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May 26.
K. d. L. x.
493.
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913. LEICESTER to DAVISON.
I have written earnestly commending Mr. John Norris both
to the Archduke and more particularly to the Prince of Orange.
I have commended him above all Englishmen yet there, and for
his birth and virtues' sake have specially requested for him the
colonelship of the English soldiers. You know the man, and have
no doubt the same opinion of him that I have, that he is
the fittest man in all respects, for birth, skill, courage, wisdom,
modesty, and faithfulness to the Prince, to take that charge.
Pray further him herein to the two princes and the States and
the English soldiers. He will deserve any friendship you can
show him.—From the Court, 26 May 1578.
P.S. (autograph).—My leisure would not serve to write with
my own hand ; but I pray you receive this commendation as
if it been [sic] written all with my own hand. I assure you
this gentleman will perform what I say of him, or none of our
nation will. There is courage, modesty, wisdom, religion, and
good [sic] for his time good experience in him. I have written
for many, but for none for whom I look for more thanks.
Add. Endd. 1 p. [Holl. and Fl. VI. 86.]
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May [26].
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914. [POULET and STAFFORD] to the QUEEN.
On the 25th we went to the Court and found the King, Queen
Mother, and the French Queen in Queen Mother's chamber,
where I, Edward Stafford, after salutations, presented your Highness's
letter, and delivered to the King the substance of my
instructions plainly and faithfully. He answered that he had
always been anxious to nourish amity with his good friends and
allies, and had attempted nothing to their hurt. He had been
very 'curious' to avoid all occasions that might cause suspicion
of his contrary meaning. Evil tongues delighted in nothing more
than to sow seditious rumours between princes, and your Majesty
was not free from those slanders. It was given out that some
towns were delivered to you by the States. His doings were open
to all the world, but last year during the assembly of the Estates
at Blois the like practice was in hand, but he dissuaded his
brother from it then with much difficulty. Beside the alliance
between him and the King of Spain he could not forget the good
offices which the King had in sundry ways done him during
the late troubles ; and he never thought anything less than to
recompense these courtesies with so open and manifest injuries.
If he intended to deal so unkindly he would not do it covertly ;
such dealing would not be honourable. He was not afraid to
discover himself plainly and openly to his enemies ; he had been
long at war, and now desired nothing more than peace. He had
taken account of his duty toward God, and desired to continue
his reputation with foreign princes ; he misliked much his
brother's resolution, and had dissuaded it by his ministers, while
his mother had employed herself herein, even with danger to
her health. She had been twice with Monsieur to this purpose—
(I think this twice was during one journey)—and had used all
arguments possible ; but he would not be diverted, and therefore
Marshal de Cossé was on the point of being sent to him with
the same object. Nothing should be omitted that might serve
to witness his sincerity, and he was glad to find your Majesty
of like disposition.
It was replied that you would be very glad to learn his good
inclination, and that nothing remained but to see it confirmed
by good effects.
The King said he was not ignorant that this matter reached
to himself, and he would let the world know that his best endeavours
should not be wanting to break this enterprise.
It was answered that he could not think it strange if the
world thought that these things were being done with his secret
consent. He was at peace, and obeyed by his subjects ; all the
bridges and passages of the realm were at his command, and
therefore men might in reason believe that his brother could
take no army out of the country without his permission.
"What can I do more than I have done?" says the King,
affirming that he had given strict orders to all governors to use
all possible means to stay all soldiers passing to the Low Countries,
and had given like orders to the Bailiwicks (for so he termed
them) to ring the 'Toxsing' bell against them, and to cut them
in pieces.
It was answered that it had not been heard that any interruption
had been given to such as passed ; that the largest troops
were not of force to withstand the governors, the greatest number
going in scattered companies ; yet it had not been seen that one
of them had been hanged, imprisoned, or otherwise punished for
disobedience in this respect. "You know, M. l'Ambassadeur,"
says the King, "how I am obeyed. If you were newly arrived, and
were not acquainted with the state of things here, I would excuse
this matter with more store of words." "You know," says he,
"what my brother has been able to do before this time ; you
know what my other subjects have done without my brother, and
you know how the world goes in this country."
It was answered that in those days whole provinces were
banded against him which now were wholly in his possession and
had governors of his appointment, and nothing could be done
without their permission.
"The king," says Queen Mother, "has done what he could,
and my good will has not been wanting ; and when my son has
answered that I hinder his greatness, and that this counsel proceeds
from his enemies, I have told him that this journey will be his
ruin, that he ought to consider that he is the king's only
brother, that the king has no children, and, therefore, have
prayed him to have care of himself." "My brother," says the
King, "has lately sent into England, to my good sister, and
assures himself of her assistance in his journey, and that Duke
Casimir is ready to join him with 20,000 horse and 6,000
Swiss."
It was answered that this matter touched your Majesty's
honour ; your servants here firmly believed you had never been
moved herein, and, therefore, found it strange that Monsieur
had used this language. Touching Duke Casimir we said we
did not know what intelligence there was between him and
Monsieur, or between him and the Estates, and thought it likely
enough that the Estates might levy some men in Germany for
their safety ; but did not know that Duke Casimir was hired
for the service of Monsieur. We concluded that he was an absolute
king, and had means to let this enterprise if he pleased.
"You make it very easy," says the King, wishing it were so
indeed, "but," says he, "I have no means to stay my brother
otherwise than by open force, which cannot be done without
danger of new civil troubles ; and I have tasted so much of
them, and paid so dearly for them, that I would be loath to see
them renewed" ; praying me to tell him what your Majesty
would do if you stood on those terms with brother or sister.
It was answered that it seemed more honourable and safer to
have war with one part of his country in a just quarrel than to
have war against all equity and reason with the greatest princes
of Christendom ; naming your Majesty, the Emperor, the King
of Spain, and the Princes of Germany ; and, therefore, prayed
him to leave his 'intreaty' and fall to sound doings. The matter
was not yet so far gone but that the remedy was easy if he
would embrace it in earnest.
"I know," says the King, "this matter touches me nearly,
and am not ignorant of the danger that may ensue. I have now
taken order for the assembling of all the companies of my men-at-arms,
intending to retain part of them for the safety of my
person and will send the rest to my governors. But the best
hope that I conceive of this matter is that I hear the Estates
have advertised my brother very lately that they thank him
for his good will, and have no need of his succour," asking
us if we had not heard of it.
We answered, no ; adding that it would be honourable for the
King and profitable for his subjects if he were to mediate between
the King of Spain and the Low Countries.
The King said he was resolved to dispatch a messenger shortly
to the King of Spain and another to the Estates and Don John,
desiring us to inform your Majesty and pray you to do the like.
It was answered that this tract of time was accompanied with
great and imminent danger ; that in the meantime these preparations
would grow so great that it would be too late to stay them ;
that this matter had been moved to Queen Mother ever since,
and no answer had been received, though the motion was so
grounded upon equity and reason as to deserve some answer. These
things would abide no delay, and the only remedy was in the
beginning.
Queen Mother said that she departed very suddenly ; "and you
know," says she to the King, "that I moved you in it."
It seemed that both the King and Queen Mother were content
to hear no more of it, and the King would not say that he had
heard of it. Then the King said that as soon as he heard of the
overthrow of some of the French companies which are gone into
the Low Countries under Combelles, he did not fail to advertise
his brother of it immediately, because he would omit nothing
that might discourage him from this journey.
We concluded that we would not fail to report to your Majesty
the speech that had passed between us, and knew you would
be glad to see him so well affected to the preservation of amity
with his neighbours.
Then I, Edward Stafford, declared to Queen Mother that your
Majesty made special account of her sincere dealing in this matter ;
that her credit in this Court and country was known to all men,
and that it touched her honour to apply it to nourish amity
between her sons and their neighbours. You had long since told
her your opinion herein, upon especial confidence of her sincerity
in those proceedings, and therefore prayed her so to further this
good meaning that the effect might appear to her honour and
that of the King, her son, and to the general profit of this part
of Christendom.
Lastly I, Edward Stafford, presented your Majesty's letters to
the French Queen, and told her that you desired to hear of her
good health, though you would not be sorry if she were sometimes
troubled with some such small sickness as might bring forth
some comfortable fruit to the King, her husband.
Some of good judgement think it suspicious that the Marshal
de Cossé is employed in this journey, who besides his affection
to Monsieur, which has been much observed since the last broils
between the two brethren, is well known to desire nothing more
than the full execution of this journey. Some say that he is sent
to Monsieur expressly to serve him as a councillor, to assist him
in his enterprise.
It is evident that the King is resolved to endure anything
rather than enter into any act of hostility against his brother ;
and it may be doubted lest this assembly of men-at-arms tend to
some other end than is declared. It seems that levies are to be
made on every side, and this dealing is suspected by many.
We are informed that letters and commissions for the levying
of men are given out by Monsieur daily in great numbers, but
so slenderly obeyed that no great effect ensues ; so that if his
journey were certain, there is no likelihood that he would be able
to march for some time.
It is certainly that in the actions of this country nothing
is less intended than what is outwardly pretended ; their doings
being carried on with great secrecy. It is usual to debate things
at the Council-table which are not meant to be executed, so that
it is not easy to see the bottom of their devices. But we trust
your Majesty is persuaded in general that the greatest princes
and potentates of Europe have conspired against the professors of
true religion, and will not fail to discover their malice upon the
first occasion that shall be offered. This wicked design is so
mighty and monstrous that all the favourers of it with all their
means are not able to effectuate it at one instant, and therefore
seek to come to it by degrees. No doubt this enterprise of Monsieur
into the Low Countries is the first step ; there can be no
other meaning in it than to banish religion out of those countries
and reduce the poor people to servitude. This step once won the
next will be easier ; and if measures are not taken to withstand
the beginning, the last and highest step may be in danger. Your
Majesty by your wisdom and policy joined with industry has
broken their devices, discovered their treasons, and overthrown
their practices for many years ; and we doubt not but that as
those virtues increase in you the good effects will follow, to the
safety of your Crown and the comfort of your subjects.
As for what the King told us he heard say, that the States
had refused Monsieur, it is true that an Italian captain of one
of the French companies that have lately been defeated by the
Spaniards arrived here not above three or four hours before our
audience ; and now it is given out in the Court that this voyage
of Monsieur is broken. But we are credibly informed that the
negotiation continues.
We hear that the Pope is levying a great army in Italy, but
to what end we cannot learn.—Paris, May 1578.
P.S—I, Edward Stafford, found the King and Queen Mother
very willing that I should resort to Monsieur, taking my journey
towards his this morning.
Draft. Endd. (and again, incorrectly, in later hand). 8½ pp.
[France II. 46.]
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May 26.
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915. STAFFORD to BURGHLEY.
Though my lord ambassador and I have fully set down our
whole negotiation with the King and Queen Mother, yet my
particular good will to you, bound thereto with your continual
friendly usage of me, makes me not let this dispatch go out of
my hands without this letter to make you acquainted with the
effect of the particular points that have happened hitherto. I
found the King very glad to do anything he could to accomplish
her Majesty's request every way (as he says), and more glad of
her friendship than of anything. For the drawing of my brother
from this enterprise he assures me he has done what he could,
and though he be almost out of hope of doing good, his mother
being come back without any 'good doing,' yet to continue the
same he has dispatched the Marshal de Cossé for the same intent.
But if I may write my poor judgement, I rather think it is to
counsel him of the best way to go forward than otherwise ; and
the more so because I know the hate that he has always borne
to the Spaniards, and also that the Queen has within these few
days let slip words to the effect that she could have some hope
of her son's likelihood in this matter if he had a Marshal de
Cossé to give him advice and to join with these young beards.
Rochepot came from the Low Countries yesterday, not two
hours before we spoke with the King, and by a word the King
uttered it may be he brings an answer to Monsieur from the
States not to content him, for the King told us there was such
a thing coming, not naming Rochepot's man's coming back. We
cannot yet know with certainty what he has brought.
Their dealings here have been so strange and so full of
stratagems that a man cannot almost tell how to judge of their
actions ; for when I consider the little ability that Monsieur
has to perform such an enterprise, and knowing the Frenchmen's
humours to be so variable that to-day they take something in
hand and to-morrow they give it over again upon the least
incommodity that they may suffer, I cannot think how Monsieur
can go forward with this, or if he enter into it how he
should not be quickly weary of it ; lacking all things necessary
to so great a matter, and by necessity being subject to such great
wants as I know the Frenchmen will never be able to abide the
half of them. But by means of this pretended journey into the
Low Countries Monsieur arms himself. The King to hinder him,
and for his own safety, does the like. It will rest with them
if they can agree to choose, being ready, whether or no they will
assail them that are unready. I think that the burden of this
whole power will at length be heaviest to them of the Religion.
Howbeit, going to Monsieur I shall be able to see further and
hear more of their doings, and to bring better report thereof at my
coming home ; which shall be with as great expedition as may be.
The King has at the first motion and with a very good will
given me leave to go to his brother ; whither I had gone this day,
but that I am fain to spend this day in this dispatch, and to
take to-morrow for my journey, in which I will make as great
speed as I can to come home.—Paris, 26 May 1578.
Add. Endd. 2 pp. [Ibid. II. 45.]
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May 27.
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916. [WALSINGHAM] to [DAVISON].
Mr. Saltonston acquainted me, before his departure, with my
Lord Treasurer's pleasure, which was to be signified to you by him,
that you should make stay of the sum sent over to you under
his charge, to be by order of the States made over to Cologne for
Duke Casimir, until you should receive further orders from my
Lords. Whereupon I sent my servant Tomson to his lordship to
know his mind therein, considering that it was intended by her
Majesty to make this a means to cause the States to break off with
the Duke of Alençon, and to hasten the entry of the reiters into
the country, which by reason of this stay might greatly be hindered.
His lordship's answer was that it was only meant that in case the
States were already grown or likely to grow to any resolution of
agreement with the Duke of Alençon's deputies for accepting his
aid, and putting any towns into his hands, you should forbear to
deliver the sum or any part of it into the States' hands ; being very
likely that they would not send it for Casimir, and the thing in
itself not meet, that they should be so greatly relieved by her
Majesty, who could so easily persuade themselves to rely rather on
Monsieur, who never did them pleasure than on her to whom they
are so manifoldly indebted.
You need, therefore, make no stay from proceeding according to
the directions you have received, in case the States stand as clear
as before, and have not come to any composition with Monsieur's
deputies. If you see things stand soundly on their part towards
her Majesty, use all convenient means for the dispatch of the sum
to the Duke, that his expectation may be answered, and his
Majesty keep promise with him. I thought it convenient to tell
you this, lest you should have misunderstood their lordships' meaning
in Mr. Saltonston's message ; though I doubt not you would
without further directions make stay of payment if the States had
taken any such resolution.—London, 27 May, 1578.
Copy. 6 pp. [For. E. B. Misc. II.]
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May 30.
K. d. L. x.
494.
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917. DAVISON to the QUEEN.
Last Saturday night, at eleven o'clock, I received your Highness's
letter of the 22nd, the particulars of which I signified
next day to the Prince, to whom after I had opened at some
length the error committed by himself and the States in their
forwardness to conclude with the French before knowing your
Majesty's liking, together with the just cause of offence herein
offered to you, I discoursed and proved somewhat in detail the
evident danger of this French traffic, both by examples of times
past, by a comparison of the advertisements from all parts with
the present course of things, by a consideration of the circumstances
of the matter, and by observation of the persons that
have an interest in the handling of it. For the first, I laid before
him the calamities that befel the estate of Ludovic Sfortia, Duke
of Milan, and the whole country of Milan, by introducing the
French among them, with other fresh and modern examples not
unapt to the purpose ; reminding him also what advertisements
I had at divers times received from his own mouth and from others
of good experience detecting a dangerous pretence in this negotiation,
and wishing him to weigh by a consideration of the causes,
what effects could be hoped from that traffic, which broached by
Mondoucet and other suspected instruments, was now embraced
by their master. It was not from any pity for their troubled
estate, for how can he in likelihood be touched by the miseries
of another country, that has no sense of the calamities of his
own ?—nor from a zeal to succour and relieve them, for what
example is there of such a good nature in him ?—not of magnanimity
to embrace their cause and immortalize his name by
so godly an action, for who has ever observed any such princely
virtue in him ?—finally, not in such respect as his ambassadors
would pretend, but rather of ambition, and a hope to make his
profit out of their troubles. Which being in all likelihood the
final and inductive causes of his enterprise, I left it to his own
judgement what might come of it.
Lastly, touching his person, etc., whoever considered, I said,
what he was by country, by nature, by race, by disposition,
by calling, by affection ; what his actions had been hitherto ;
how he was now counselled ; what authority and credit his mother
and some of her favourites had with him, with other circumstances,
would find argument enough to convince him of the
apparent danger of this fair-coloured negotiation.
This discourse finished, to which he gave an attentive ear,
he made me in sum this answer. He was persuaded that your
Majesty would not lightly conceive any sinister opinion of him
that always had been, was, and would be, your most faithful
and devoted servant. As for what had passed in this matter, he
said being but a member of the whole body of the States, and one
that did nothing himself, he was not to be specially charged with
what concerned them all. It was well known, he said, and took
God to witness, that for his own part he was so ill a Frenchman,
that there was no nation in the world he would less willingly
deal with if there were other help. But as a patient in
extremity will experiment any remedy that may restore him to
health, when he is persuaded that without it his case is desperate ;
and as a man in danger of drowning would without respect of
friend or foe lay hold on him that comes next to hand, to save
himself ; so they, being fallen into a dangerous sickness, and not
likely to overcome it by their own strength, are not to be blamed
for embracing any remedy offered. As for the violent quality
of the French medicine, he said it was only what was necessary
for their desperate infirmity ; yet he thought the danger would
not be so great in the use as in the disuse and neglect of it.
His chief reason was that if the States-General did not conclude
with the Duke, the States of Hainault were resolved to go through
with him, to the manifest dismembering of the provinces ; and
so instead of the two or three towns by which the Duke might
have been diverted, that whole province, if not the rest of the
country, would be endangered. Hereupon he called for and communicated
to me Count Lalaing's own letter written to him since
the departure of the French commissioners (copies of which I
enclose) to show on what desperate points those Henuiers stand.
He assured me, too, that they had newly sent deputies to persuade
the rest of the States to call back the Duke's deputies, who are
still about St. Ghislain, and give them satisfaction ; protesting
else that as they are in danger above the rest they would not
neglect the remedy. Then he fell to summing up the causes that
might induce them to proceed in this treaty ; as namely, their
inability to subsist long by themselves, considering their outward
enemies and inward differences, the little succour they could trust
to from abroad, the fear of a separation of Hainault from the
rest of the provinces and consequent fall into a dangerous division,
the small importance of the places demanded in regard of what
is now like to fall into the hands of the French or of the enemy,
the profit they might have reaped by his employment upon
Franche Comté, both in respect of stopping the succours that are
to come out of Italy and of diverting the enemy out of these
parts ; and finally the effect which this negotiation might have
wrought in dividing the two kings or the two brothers, either of
which could not but greatly advantage their affairs. He concluded
therefore that if these considerations were indifferently
weighed in the balance of reason and judgement, it would appear
of more peril and less profit to break than to proceed with the
French. And while the matter would in his opinion be advantageable
for his country, he could not see how it could be thought
prejudicial to their neighbours, especially to your Majesty, whom
above the rest, he said, they had and did in this matter respect and
provide for.
After I had replied in detail to all these reasons, differed upon
the greatest points in opinion from the Prince, I proceeded to
the other parts of your Majesty's letter ; namely, requesting an
authentic copy of the points of their communication with the
French commissioners, signifying your resolution to send over
Lord Cobham and Sir Francis Walsingham fully instructed of
your pleasure with regard to the matters in hand, and lastly
acquainting him with the order I had from you both to detain
the money now in my hands and to stay the advance of Duke
Casimir, in case they came to a conclusion with the French before
learning that pleasure.
He answered that the Estates, of whom I was to demand it,
would make no difficulty about delivering a copy of the negotiations
with the French. Touching your Majesty's determination
to send hither, he said he was very glad of it ; the more so
because he hoped you would not send so special an embassy with
any fruitless or slender negotiation. Here by the way he discoursed
to me what journeys had been made to and fro for almost
this twelve months' span, and how little had come of them ;
especially of this last journey of the Marquis, whose cold successes
and unsatisfied return had singularly discouraged them here. He
wished therefore, if your Majesty have any good will to help them,
it would please you to deal resolutely and plainly with them.
He protested to me in his conscience, that if your Highness had
proceeded with the same frankness and good will you first 'pretended,'
you might have disposed as much of these countries as
of your own.
Lastly, touching the order given to me for the stay of Duke
Casimir, he seemed to make no great matter of it ; being of
opinion that the charge is likely to be greater than the profit
of that overplus of forces which was accorded him at your instance.
Howbeit, he thought the States were not so hasty in concluding
this French treaty that you would need to stay him in that
respect.
This as near as I remember was the sum of what passed between
him and me that afternoon. I thought to have repaired directly
from him to the States ; but as they did not assemble that day,
my audience was postponed till the next morning, when I propounded
the same points in their which I had discoursed in
private with the Prince. I received a general answer, with
request for time to consider my overture. I told them that I
was detaining an express messenger, whom I had orders to return
with all possible expedition ; and, therefore, prayed them not
to 'suspend' on beyond that day. They accorded this, but when
the hour assigned for my answer came they sent to excuse themselves
and crave a longer pause and time for consideration, and
so put me off from day to day till this evening, when they sent
their deputies to me with their apostile in writing to the material
points, together with the like to certain articles I had upon a
former diversion from my lords of your Council delivered to
them, which answer I here send.
As touching the £20,000 which your Majesty has addressed
to me for the use of Duke Casimir, I have not yet in any way
disposed of it, having depended upon the resolution of the States,
nor under correction do I think it fit to send it any further
than this town ; partly because it is in bullion and cannot be
coined in time to serve the Duke's turn at the place of muster,
partly for the infinite difficulty and danger of conveying it to
him, and partly because the Duke, as I understand, may conveniently
furnish himself by exchange in those parts with as
much as he needs, to be repaid here upon the sum aforesaid. I
have pointed out these difficulties to a councillor of his lately
come here, who allows of them and has promised to send to his
master and signify as much to him. By the same councillor I
understand that the Duke is so well forward that he intends to
begin his journey on the 12th of next month.
Other things here hold on their uncertain and variable course
The people of Quesnoy, since the departure hence of the French
commissioners, have expelled the one ensign of French which
remained in their town, suspecting some ill traffic between them
and other companies of their nation lying not far off. The commissioners
are still in Hainault, 'labouring' Count Lalaing and
the rest of that party, the sequel of whose negotiations are very
much doubted.
In Mons are four companies of foot under M. de Montigny,
brother to the said Count, and two companies of the 'bands of
ordinance,' all esteemed to be at his devotion, which with a little
faction among the burghers may put that town in hazard. The
deputies sent from the Estates of that province insist hard to have
the Duke's commissioners recalled and satisfied ; not without suspicion
that this matter is specially laboured by the ambassadors
themselves, who desire but a sufficient colour to return, having
departed in the opinion that the States would recall them in
a day or two. The particular points of their communication from
the States, as I received from them, I send to your Majesty.
It is still in doubt what the enemy will next attempt. He has
made some 'countenance' towards Maestricht, though it is suspected
he shoots rather at Vilvorde, Enghien, Ath, or some town
nearer at hand. Of the eight companies that were in Philippeville,
five came out armed and ensigns displayed, the other
three remaining in service with the enemy under Florennes that
was governor, Haveron, and some other captains, whose revolt has
bewrayed the intelligence which they were long before suspected
to have with the enemy.
At Amsterdam the Protestants have ransacked the cloisters,
broken down the images, expelled the whole rabble of friars and
monks, and apprehended their magistrates upon detection of some
treason intended by them for reducing the town to the enemy's
devotion.
At Flushing some treason has been in brewing, but the matter
discovered, one Captain Rossen, a mariner of that town, and a
principal conductor of the practice, is apprehended.
There is no certain confirmation of the marching of forces from
Italy to Don John.
From Portugal it is reported that the long threatened preparation
of Stukely is in good forwardness ; and his Holiness has
sent him 2,000 Italians.
The enemy has of late received 300,000 ducats by way of
exchange, and expects as much more from Genoa, made over from
Spain ; which will advance the rest of the reiters and footmen
from Germany, who have 'stayed upon their gelt.'
The States are advancing the first pay for the 8,000 reiters now
in the country.
A gentleman is just arrived from the Emperor to divert the
States from the French course. He had audience two days ago,
and has made liberal offers on his master's behalf. Within the
last day or two he is gone to Don John, to see what he can work
with him. The Emperor would make these men believe that he
will declare openly against Don John if he do not incline to
reason.
La Motte receives daily men, munitions, and victuals into
Gravelines, but his men come by small number, 'for the less
observation.'
Count John of Nassau, being within these three or four days
sworn Governor of Gueldres, is gone to his post, in order to
'assist at' the assembly of the States of that country, which is
to begin this week at 'Newmeghen.'
At Ghent I hear they have prepared a church in one of the
cloisters for the public exercise of religion ; which they are
resolved no longer to suppress, however it be digested here.
This is all I have at present of any moment to signify to your
Highness, whose pardon I most humbly crave if, in the discharge
of my duty, I have not satisfied your expectation.—Antwerp, 30
May 1578.
P.S.—Certain advice is come this evening of the entry of two
companies of French into St. Ghislain, a place of the greatest
moment in Hainault after Mons. There are within it four
ensigns of the States' folk, of whom they cannot yet tell here
what assurance to make. This matter, done by the authority
of Count Lalaing, singularly increases the suspicion of that man,
and is likely to bring forth some special alteration either in the
general state of the country, or the Count's own particular.
Add. Endd. 4 pp. [Holl. and Fl. XII. 87.]
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May 30.
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918. Draft of the above letter. Endd. 4 pp. [Ibid. XII.
87a.]
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May 31.
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919. DAVISON to BURGHLEY.
Letter covering copy of letter to the Queen.
Add. Endd. : Mr. Davison to my Lord, with a copy of his
letter to her Majesty, and of others to the Prince of Orange from
Count Lalaing and others. 7 ll. [Ibid. VI. 88.]
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May 31.
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920. DAVISON to WALSINGHAM.
Though your man has tarried long for his dispatch, having
made great diligence hitherwards, he can witness that the fault
has not been mine. Till last night I could get no resolution
from the States, and whether it be now such as her Majesty will
thoroughly like, I doubt. All that I can at present write you
will see by my letter to her Majesty.—antwerp, the last of May
1577 [sic].
[On the same page.] I have not been able to accomplish your
command for the speedy return of this messenger, because till
late last night I could get no answer from the Estates. In what
condition things are you may judge from the details of this dispatch.
Your arrival is every day awaited, but your welcome in
respect of your legation will depend much upon the substance of
it. The Estates seem resolved to proceed with the Duke if he
will accept their offer, as many generally think he will, rather
than give the matter over thus. I do not yet see that they are so
estranged from him, if he will accept their offers, a thing expected.
Flanders of all the provinces has been the greatest enemy to the
success of the negotiation.
Captain Palmer, whom you sent to me of late, was apprehended
at Newport, and is still prisoner in that town. The causes
[erased : proceeding from the fury of some particulars in that
town, who had heretofore received some outrage, as they say]
I think you may understand by the Prince's letter. Besides his
apprehension they did me the outrage to break open my packet,
though not the particular letters. Whereof having complained,
I can as yet get no reparation [erased : the Prince has written to
the magistrates of the town] ; but how the matter will be repaired
I know not. I beseech you to think of my suit, and advance the
dispatch of it before my coming.
Rough draft. Endd : Ultimo Maii 1577 [sic]. To Sir Fra.
Wals. 1 p. [Ibid. VI. 89.]
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May 31.
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921. DAVISON to WALSINGHAM.
Fragments of rough draft for : (a) Covering letter similar to No.
919 ; (b) letter similar to the last. "I have remembered your commendations
to the Prince and Princess, but it was after we had been
together by the ears over this French bone ; with whom I have
been half out of charity since the heat of this French negotiation.
Draft. Endd. ½ p. [Ibid. VI. 90.]
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May 31.
|
922. The QUEEN to the COUNT PALATINE of the RHINE.
We are sending our deputies to the assembly of Theologians,
which we hear is to meet at Schmalkald to discuss certain
articles of the Augustan confession. Robert Beale had much
talk with you on this subject last year, and reported that you
were vehemently opposed to the censures passed upon churches
holding opinions on the Lord's Supper different from those set
forth by Luther. We think you quite right, and that you hold
the view which appears most adapted to promote the concord
of all the churches.
Hearing now that it is proposed to remove the discussion to
Schmalkald, we beseech you to intervene with all your authority,
lest by the headlong counsels of a few an occasion be afforded for
a great schism in the Church of God. You can see what a pleasant
spectacle we should display to the Papists, if food for dissension
is furnished by the wiles of Satan, and they see us fighting
among ourselves. This we entreat you to hinder, for the common
peace of Christendom and the dignity of the empire of which
you are an elector.—Greenwich, 31 May 1578.
Copy. Latin. 1 p. [Germ. States I. 62.]
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May 31.
|
923. The QUEEN to the DUKE OF WURTEMBERG.
Same tenor as the last, in different terms. 'We exhort your
Excellency not to join yourself with the restless wits of those
who want to move and disturb everything as they list rather than
with those who cherish the concord of all the churches.'
Copy. Latin. 1¼ p. [Ibid. I. 63.]
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May 31.
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924. The QUEEN to LANDGRAVE LEWIS OF HESSE.
As we were sending letters to your brother William, we have
thought it good to send at the same time to you, begging you
to have a care, in the assembly at Schmalkald, for the concord of
the churches, as we have heard that certain factious persons are
using every effort to start a controversy about the Lord's Supper
and separate the other churches from you.—Greenwich, 31 May
1578.
Copy. Latin. 1 p. [Ibid. I. 64.]
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May 31.
|
925. The QUEEN to the PRINCE OF ANHALT.
Same tenor as the preceding. 'We pray you to do your best
to hinder the discussion, or get it put off, lest the spark should
burst forth into a flame, whereby the Church of Christ may be
set on fire.'—Greenwich, 31 May 1578.
Copy. Latin. 1 p. [Ibid. I. 65.]
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May 31.
|
926. The QUEEN to DUKE JULIUS OF BRUNSWICK.
Same tenor as the preceding.—Greenwich, 31 May 1578.
Copy. Latin. 1¼ p. [Ibid. I. 66.]
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May.
K. d. L. x.
455.
|
927. DANIEL ROGERS to WALSINGHAM [see No. 849].
M. Swevenghem told me the 8th of this present month of
May, how that on the 1st he had first seen and obtained a copy
of the instructions which the late Comendador had given to Bernardo
Mendoza when he was sent to England in 1573. The
instructions were in Spanish, and as certain things were comprehended
in them touching her Majesty, he showed and read them
to me, wishing me to impart them to your honour. It was that
the said Mendoza should diligently enquire of Guerras in what
readiness the two matters were of which he had lately written
to him, and which he commanded before he should only write
to him of ; one of which concerned a practice he had to deliver
the Queen of Scotland ; the other was touching some trouble
which then was to arise in England, and was not so particularly
specified. He wished Mendoza to enquire of Guerras whether
these things were in camino, to wit, in the way, and whether the
parties went forward in these matters ; besides that in case he
should take heed about opening this matter to Swevenghem,
who then was in England, for he understood that Swevenghem
and Guerras were not the greatest friends. M. Swevenghem
counselled her Majesty to rid herself of this valet Guerras, for
that he was a meet minister for Don John in like matters.
It is to be noted that Mendoza came to England to desire her
Majesty to show friendship to the King's armada, which then
was to pass to the Low Countries, in order that it might have
victuals from England. And meantime he had instructions to
trouble the quietness of her Majesty's realm.
Memorandum in writing of Daniel Rogers. Endd. by L. Tomson :
A note of an instruction given to Bernardo Mendoza, touching the
delivering of the Scottish Queen and raising a rebellion in England.
2/3 p. [Holl. and Fl. VI. 91.]
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[May ?]
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928. The Queen's obligation for payment on the last day of
February next ensuing, of £3,500 to Horatio Pallavicini, being
part of the sum of £16,636 7s. 3d., arising from the sale of 12,000
centners of alum at Antwerp, and placed by him in the hands
of William Davison, for her Majesty's purposes.
Copy. Endd. first in Italian, and in a later hand in English.
Latin. 2¼ pp. [Ibid. VI. 92.]
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[May ?]
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929. Obligation of the Mayor and Corporation of London to the
same effect.—Guildhall, of, 1578.
Copy. Endd. as the last. Latin. 2½ pp. [Ibid. VI. 93.]
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May.
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930. The Queen's bond to discharge the Mayor (Thomas Ramsey)
and Corporation of London from their obligation for the sum
of £100,000 borrowed by Davison and Gilpin in Germany.-
Greenwich, May 1578.
Copy (signed by William Dalby). Endd. in later hand. Latin.
7½ pp. [Ibid. VI. 94.]
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May [?]
|
931. CERTAIN REQUESTS of DUKE CASIMIR proposed to D.
ROGERS to declare them further to her Majesty.
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1. As the Duke has agreed to march to the Low Countries
rather at her Majesty's request than at the persuasion of the
States, he desires her to procure that either the States send at
the day of the muster (which will be the last of this present) the
other £20,000 to Cologne, into the hands of Isaac Lewenhart, or
that she cause the said sum to be delivered there. If she send
the sum to the Estates to be by them transported to Cologne, it
will be necessary to advertise them that they do not employ it
otherwise, but that it be duly sent to the Duke without subtracting
anything from it, for the avoidance of 'cavellations'
which might hinder the troops from marching. [Marginal note :
Accorded.]
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2. He desires her Majesty to send some man of good estimation
and calling, who may continually during the war remain about
him and be present at all deliberations. He especially desires
Mr. Philip Sidney to be sent, a gentleman whom for his noble
towardness and virtue he has greatly in admiration.
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3. And as her Majesty requested that he should foresee that
he were accompanied by some noble and expert man to second
him, in case he should miscarry, he has written to three Dukes
who have before offered their service to him, Maurice Duke of
Lauenberg of the house of Saxony, Duke Casimir of Pomerland,
and Duke Frederick of Deuxponts.
In the 'bestalling' or capitulation sent to the Duke, the Estates
have appointed no allowance at all for them ; wherefore he desires
her Majesty to intercede with letters to the Estates, that some
noble pays may be allowed for them and other noblemen who
accompany him, he himself being content with only 3,000 Flemish
for his own allowance. Such intercession he thinks cannot but
bind the said Dukes to her Majesty, and 'engender a singular
affection towards her proceedings' throughout all Germany.
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4. Whereas he is to conduct 6,000 footmen, he desires that
2,000 English soldiers may come and serve him under some good
conductor and head ; and that they might be especially such as
might bring for the most part corslets and pikes
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5. He beseeches her Majesty to treat with the Estates that they
appoint to be delivered in Germany certain sums of money, as
10,000 or 12,000 florins, to be distributed to the best colonels
there ; that they might be at the devotion of the Estates in case
other necessity force them to levy supplements. This provision
might further the Estates, and keep in suspense such others
as Don John goes about to allure to his service. At the last
expedition into France, this provision was found very commodious
for the Protestants.
Memorandum : The Estates do not as yet know that the 20,000l.
which Duke Casimir was to receive at Hamburg was in bullion,
and they should be admonished of it that they may make
obligation accordingly ; being thought best for her Majesty to be
repaid in like bullion.
Endd. by D. Rogers. 2 pp. [Germ. States I. 67.]
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932. Another copy. Endd. by D. Rogers. 2 pp. [Ibid. I.
67a.]
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933. Endd. by L. Tomson. 2 pp. [Ibid. I. 67b.]
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? Early in
1578.
|
934. A list of the companies of men-at-arms and light horse
at present round the city of Brussels, with the amount of their pay.
Fr. 2 pp. [Holl. and Fl. VI. 95.]
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May.
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935. The Estates' obligation by which they make themselves
personally liable, individually and collectively, for the repayment,
out of the first money which they shall raise on the obligations of
the Queen and the City of London for the sum of £100,000,
bearing date the 8th, the 12th, and the 18th March, 1577,
"according to the computation of the Anglican Church," of
the sum of £20,000, which the Queen has sent them by the hand
of William Davidson, "for the purpose of keeping these regions in
the obedience of the Catholic king."
Copy. Latin. 2½ pp. [For. E. B. Misc. II.]
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