Elizabeth: November 1576, 1-15

Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 11, 1575-1577. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1880.

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'Elizabeth: November 1576, 1-15', in Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 11, 1575-1577, (London, 1880) pp. 410-421. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/foreign/vol11/pp410-421 [accessed 19 March 2024]

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November 1576, 1-15

Nov. 1. 992. Mr. Colshill to Lord Burghley.
Though he has received no letters from his Lordship of late, yet cannot he but continue his good meaning towards him by any possible service. Has received letters from Mr. Secretary in the name of the Council that he should not further deal in the matter of money without great likelihood of performance, lest her Majesty's credit might be brought in question. The deputy governor at Hamburgh has written that there is offered 100,000 guilders by one Herick Ronsoe after eight or nine per cent. for two years; and that in January next the money men of Holstein and others have a meeting, when there will be great store of money at reasonable interest. Sends accounts of offers by others, but has found in the best and most honourable, great untruth. The Emperor is dead, and the Palsgrave died on 27 October of a disease in his breast, which choked him, whose death is thought will bring great change and trouble in the State, there being a discord between the two brethren Ludovic and Casimir, the one being a scant Lutheran and the other a secret Calvinist, so that all the Calvinists desire Casimir for their Lord. Sundry regiments of reiters are marching hitherwards, which is much feared. On the 8th instant answer is to be delivered to the lay Bishop (of Cologne) by the Chapter. The outrage of Maestricht breeds great speeches here. There were slain more than 600 of the inhabitants, and the Spaniards have confiscated all their moveables. This cruelty, with the taking of another town upon the Meuse, has caused the Bishop of Liege to complain to the Circuit. Here is looked for tomorrow ambassadors from the King of the Romans, the chief of whom is the old Count of Wenigberge, who are to repair into the Low Countries to treat a peace between the States and the Spaniards. For his own cause, through certain speeches and practices made by an Englishman and other of the Steelyard being most injurious and false, his matter has not such speed as hoped for by reason thereof, and the Pope's Nuncio, who dreads her conscience with marriage of a heretic; yet the cause is not desperate. Complains of his intolerable charges, and also that his enemies have spread reports that he is a person of small account at Court. Trusts in his goodness that he may not be a loser by this journey.—Cologne, 1 Nov. 1576. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 5.
Nov. 2. 993. Affairs in France.
The Emperor Rudolph II., in an extempore reply to an agent of one of the Sovereigns of Europe, said that he desired to do what he could to pleasure the agent's sovereign and the King of France, but that which is at present at issue between the King of France and the exiled Princes is not a matter for himself alone, but one upon which he must communicate with the Princes of Germany. He never approved the barbarities in France, but in season and out of season besought the King to pacify his kingdom; though some think him to have been an aider and abetter therein, yet had his words been attended to affairs in France would have been in a far better position, nor would it be, what he fears it will be, a very difficult task to quench the flame now that they have so often broke faith and lost their credit.
Lat. P. 2/3.
Nov. 3. 994. Dr. Wilson to Lord Burghley.
The Commissioners for the States, Marquis Havre, the Abbot of St. Gelesme, elect Bishop of Arras, M. Likerke, and M. Meetkerke, are now at Luxemburg, together with Baron de Ruissinghen, who have a stout message to do, and very hard for Don John in all points to perform. Has sent the copy of the instructions in French, whereunto they look to have a resolute answer by the 12th inst., or else open war is like to ensue. M. Champagny has discoursed at large upon these troubles and the causes of them, which he has also sent, and thinks it very pertinent to consider thereupon, together with the advices given to Don John how to use himself with the States and to prosecute his affairs. Sends also copies of Baron D'Aubigny's instructions and letter to Monsieur and Monsieur's letter to the States, also King Philip's cipher, whose original letters he has seen deciphered, and perceives the great love he bears to the Spaniards and small care he has for this people in respect to them, and farther the great greed he has to relieve the English rebels upon Rodas' request. If the Prince may have Sluys he will come in person, who is the man that all the country depends upon, and in whom Monsieur has especial trust, as by his late letter appears. If he does come bloody war will follow, and Monsieur will not be long from hence. If peace be not presently made, whosoever wins this country will be a loser, and come to ruin. Sends the treaty of accord betwixt the Prince and the States lately printed in French, together with the instructions given to the Commissioners sent to Don John. The greatest want here is present money, for which great means have been made with him to deal with the Queen, but he has always said that it is without his commission. M. Rodas has found a fine device for money, which is that merchants in Antwerp having credit in Spain may give their bills of exchange to all soldiers who will lose 30 in the 100.—Brussels, 3 Nov. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1.
Nov. 5. 995. Christopher Hoddesdon to Walsingham.
Points out how by the exchange of 50,000 French crowns from Germany to England a profit of 1747li might have been made. The charges for himself and two servants travelling to Heidelburg and Frankfort amount to 67li 12s 6d.—5 Nov. 1576. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 2/3.
Nov. 6. 996. The Regent Morton to Walsingham.
Desires that he will procure a passport for John and Davie Makgill, the sons of Mr. James Makgill, the clerk of the register, who are desirous of travelling in France and other parts beyond the sea for attaining to further knowledge in letters and to visit foreign countries.—Dalkeith, 6 Nov. 1576. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 2/3.
Nov. 6. 997. Francisco Giraldi to Walsingham.
Expresses the great comfort which he has received from his speech of yesterday.—Chertsey, 6 Nov. 1576. Signed.
Add. Endd.: "From Giraldi, touching further punishment to be done upon the Sheriff and Recorder." Ital. P. 1.
Nov. 6. 998. Jeronimo Rodas to Philip II.
Since the retaking of Maestricht the Almains who were in garrison have mutinied on account of not receiving their pay. On Sunday, the 28th, the Colonels, Polwiller, Fugger, and Cornelius van Ende, came to treat with the Spaniards concerning what they had agreed with the Count [Oberstein], to the which they also consented willingly. Forwards a copy of the articles. Entrance of the States' troops by the Burgerhaut gate. Negotiation of the Almain colonels with the Count, which is so badly received by his soldiers that they are obliged to take refuge in the citadel. Those in the town, having begun to dig trenches against the citadel, were fired on by the artillery, and Captain Cortiz sallied out with 100 soldiers and drove them from a trench by the street of St. Michael and set fire to a house. Next day they received notice that those of Alost were on their march to join them, and on Sunday, the 4th inst., Alonzo de Vargas and Julian Romero with their men entered the citadel. After the dispositions for the attack were made it was proclaimed that under pain of death no one should enter any house, commit pillage, or offer violence to women and children, but solely to those found in arms. Also that a composition would be levied on the town which would suffice for the pay of every one. The Spaniards then sallied forth between 11 and 12 o'clock, and because the Town Hall and the neighbouring houses offered a determined resistance they were set on fire and burnt down. In the end the town was captured, with the slaughter of more than 8,000 infantry, Almains and Walloons, and 1,000 horses. The son of the Count Egmont and M. de Capres were taken prisoners. It is not known what has become of the Marquis de Havre, M. Champagny, or Count Oberstein. The town has been sacked contrary to their orders, and a great part burnt down, and great damage done to the Town Hall. Sancho d'Avila, Alonzo de Vargas, and Julian Romero have used great diligence to stop the plundering. They and the other officers have deserved very well of his Majesty for their services in gaining this great victory.
Copy. Endd.: 6 Nov. 1576. Span. Pp. 2¾.
Nov. 6. 999. M. de Villiers to Walsingham.
As matters were so advanced towards pacification that his presence was no longer so necessary he had determined to take his departure; but the defeat of the States army at Antwerp has thrown everything into such confusion that his Excellency begged him to stop till they should see what turn matters would take. As for the affair at Antwerp, nothing has happened which was not well foreseen, as the enterprise was conducted without any order. Gives an incorrect list of the leaders who were slain or taken prisoners. Fears lest Ghent should be taken in the same way, and M. Champagny and M. de Havre have set out thither this day. Complains that certain malicious persons have stirred up questions about the diversity of religion. Yesterday the Spaniards withdrew into the citadel and left the town in charge of Fugger's Germans and some English. One third of the town is burnt, together with the town hall which was so sumptuous. As for the poor English merchants, if he had the means of getting any ready money he might have assisted them, but he cannot obtain enough for his own ordinary expenses. It is not possible to restrain the insolence of the Flushingers except by a citadel, which they would not endure. Trusts that Her Majesty will not revenge these wrongs by force of arms, but believes that the best plan would be to send one with her letters and those of her Council to the Council of State telling them that if the wrongs done by those of Flushing were not repaired in a given time she was determined to seek redress by arms, and further, that the States of the Low Countries should be informed that she could not consider them real friends whilst they suffered the Flushingers to perpetrate such wrongs against her.— Middleburg, 6 Nov. 1576. Signed.
Add. Endd. Fr. Pp. 3.
Nov. 7. 1000. The Prince of Orange to the Queen.
Begs that she will impute the non-satisfaction of her commands to their want of power to do so and to an absolute necessity. Will do all in his power to procure that the loss which Her Majesty wrote to him about shall not fall on the merchants.—Middleburg, 7 Nov. 1576. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Fr. P. 1.
Nov. 7. 1001. The Prince of Orange to the Privy Council.
Wishes that the merchants would have had patience to wait till the accord had been made, as by this means they would have had freedom of traffic. The Duke of Alva forbade all traffic with them under pain of death and confiscation of goods and they were obliged to do the same in self-defence. Their captains and sailors could therefore always obtain judgment against any of their prizes, as the owners refused to enter into any composition with them on the plea that they had no power to do so. Thus they were under the necessity of either causing a revolt amongst their seamen to their utter ruin or of letting them keep possession of what had been adjudged to them according to the proclamation. Begs them to consider the difficulties in which he is placed and endeavour to content the Queen. Trusts that peace will be proclaimed within three days. Middleburg, 7 Nov.; 1576. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Fr. Pp. 2.
Nov. 7. 1002. Negotiations of M. de Villiers with the Prince of Orange.
Things to be done by the Prince of Orange for the satisfaction of Her Majesty.
1. To acknowledge his error in staying the ships of the Merchant Adventurers and exacting from them a loan.
2. To release such ships and goods as are presently stayed in Holland and Zealand.
3. To redeliver the contract with the Merchant Adventurers.
4. To promise hereafter to suffer her subjects to pass without interruption.
Things that may be required by the Prince at the Queen's hands.
1. That he may be restored to her favour and all things past committed to oblivion.
2. All ships of Holland and Zealand stayed in England to be released.
3. Also that they may have the same freedom of traffic as they have in France.
4. That she will be content with his impeaching all trading into Flanders.
5. That she will take order that her subjects do not colour any Spaniard's goods.
6. That she will permit her subjects to compound for the transporting of the King of Spain's subjects' goods from Spain into Flanders and from Flanders into Spain.
The course to be held by M. Villiers in dealing with the Prince of Orange:—First. The Lords of the Council who are made privy unto these requests which it is thought will be made by the Prince think them very reasonable, but will not take upon themselves to promise that Her Majesty will allow of them, so greatly is she incensed against him; therefore it will be good for him not to put the said Prince in any great hope nor doubt. The Prince will do well to write letters to the Lord Treasurer and other Lords of the Council and one of the Secretaries expressing his sorrow for the evil opinion that the Queen has conceived of him, and desiring them to be mediators for the return of her favour, and further explaining matters and showing the extreme necessity in which he was placed. These should be sent over with speed; and the two merchants sent over by the Merchant Adventurers should be released, with whom he should treat touching the forebearing the traffic and other matters in dispute; and in the mean time do his utmost to restrain the Flushingers from any further attempts against the Queen's subjects.
Rough Draft. Endd. Pp. 6.
1003. Copy of the above in French.
Endd. Pp. 2½.
Nov. 7. 1004. Pacification of Ghent.
Pamphlet printed in French containing the articles of the Pacification of Ghent 24 in number; with the commissions of the different deputies and the King's privilege for its printing.
Printed in Brussels by Michel de Hamart, 1576. Pp. 20.
1005. Another copy.
Pp. 20.
Nov. 9. 1006. Rowland Johnson to Walsingham.
Desires that order may be taken for the payment of 21li 6 8 due to him by Mr. Sutton for two years' wages for one of his men employed by him as a gunner, and that the like commandment may come to Mr. Vernon for the hay of 10 acres of ground which at present he stays from him. Begs that he will be a means to the Council that he may be paid 195li spent by him in Her Majesty's service by commandment.— Berwick 9 Nov. 1576. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1.
[Nov.]. 1007. Advertisements out of the Low Countries.
On Monday last certain money was sent to Alost to pay the soldiers who had mutinied there. On Tuesday M. de Heze with his lieutenant M. de Glymes, accompanied with their garrison of Walloons which lay at Brussels, came to the Court, and, entering the Council chamber, apprehended all those whose names are hereafter specified and set them in the Bread house which is the same house where Counts Egmont and Horn were prisoners. The same day were apprehended divers of the Privy Council, and others that have hidden sought for earnestly, besides all such as are suspected for spies or well wishers to the Spaniard are daily taken. President Viglius is kept in his house. This was consulted and agreed by the States of Hengowe, Artois, and Brabant, and is daily thought that those of Flanders will join with them. They have great companies of foot and horsemen in readiness, which all march towards Brussels from all quarters, and is said they will have out the Spaniard and afterwards conclude a peace amongst themselves. The chief doers herein are the nobles and gentlemen of all the States, M. de Lalain being a great doer herein. The Duke of Arschot has openly declared himself to be innocent in all practices against the country and is joined with the States, so as it is thought that he shall be made their chief, and is sworn to them, also his brother Havre on Thursday. This news greatly perplexed the Spaniards, who, under show of great courage and bravery, inwardly droop, The castellano Sancho Davila, with the chief of all the Spaniards, meet daily in council within the Castle, whither they are all retired with bag and baggage. They have called together the Spaniards from all places and mean to encamp themselves three leagues hence between Lierre and Mechlin and there abide the coming of such as will charge them. It is thought the High Dutch and Walloons will hold on their side. The Spaniards fear that the Walloons will not take part with them, for that there has been certain injurious grudge between them. The Count Overstein, colonel of the Dutch in Antwerp, has sworn to perform his oath to the King and keep the town against all who would take it. They are printing certain articles and points whereby shall be known the certainty why the Council of State were apprehended. Rodas and other Spaniards have sent to M. Champagny to come and consult with them, which he has refused to do, which makes them suspect him.
2. On Friday it was published that every householder should bring in writing what strangers lay in their houses being no merchants, which was done to know what number of Spaniards were here.
3. M. Champagny has sent a kinsman to Brussels, which has caused suspicion amongst the Spaniards of him. None can enter or come out of Bruges without license of M. de Heze except he be a burgess and well known. There are divers speeches (that the double dealing) by interrupting of certain posts has moved this sudden rising of the States. It is reported that Casimir is coming into this country with a power for the General States, and that the young Count Egmont shall be leader of 2,000 horse.
4. List of the Council of State, Privy Council, and others apprehended at Brussels.
Endd. 1576. Pp. 3.
Nov. 10. 1008. Town Council of Bruges to the Queen.
Exonerating Dr. Julio Borgaruci, her physician, from certain false and lying charges which were made against him to Dr. Wilson her ambassador.—10 Nov. 1576. SignedPeGroots.
Add. Endd., with seal. Fr. P. 2/3.
Nov. 10. 1009. Thomas Heton to Walsingham.
On the 3rd inst. the States' men entered this town with consent; and on the morrow, which was Sunday, the Spaniards with certain Almains out of the Castle entered the town and drove away the States' power, and they fled as they could, the town put to sack with a pitiful slaughter and a miserable spoil. The English house entered by 12 Spanish soldiers, who put the writer and the rest of the company in great fear. They were put to ransom at 12,000 crowns, which has grown to 3,000 more. The Company is spoiled of all that they had in their own chambers and in the burghers' houses in the town. There is a letter written by the Company to the Council humbly beseeching them to be a mean for them to her Majesty in this case. If they might have had passports when he first required them of the States and then of M. Champagny and afterwards of the lords of this town as they had a right they would have avoided this great peril of life and miserable spoil. Begs that some one may be sent over for their comfort that they may be permitted to pass out of this town for they will lack both victual and fuel and be daily in fear of the like spoil as they have sustained.—Antwerp, 10 Nov. 1576. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1.
Nov. [10.] 1010. The Merchant Adventurers to the Privy Council.
Seeing the danger in this town of Antwerp such of their society as are here remaining purposed to have in due time removed both their persons and their goods, but were not suffered to pass out of the town, although they sundry times required to have passport according to the Intercourse and sale conduct. So as on the 3rd inst. they fell in great peril of their lives, divers of their company being hurt and some slain, and by sacking this town (ever since) they are not only spoiled of their money and goods, but are further forced to ransom their persons and the goods within the principal house of their residence there. They have been constrained to give up all their money and plate, and also bills at one or two months, so as they have not money to provide for their needful sustentation. Beg that they will be a means to the Queen that speedy order be taken for their relief and release out of this place. Refer the discourse of these tragedies to be reported by the bearer Mr. Gaston.—Antwerp, Nov. 1576. Signed: Thomas Heton.
Add. Endd. with seal. P. 1.
Nov. 10. 1011. The Prince of Orange to the States at Brussels.
Assures them of his desire to assist them. Has sent his companies to Ghent. Is not yet assured of the peace, but when he is will determine on that which will be most for the public advantage. Don John being arrived at Luxembourg, and not knowing what resolution the States may take on his coming, and also being informed that his intentions are no better than those of the Duke of Alva, has determined to put himself in some strong place.—Middleburg, 10 Nov. 1576.
Coph. Endd. Fr. Pp. 12/3.
Nov. 12. 1012. Receipt by Francisco Giraldi.
Acknowledgment of the receipt of her Majesty's commission subscribed by Walsingham and delivered to him by Dr. Dale.
12 Nov. 1576. Signed. Endd. Ital. P. ⅓.
Nov. 13. 1013. Dr. Wilson to [Walsingham].
Had audience yesterday before the Duke and three others only of the Council, when the Duke having caused his letter of credit to be read he spoke his mind according to his instructions, demanding the cause of the arrest of counsellors of the siege of Ghent castle, of the Dukes joining with them who were principal doers in these late dealings, for the English merchants' safety to trade, and what assurance might be made of her Majesty's good inclination to deal for common quietness if they keeping themselves under the obedience of their King would devise with her Majesty herein and give their consents thereunto. Was told that he should have his answer to day. Surely there is come some great matter from Don John of Austria which has troubled them greatly, they being in such heaviness as scant the Duke could speak. Takes the causes to be that Don John takes up men at Luxemburg and minds to march forward and join the Spaniards; the second is the fear of the people, who are in such rage and hate, the nobility and council. The Duke would have gone to Don John, but the people will not suffer him to leave the town. He is very fearful and weak spirited. He is the more misliked because he was the cause of the enlargment of Rodas, Julian Romero, and Alonzo de Vargas. Does not see any nobleman or counsellor in any estimation or credit in Brabant, Flanders, or elsewhere, only the people rules and commands and no man dares speak against their wilfulness. Fears that the people will be caused of their own destruction. The Prince of Orange is the man they chiefly trust, yet if he were amongst them he doubts how they would be ruled by him. On the 11 inst. the castle of Ghent was given over by composition, 110 soldiers and many women being within, they all drinking water three days together and having no powder. They were dismissed with their weapons to the sea-side to take shipping. Mondragon's wife and daughter are in the keeping of M. de Havery [Havre] the Duke's brother, who had the chief charge at Antwerp and fled away with M. Champagny at the first issuing out of the Spaniards. Has written to Rodas from Ghent requiring him to have regard to the safety of the English merchants' lives and goods, and has desired a safe conduct for himself, not that he fears the Spaniards so much as the English rebels and fugitives who are said to have done the greatest murder and most horrible above all others, and therefore the English are hated for their sakes and could not be suffered to tarry in any town either in Zealand or Flanders, but are still banished from place to place There is a report that he should bring with him 300,000 angels, and is therefore well thought of amongst the people, but when it is found untrue knows not what account will be made of him amongst them. Understands that there are about Mons 4,000 foot and 1000 horse sent by Monsieur in aid of the States. This matter is of great consequence if it be true, but he has since heard that it is not so. The arrest of the Council was done by M. de Heze and some other young noblemen without the knowledge of the States, so that Barliamont, who is close prisoner, yet calls it boys' play. Trusts that he will receive his answer either to-day or to-morrow, after which he will hasten to Antwerp and from thence send a special post with a full declaration of all things.—Brussels, 13 Nov. 1576. Signed.
Endd. Pp. 3½.
Nov. 13. 1014. Count Lalain to Dr. Wilson.
1. Informs him of the surrender of the citadel of Ghent.
2. Has seen two of his horses, which please him, and as he does not suppose that he intends carrying them back in to England asks him to put a price upon them.—Ghent, 13 Nov. 1576. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Fr. P. 2/3.
Nov. 15. 1015. Jacques Taffin to Walsingham.
After a long communication with the merchants of Ipswich they have concluded to desire Walsingham to take cognisance of their business, and if he is unable to do so, that he will appoint certain of the Merchant Adventurers for that purpose. —London, 15 Nov. 1576. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Fr. P. ⅓.
Nov. 15. 1016. Sir Amias Paulet to Lord Burghley.
The assembly of the Estates at Blois holds. The King is already on his way towards Orleans accompanied with his brother. It is said the King of Navarre will not be entreated, and that the Queen Mother has returned with the loss of her labour. The ambassadors are lodged out of the town, and many reasons used to persuade them to be content; the plainest and best reason is that they will not want many complaints, many quarrels, many accusations, yea against the King himself, and the same would be such as the ambassadors would hear enough of them although they were not lodged in the town. Monsieur came hither the 9th to assist at the christening of the son of the Duke of Nevers, when he desired audience, which was willingly granted. He used him very courteously, and pretended to be greatly desirous to keep amity with the Queen and to prescribe this realm in peace.— Paris, 15 November 1576. Signed.
Add. with seal. Endd. P. 1.
Nov. 15. 1017. Sir Amias Paulet to Walsingham.
Du Pin writes to him how much he is bound to him, and likewise some councillors confirm the same by their letters, wherein he sees God's merciful goodness to him in this "little" and dangerous service. Prays him add something to his former good opinion of Jacomo in respect of his diligence and travail in this journey. If half the annuity due to Captain Thomas when he lived might be added to that already granted to Jacomo it were well bestowed, indeed every man knows that a bare annuity of 40l. by the year is a poor living as the world goes, and especially for one that lives in Courts. Cannot as yet come to the trial of his best service, every man being at full liberty to repair to him without any peril, but if the troubles be renewed again in this realm, it is then they shall reap the fruit of his service. It may please him to send him a cipher for the King of Spain, the Queen of Scots, some of the Princes of Germany, and some of the King's Council here. Has received very honourable letters from the Earls of Sussex and Warwick.—Paris, 15 November 1576. Signed.
Add., with seal. Endd. Pp. 1½.