who has a garrison of Almains
there, would have brought in six ancients more, but was
refused by the magistrates. The Spanish ambassador leger
in France has stayed all the letters coming out of Spain by
the last four posts, which increases the rumour of the King's
death, whilst others think he would not have those of the
Low Countries to know the King's secrets whilst a Spaniard
is not there in the government. The assembly at Brussels
have ordered that all the King of Spain's creditors shall bring
in their demands, so that the King's debts may be openly
known. The fleet that went to attempt something at Zericksee has returned to Dunkirk sore weather-beaten, having done
nothing saving the soldiers and mariners fallen out amongst
themselves, with harm to both sides. The Prince has taken
Tertolen and other places, whereby there is no passage from
Antwerp to Zericksee but directly before Flushing. The
Spaniards and Walloons forsake their garrisons and ensigns
everywhere, yet the Spaniards seek to join themselves together by all the means they can. Desires that Peter Sores
and Mathias Lull may have an open letter from his Lordship
to the Customer in order that they may at once enjoy the
Queen's grant above said.—Redcross Street, 29 March 1576.
Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Pp. 2½. |
| March 29. |
705. Instructions for Mr. Davison, sent into the Low
Countries. |
|
After the delivery of her letters to those whom he shall
find in the place of government there, he shall let them
understand how desirous she is to prove that the bruit that
she is a nourisher of these civil dissensions is utterly slan
derous and untrue, and that last summer she sent to the
King of Spain to persuade him to come to some accord with
his subjects, so that by a happy peace they might be restored
to their former flourishing state, and the peril of their loss
by their giving themselves to some other prince might be
avoided. To this she received answer that the King would
for her sake. upon the submission of his subjects, receive
them to grace and favour. In the meanwhile she was given
to understand that the Prince of Orange, in despair, was
about to throw himself into the French King's protection,
which being a matter of so great consequence, in respect that
the mischief that might ensue thereof could not but reach
unto her, she sent messengers to the Governor and to the
Prince; to the Governor to acquaint him with what she had
heard, and to the Prince to dissuade him from dealing with
France. The Prince and the States having sent certain
deputies to treat with her in that behalf, she with no small
difficulty got them to assent to stay from practising with
any foreign prince until such time as she might send to the
late Commendator to procure an abstinence of arms, which,
however, since the death of the late Commendator, they now
refuse. In this behalf he may show them that she conceives
that there is no way to prevent the said peril but by
yielding presently to an abstinence, whereunto if they consent, he shall let them know that she has appointed him
to repair into Holland to persuade the Prince and the States
to be humble suitors for the same; and, further, that she
means to send to the King of Spain to persuade him to
give them ample commission to deal in treaty. If they
have no authority to yield to an abstinence, yet she would
gladly know how upon this admonition given by her of the
evident peril the country is like to be in, they shall be able
to justify to the King the denial of the same when the
effects of the peril shall take place. To their objection that
they see no such peril like to grow from France, alleging
that the French King has enough to do to quench the fire
at home that his brother is aliened from him, and the
country wasted by these civil wars, he may answer that
there is no better way of extinguishing their own fire than
by casting it into their neighbour's house, and that they are
not so divided in faction amongt themselves as not to band
against a common enemy of whose growing mightiness they
have cause to be jealous, and one half of the money employed
in civil dissension will defray the whole cost of the foreign
war. Besides this, that realm will be disburdened of that
multitude of men of war which now devours it, and it will
be hazardous for the King of Spain to depend on the affections of those of his party about the French King. If,
notwithstanding these reasons, he shall not be able to draw
them to consent to an abstinence, he shall plainly tell them
that she sees the matter so full of peril to her own estate
that she will be constrained of necessity to put in execution
that which she would not willingly do. If, however, he finds
them willing to consent to an abstinence, he shall require and
procure a safe-conduct to the Prince of Orange and the States,
and let them understand that she thinks it convenient for
them to require the said abstinence in humble and dutiful
sort, as appertains unto subjects, and in case they shall refuse
the doing thereof, they shall give both her and other princes
just cause to enter into a hard contempt of their actions, and
that she cannot but interpret their refusal to proceed of some
resolution and determination they have with France, which, as
it is of so great peril to her, she will oppose to the uttermost of
her power. He is further to signify to them to consider the
insolency of that nation, whereby the relief that will grow
that way will be as if a man to escape hanging sought to
drown himself. If, however, they yield to send to the
Governors, he is to return to Brussels and make report to them
how he finds the Prince and the States inclined, and from
time to time advertise her how things pass. On the other
side, if the Prince and States refuse to require the said
abstinence, he shall with all speed repair home, and by letter
certify the governors of the said refusal. |
|
Draft, corrected by Burghley. Endd.: 29 March 1576.
Pp. 9⅓. |
|
706. Another copy. |
|
Endd. Pp. 32/3. |
| March 31. |
707. Francis Peyto to Lord Burghley. |
|
Has received two special points of comfort in his gentle
letter sent by Mr. Atkins; the one to see that he is satisfied of his innocency in the "book," the other that his disgrace is not such as he thought it was. Beseeches him to
continue his good opinion of him till by some act or deed
he shall deserve the contrary. Confesses his absence from
his own country to have been over long; nevertheless his
departure was with her Majesty's licence and by passport
signed by her, as Lady Throckmorton, wife to Sir Nicholas,
the procurer, can witness. Howbeit his intent is not to stand
on pleading or pretending any injury received in that his
pension is stayed, but remits both himself and the same to her
Majesty's bounty and great mercy, for whose service, as a
testimony of his goodwill, he has spent some time about a
piece of work, being a perfect genealogy of all the marriages
and affinities between the houses of England and Scotland,
and also in what wise the said houses are allied with divers
foreign families the greatest of all Christendom. All this he
has set forth in the form of trees. The whole is already
finished in black and white, but he has thought it expedient
for the more beautifying of the tree to put upon it scutcheons
of arms. Desires that he will procure that the heralds will
help him with the arms of the different kings and others
which he enumerates. Meant to have shown this designment
to the Earl of Oxford when he passed this way, but was
always refused to be spoken with.—Milan, 31 March 1576.
Signed. |
|
Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 3½. |
| March 21. |
708. Dr. Dale to Lord Burghley. |
|
1. Sends the Secretaries copy of the agreement between the
Prince of Condé and Duke Casimir, which is come to light
by occasion of the deputies demanding that it be performed.
The King required to see it, and now it is seen. The King
is further from the peace than he was before. He requires
prorogation of the truce for a month, but Monsieur has prorogued it but for eight days, which end 23rd of April. In
the meantime the Duke's camp is passed over the Loire again
hitherwards, part at Decize, part beneath Nevers, upon boats,
and are coming towards La Charité. The King has scattered
his army and gone abroad to pass the time. Navarre was
reported to be dead, but he is in Poitou assembling forces
daily. If the Queen send over any person it would do well
that they had commission to treat with all parties, Catholic
and Reformed, King, Alençon, Condé, &c, The Earl of Oxford
has passed through all the camp, and is arrived here, and
Mr. William Russell with him. It seems this year has been
a time well bestowed on him.—Paris, last of March 1576.
Signed. |
|
2. P.S.—Sends him two pieces of wine of Beaune, which is
their special wine of this country, very hard to come by here,
for it is brought almost 40 leagues by land and by water,
almost as far as Chalons. Could get none of it last year, yet
was there himself in the voyage of the King from Lyons to
Rheims. |
|
Add. Endd. P. 1. |
| March 31. |
709. Dr. Dale to Walsingham. |
|
Hears he will be here shortly, whereof of all men he would
be most glad. Trusts he will bring his [Dale's] successor
with him. It will be very requisite he bring large commission with him, besides his letters of credit, to treat between
the King, Monsieur, and the rest, lest they cavil with him as
they have done with other for lack of commission. Surely
speed is very necessary, for now is the time to do good or
never. The camp of Monsieur approaches. The King is
unready. The strangers cannot abide to linger the matter.
Lord Oxford is here attending his coming.—Paris, last of
March 1576. Signed. |
|
Add., with seal. Endd. Pp. 1. |
| March 31. |
710. Dr. Dale to Smith and Walsingham. |
|
The King despatched letters to Monsieur declaring how
strange the demands of the deputies seemed to himself, the
Queen Mother, and all his Council, and to persuade him to
temper his requests. Whereupon Monsieur has sent La Porte
to mitigate certain points concerning himself. Since the return
of the Duke of Maine there have been divers secret councils
kept to devise means to overthrow and break the camp of
Monsieur and his friends, either by some sudden enterprise or
by some faction among themselves. Bruits have been spread
that they are ready to mutiny in the camp of Monsieur. The
truth is they are very quiet, and bear great honour and
respect to Monsieur, and received him into their camp with as
much honour as Prince might be. There was variance between
the Prince of Condé and M. Meru, but it is appeased. Now
the King's camp is dispersed there are no means for him to
do anything till his reiters come out of Germany, which he
hastens as much as he may. The most doubt is of want
among the strangers, yet they are partly relieved by them of
Auvergne, of whom they have 100,000 francs. Montmorency
remains with Monsieur, and is a great stay to continue the
truce. The King, the Queen, and the Queen Mother are gone
abroad to visit divers places 10 or 12 leagues about Paris, to
recreate themselves, till the return of the deputies that are
gone to Monsieur. The Chancellor and the Marshal de Retz
are doers in the treaty of peace, and have been present in
Council when the deputies have been treated with, notwithstanding the request of Monsieur, and any instance of the
deputies to the contrary. Has had advertisement that the
ambassadors of the Pope and the King of Spain have been
called to the Council to have conference touching the demands
of the deputies. There has been a flying tale in every man's
mouth that the King of Navarre should be slain as he went
on hunting.—Paris, last of March 1576. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. P. 1½. |
| 1575. Sept. 27. |
711. Capitulation between the Prince of Condé and the Duke
Casimir. |
|
The Prince of Condé in his own name, and in the names of the
Sieur de Danville, the Sieur de Meru, and Guillaume Montmorency Sieur de Thore, François de Ferriere Vidame of Chartres,
and all others their associates, he has prayed the Duke John
Casimir to aid them in resisting tyranny and establishing a
firm peace throughout the kingdom. Duke Casimir has promised them not only the 6,000 reiters raised by Colonels
Henry de Stein, John d'Orbuch, and George Torse, but also to
raise 2,000 horse and 8,000 Swiss, provide four cannons, 15 field
pieces and munition, and to be under him general of the army,
in return for which he, the Prince of Conde, promises:— |
|
1. That he will himself raise as many troops as possible,
presenting himself at the first muster with 10,000 or 12,000
harquebussiers and 2,000 horse, Frenchmen, at the least; and
to be answerable for the payment of the men of Duke Casimir
and of the 6,000 reiters raised in addition for their service. |
|
2. That he will treat of nothing during the war, either
with friends or enemies, except with the consent of Duke
Casimir. |
|
3. That neither he nor his associates, Catholics, will do or
attempt anything against the association made in 1564 between
those Catholics and those of the religion, but to observe it
point for point, and this is promised too on the part of those
of the religion. |
|
4. To allow the Duke Casimir for his charges 12,000 crowns
of the sun by the month, and to pay a part of the expense
of his servants and horses, to allow the colonel of the 2,000
horse that he shall raise the same as is allowed to the other
colonels; if there be Prince or Duke in his company to allow
them a sum to support their estate; to pay for the necessary
service of the artillery and such losses as may occur. |
|
5. That he will not lay down arms till the Duke Casimir
be installed Governor and Lieutenant-General for the King
in Metz, Toul, and Verdun for his life. These places not to
be answerable for any debts incurred in past wars or to be
incurred in this war, excepting for one of 95,000 florins owed
to him since his journey into France to succour the father of
the Prince of Condé, and in accordance with an obligation
made by the late Prince of Condé, and since ratified by the
King of Navarre, by himself, and the late admiral Coligny.
The Duke to make oath loyally to serve the King in that
charge as other governors do, without constraint of his conscience, and be bound to maintain the ministers of the reformed
religion therein, and not to place any garrisons within the
three towns or citadels and towns depending on them, except
they be of natural Frenchmen of the reformed religion, his
Court and people about him being of any nation. When the
peace shall be made, there shall be obtained for him such
pension as befits his rank; at present he shall have 6,000
crowns by the year, charged on the churches of Languedoc. |
|
6. That as soon as peace shall be made to place in Metz
or Strasburg 100,000 crowns to enable him to succour them
in the future, and to pay therefrom his pensions. |
|
7. That they will not treat for peace without the concurrence
of the Duke, and not before he and his heirs, in the event of
his death, be paid his expenses in this war, the 50,000 crowns
owed by the Elector Palatine to the Queen, and other debts
due to him, the Elector, and other Princes of Germany, incurred
in this cause. |
|
8. Duke Casimir, on his part, accepts these conditions, and
binds himself to perform all those things to which he is
obliged or is asked to perform. |
|
Done and accorded the 27th September 1575. Signed and
sealed by Henri de Bourbon, Jehan de Casimir, Charles de
Montmorency. |
|
Copy. Endd. by Dale. Fr. Pp. 8½. |
| [March.] |
712. Notes on French Affairs by De Villiers. |
|
1. The army of M. de Meru and the Prince of Condé are
arrived at Auvergne; they passed the Loire without difficulty,
and shortly afterwards the Allier. On the 3rd March they
were not more than ten leagues from Monsieur. They have
been informed of the conclusion of the truce. |
|
2. M. de Meru requests the Queen to send one who will
help in the conclusion of peace. |
|
3. They and Duke Casimir are on very good terms. Duke
Casimir finds in these negotiations the dangerous practices of
their enemy. |
|
Endd. Fr. P. 2/3. |
| [March ?.] |
713. Secret Letter of the Queen to Monsieur sent by
La Porte. |
|
Has been given to understand by the Sieur de la Porte
of his desire to unite his fortune with hers, whereby he might
be assured of her friendship and assistance. Finds also as
well by the protestations published by him, as also by the
assurance received from La Porte, that the action he is now
entered into tends in no way to the prejudice of the King, his
brother, but rather to the conservation of his honour and estate,
and restoring to the afflicted realm, now languishing in civil war,
its former peace and quietness by removing such from about the
King whose passions will not suffer him to enjoy neither sound
quietness at home nor sure friendship abroad with his best
affected confederates. Assures him that he shall not lack
any succour or friendship that she can with honour yield to
him. Perceived further by the Sieur de la Porte that he
desires she shall enter into a league lately concluded between
him and the Elector Palatine, wherein, by some minister that
she means to send, he shall receive such answer as shall be to
his contentment. |
|
Draft in the handwriting of Walsingham. Slightly injured
by damp. Endd. P. 1. |
| March. |
714. Sir Henry Cobham's Embassy into Spain. |
|
Arrived at Madrid at the Court of Spain 21 February
1575–6, and delivered the Queen's and Antonio Guarras letters
to Secretary Sayas, who after two days willed him to make a
petition to the King, with a copy of the testimonial for the releasing of the ship, goods, and men, which he did, and delivered
it to the King, and was referred to the Secretary Grassani,
and from him to the Bishop of Quent, the chief Inquisitor, who
said he could have no answer till the post came from Seville
on the 20th March. He being every day three times a day
with the bishop desiring him to despatch him away, and have
a general releasement as well for the men as for the ship and
goods, in the end was told that the Council of the Inquisition
would not consent to release the men until further truth
was known of them. He told them in the Council Chamber
that if they would not deliver them according to the Queen's
letters it would not be taken in good part. They said they
could do no more than they have done, as they acted upon
justice; but he said the men were stayed without any fault,
but only upon evil suspicion. Being so near Easter, when there
is no Council held, he desired the bishop to command that he
might have his despatch before that time, who gave especial
command to the Fiscal and Secretary. Having at length
obtained his despatch by the King's commandment for the ship
and goods, but not for the men, on March 27 he repaired with
haste to his Majesty in the country for answer to the Queen's
letters, who referred him to Secretary Sayas, who said that the
King had written to the Queen by way of Flanders, for that
the seas were dangerous. Could get no other answer, and
perceives that some of them make small account of the Queen's
letters. If words would have prevailed he has said as much
as lay in him, having no commission to speak, but bore himself the bolder by reason of the Queen's letters, otherwise he
would not have spoken so much. |
|
Endd. Pp. 1¼. |
