Elizabeth: April 1581, 26-30

Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 15, 1581-1582. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1907.

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

Citation:

'Elizabeth: April 1581, 26-30', in Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 15, 1581-1582, ed. Arthur John Butler( London, 1907), British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/foreign/vol15/pp132-145 [accessed 11 October 2024].

'Elizabeth: April 1581, 26-30', in Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 15, 1581-1582. Edited by Arthur John Butler( London, 1907), British History Online, accessed October 11, 2024, https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/foreign/vol15/pp132-145.

"Elizabeth: April 1581, 26-30". Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 15, 1581-1582. Ed. Arthur John Butler(London, 1907), , British History Online. Web. 11 October 2024. https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/foreign/vol15/pp132-145.

This volume has gold page scans.
Access these scans with a gold subscription. Key icon

April 1581, 26-30

April 26. 142. Memorandum in hand of the Count Vimioso, containing :
(a) A calculation of the cost of providing and equipping two ships of 300 tons, six of 150 tons, and six pinnaces, with 1,000 soldiers : and an undertaking to pay 10,000 ducats of the cost by June 26.
(b) A copy of the "conditions to be propounded to the King of Portugal" [see No. 109], with two additional articles relating to the treatment of vessels homeward-bound and other refusing or owning allegiance to Don Antonio.—Blois, 26 April 1581. Endd. Italian. 2½ pp. [Portugal I. 50.]
April 26. 143. STATEMENT of TERMS to be granted to the ENGLISH FLEET serving DON ANTONIO.
(1) A quarter of the cost to be paid within two months. After that, interest to be paid at the rate of the highest exchange. (2) Fleet to be victualled for four months ; at the expiration of which time, 'I' will see to its revictualling. (3) Fleet to set out on June 15. (4) That 'I' have one-fifth share of all prizes. (5) Of the ships of 'my conquest' which will not submit to serve the king my master, and which after the necessary protestation made, they shall capture, the fleet shall have half. (6) That in every English ship there shall be three Portuguese of the Isles or where I please, to testify of their doings. (7) Any controversies that may arise shall be tried in the Isles or in England, as I shall think fit, by judges appointed by her Majesty. (8) If the kingdom of Portugal needs succouring they shall do it at once when called on by me or by any whom I shall name, laying everything else aside ; and if they do it, I will give them every convenience. (9) If they fall in with any ships, foreign or our own, having letters of marque [Eng. version : maerte] from me, they shall do them no harm. (10) I will give orders to receive the fleet in my ports, and give it aid, favour and convenience as they may desire. (11) They shall carry to the Islands such arms as I shall direct, to be paid for on delivery at the price agreed upon in England. (12) For every ship of the 'conquests of Portugal' that they shall bring into such ports as I shall name in the Isles or England, they shall have five per cent. as salvage (trazemdoas a salvamento). (13) The Queen shall by patent ensure me against (Eng. version : shall give me sufficient bond and caution to be answerable for) all damage that the fleet may do me by sea or land. (14) If the fleet receive damage or loss I will in the name of the king my master, have due regard thereof. (15) Merchants licensed under my hand or that of whoever shall be ambassador in England, shall trade to the Isles for two years, paying half duties. (16) To this effect I will issue such commissions and write such letters as I shall deem in conformity with these capitulations. Endd. in Italian (with date) by Count Vimioso : His Excellency's reply to the articles. Port. 1 p. [Portugal I. 51.] (Walsingham's mark to 6, 7, 8, 9, 13.)
April 26. 144. Another copy, in hand of Laurence Tomson, with additional article : (17) All ships acting in the service of this Crown shall bear the arms of Portugal on their flags. Endd. : The contract that is to pass between the General and Don Francesco. Port. 1 p. [Ibid. I. 51a.]
April 26. 145. English version (rather free) of the above. Endd. by L. Tomson. 2 pp. [Ibid. I. 51b.]
April 26. 146. W. WADE to WALSINGHAM.
Edward Prim delivering me your letters in the presence of my lord ambassador, after I had read them and conferred a little with Prim, by whom I understood his lordship had information, I straight repaired to his lordship, letting him understand your pleasure was I should do that service, supposing me to be on the way to the king, and him in place where his lordship, a public person, could not have access to him specially to negotiate ; and withal offered him the articles. Whereat he entered into great choler that I was deputed in a matter begun by him, and others to reap the fruit of his labours, he having about him, if need should be to send, those that he had appointed to that purpose, and would not suffer one that lived here under order to serve him, to undermine him as in divers matters I had done, whereof he had been advertised. To which I answered all those reports would be by truth itself found untrue and that this was but a particular offer of some 'private' to be negotiated 'in place as I told him.' Howbeit, I referred it to his pleasure when the count came hither, seeing there was no means to have access to the king, but the matter was to be dealt where his lordship was. I of myself besought him earnestly for the better countenance of the negotiation to deal with it ; which he utterly refusing, I requested him to commend me to the count, to treat with him. The matter required haste, and for divers reasons his lordship could not repair to him to deal with him as the case required ; which he promised to do. Meantime Mr Prim makes the count acquainted with the articles and conditions ; which he seemed to brook well. But Signor Roderigo, jealous of Prim's dealing, did not think well of them. Therefore I first dealt with him, both to inform him of the offers and to dispose him better. Edward Prim, perceiving the misliking of my lord ambassador, and for what cause, as the frowning of Roderigo, was as desirous as I my lord should have taken upon him the dealing in this matter ; which he in no wise yielding, I for some other respect also took it upon me to do as you had commanded me, and in the presence of Roderigo and Prim presented them in Italian to his Excellency. He at first said they had need of far greater forces ; which I said he might propound when it pleased him, and meantime consider if that offer were to be embraced as a good beginning, and for the assistance of those Isles. The keeping of which in devotion was most necessary, besides the profit that arose. Next he stuck at the 10,000 ducats to be paid in one month, which having divers sums to receive at divers times and to appoint for sundry services, he earnestly requested might be paid in the Islands 'in commodity.' Which being but a fourth part of what the general was to disburse at present, venturing all the rest, besides the particular charges which would amount to a great sum, should I discourage them altogether to be taken from them [sic]. Therefore in any wise it must be consented to, for though the payment were made there 'in commodity,' yet there is hazard by sea ; that if his Excellency shall be 'at my peril,' I rather wished him to ask further time. To this he agreed ; '(and Prim told me should not displease your honours)' upon condition that not paying at the end of two months, he would pay for it the greatest exchange that 'ran among merchants,' and give them security for the same. Touching the first article of the conditions, his Excellency will send the commission by Signor Roderigo, or 'pass' it when he is in England. This, and the letters to the Governors, 'were not amiss' to be drawn in such sort as you think convenient, and sent to his Excellency. It will come in time at the setting out of money. To the article of provision of victuals for the navy is meant the four months expired at the king's charges, so long as it shall be employed for his service [sic]. Of the goods that shall be taken from the enemy his Highness [sic] 'thinks reason' a fifth part come to the king in acknowledgement that it was taken in his service ; alleging the like granted to the Prince of Orange by all to whom he gives letters of marque. I answered that the Prince of Orange was already established in the state he seeks to maintain himself, and gave those letters to certain 'privates' that do not pass the Straits, whereas this is a 'just' sufficient army to serve for the restitution of the king, to keep his Isles in obedience, to be employed on occasion ; which enter so far into the main sea with 'provisor' of munitions, victuals, and arms, dying 'themself' to the service of the king. So a tenth part might suffice. But they said that less could not be taken, since they had to disburse 10,000 crowns. Touching the powder and munition for the defence of the Isles, he says that a little will suffice, and for that he requires that payment shall be made at the Isles in woad at such price as shall be agreed on by the ambassador and the general, who will allow that which the assurance shall amount to, so that there shall be no loss. He refuses altogether to give commission to anyone to contract with the general, saying that he wishes all to pass by his consent. Touching the article by which the general demands a fortress or hostages, he in no way thinks it convenient ; for since the Isles already 'remain in devotion,' to give a fort into the hands of strangers were, as he says, enough to make them revolt, and serves no purpose, as he supposes, for the general, since to leave there as many as would serve to keep the fort would disfurnish the ships, and if they were fewer, it would be to no purpose. To give hostages likewise would but provoke the Isle-men, and be no let to the rest if they were disposed to revolt. Therefore he offers to write his letters as the general shall think good, and if there be any other doubt, resolve him ; or else the general may think of some other means for his better assurance. For in no wise could I bring him to think of that article. In the article touching the ships that come from the Indies that shall be disobedient, he required to have it set down more expressly, and the king to have half. To the last, the king's ships often carry part of the merchants' goods and merchant-ships part of the king's goods, so that they are to be known by the goods, not by the sail. They have shown these conditions to certain Frenchmen and Italians, who thought the rate of the charges very dear, and the last article too 'large' ; as I perceived at the next conference I had with his Excellency, for he makes account that no ship comes from the Indies worth less than half a million, 'and do ordinary pass that way' ; saying that he would willingly have the same revoked. Wherefore I durst not move him in the article that gives a fifth to the king, lest he should have taken away more than the other comes to, but showed him what benefit rose to the king thereby, and to the merchants to have their goods brought to a sure place, and so the king in the mean time may dispose of them, if need be, till he recover his kingdom. At the second conference I found his Excellency somewhat altered, understanding that he had communicated the conditions to certain French, who promise more to hinder this than to further his service. Yet after long reasoning he was content the conditions should pass according to the former agreement, rather to maintain his word than otherwise willing, altering yet some points not greatly to the substance of the matter. So I drew them again in another form. Meantime an Italian came to me, to whom he had communicated them, and examined all the points 'in discoursing,' allowing well of the offer, and blaming the Count's 'lingering to conclude.' At the third conference his Excellency found fault with the rate of the charges ; which I affirmed to be calculated so justly 'as no man should correct.' The particular charges in the setting forth of those that undertook the journey would amount to a great sum besides, yet he paid of all only 10,000 ducats. He said the Prince of Orange was served for a crown the time[?] and he was offered here the like. I told him the difference of the service and what the French could do ; the provision that this navy must make of munitions and victuals, not to rove on the seas, but to serve to divers effects. I was with him alone two 'large' hours, and in the end concluded fully, as appears by the copy I send you in Italian. [See No. 143.] I made two to be signed by his Excellency and me, one to be sent to you, the other to remain with him. But next day bringing them to be signed, I found him quite changed ; and instead of confirming what was agreed, he offered me other articles, like those I send you in Portuguese. [See No. 144.] Because he bore a fourth part of the charge, he said it was reason he should have a fourth of the gain ; and where he had granted a tenth of the goods pertaining to the king and 5 per cent of those pertaining to merchants for safe-conduct, he said that was unreasonable, and therefore would allow only a certain sum for every ship, which should be 10,000 ducats, for no ship came from the Indies worth less than a million. He demanded that the navy should come to his help to Portugal, if sent for ; which article I told him was clean contrary to the office this navy should serve for, and would breed suspicion that as soon as they had furnished the Isles with what they wanted, they would 'be revolted' to their great loss ; and he might propound to her Majesty hereafter the like demands as he told me he had to make. Again he demanded letters patent of her Majesty, to restore the loss the king's subjects might receive by the fleet ; and yet offers no security for the 10,000 ducats nor for performance of covenants, which I told him was not according to reason. Howbeit, as this was an offer made to his king, he might on his behalf do the like, which I should signify ; but would not agree to any other form than that he always had allowed. Yet I advised him to consider that the time passed in sending to and fro, which was most important in this action, and that he would correct his demands for the fourth part and touching the ships coming from the Indies and the traffic ; which he had altogether taken away. This he seemed very hardly to grant, yet afterwards yielded to, and referred me to Signor Roderigo ; from whom I found, what before I 'espied,' that he had chiefly dissuaded the count, for he thought the offers so unreasonable that he said if Prim had not been a very ass, he never would have consented to the bringing of them. He asked whether they meant to do the king service in recovering the realm, or to serve their own way. I told him that I understood the offer for divers respects of singular benefit ; first to make sure of those Isles, to secure the ships coming from the Indies, of whose goods the king might dispose to serve his turn, to take from the enemy his chief weapon. As for private profit, he that undertakes this made more in one voyage than he can hope for by several such as this, wherein he must tie himself to a needful service, where the king participates in the gain got by their 'expenses, hazard, and virtue.' He said they were now in that case that if we would have them couch, they must lie down, but they would rather lose Portugal than yield to such extreme demands, specially to give us license to traffic to the Indies. I answered that we might if so disposed traffic thither without his leave, and wished that he might take such course as to be able to traffic at all ; "but," quoth I, "if you think that you are sought to for so great benefit to be gotten at your hands, and that none will arise to you, I told you at first you might altogether refuse to deal. But if you think the present state you are in has need of such help, you must be content to deal so that men may venture their lives to afford you aid." Then he murmured against the hardness of the Queen, whom it touched more than them ; praising the forwardness of the French in offering more than they could demand or hope for. He referred all to his Excellency, who at length gave me three articles as I send them to you. I can assure you that Roderigos has greatly hindered that cause, and has extreme 'conceits' of her Majesty, wherewith he has always filled the count, though I have dealt with his Excellency earnestly and at large to cause a better impression in him ; for he of himself is in no way addicted to the French. But Roderigo altogether claiming kindred with the Queen Mother, and greatly desiring to make the match between his master and the Princess of Lorraine, the count suffers himself to be so 'valed' by him that he is become somewhat insolent. I have thus set down the order followed in what you committed to me, which I have brought to good terms ; and yet it is not so far from reason but that it may be concluded when Roderigo is away from his Excellency.—Blois, 26 April 1581. Add. Endd. by Walsingham. 7½ pp. [Portugal I. 52.]
April 27. 147. EDWARD PRIM to WALSINGHAM.
I arrived here at Blois on the 18th inst. where I met Count Vimioso, the Constable of Portugal, and delivered him the letters I had for the king from Dr Lopez. Likewise I gave him full understanding of all that I and Dr Lopez concluded with you, as by the letters. He 'dowght' [qu. thought] well of the same 'plat,' and wished me to bring Mr Wade to him, thanking me for the same. I went for Mr Wade and brought him out for the count. They talked together, and I 'of the same' ; and were as agreed, the count thinking very well of it. After John Roderiges was made privy to it by the count, he 'persowad' [qu. persuaded] the count from all ; feigning great fault in the articles, not 'sticking' to say to him that doubtless Lopes was an Englishman, and that he would 'depend' more to their side than to 'the Portugal' ; and he said as much by me, so that by his means the 'plat' was not 'liked of.' The count would set down another, and did, and afterwards showed it to me. In this there was great difference in some of the articles, which I caused him to mend in all, as you may see in the copy enclosed in Mr Wade's letter to you. There was one article which I could not get the count to put out. I went so far with him that I told him that article only would break the matter ; so I got of him that he would write to Dr Lopes of it, and put it out if you would not agree to it. It is that the 'army' should stand bound, if he saw occasion to have it come to Portugal or elsewhere, to come to the place that he should appoint, so that the other way would be broken off if he thought well. 'In' that I showed him the general would never consent. Doctor Lopes has 'orther' [? order] to 'break' it, for so the count told me he would write him. John Rodriges stood very much our enemy, not 'letting' to say that England would never do anything. I will let you know all that passes at my coming to England, which will be with John Rodriges, whom the count intends to send within eight days for an ambassador. I desire your honour that Dr Lopes may not know anything of this that I have written that John Rodriges has spoken of him ; but if Rodriges 'had not been,' I with Mr Wade had brought the count to consent, whereas now there is nothing done, and all by Rodriges' means. The 'plat' is sent to you, and if you like it then it is ended, for it is referred to you I would have the voyage go forward, for it will be of great importance. The count was very well received by the king and the old 'koine' and many fair shows and great promises made to the count. I will write you at large by the next.—Blois, 27 April '81. (Signed) Edward Prim Corea. P.S.—The agreement that the count takes with the 'koine moder' and the king I will let you understand, for as yet they are not fully agreed. Pray keep my secret of what I write to you. Add. Endd. 1½ pp. [Portugal I. 53.]
April 28. 148. COBHAM to WALSINGHAM.
Count Vimioso arrived here the 20th inst., being very well lodged and furnished from the king's stuff, entertained by the king's officers and his diet provided and defrayed. The same night I went privily to him, declaring the affection the Queen has to maintain the liberty of their country, and that she affected Don Antonio and the justice of his cause. But as the case required rather help than open demonstration of 'accomplements,' I thought it more convenient to visit him in that manner, the rather also because if the Queen should otherwise make show to 'friend' Don Antonio, it would minister occasion of greater jealousy to King Philip, whereby he might be provoked to deal more vigorously with such of the confederates as were in Portugal. Which being 'respected,' he will do his king the greater service and find the after means to deliver his country from the oppression of the Spaniards, by dealing secretly with the princes favouring their cause. He seemed to accept of my coming and of the choice of time and manner, discoursing to me of his hard adventures first past in Barbary, when he was taken prisoner in the service of Don Sebastian ; acknowledging to have received his liberty by means of King Philip, for which he was to adventure his life in his service, the liberty of his country and his honour reserved, for which he had put himself into these hazards, repairing to the princes of whom he hoped to receive such honour as to find help for their distress. He did not mean to enter into discourse how necessary this action is to be embraced by the French king, and the Queen of England, for he was sure their own judgements and the advice of their councillors were sufficient to penetrate into what should be considered for the benefit of their own states ; but he was only disposed to declare the right of his king, and show the injustice done to the realm of Portugal ; desiring their aid in men and money, and suchlike just considerations. As for the particulars touching the Queen, he would 'leave' to communicate with me further, till he had conferred with the Christian king and with the Queen his Mother. To these speeches I only answered, that as for the disposition of her Majesty his king and nation would find it to be such that the benefits of her meaning would rather be shown by her gracious deeds than by many promises and outward show ; such was the manner of her sincere proceeding. He said that Roderigo de Souza had informed him of her royal dealing, and purposed after he had done his business in this Court to repair to England. Mr Waad having shown me your letter, with instructions to deal in the matter which Prim brought, I desired the count to confer with Mr Waad, as a 'confident gent' and one trusted by you. I understand from Mr Waad that he has spoken with him about those affairs. On the 22nd Count Vimioso sent me word in the morning that he would visit me in the afternoon. I sent him my coach and horses, but it seemed he changed his purpose, sending Prim to me with a message that he would be glad to have me resort to him. I desired Prim to tell him that I would willingly do anything to give him honour, but in this case there were these respects to be considered : first, his repair to this Court, to address his negotiations to their Majesties, so that by openly coming to visit him, I should give them cause of mistrust that I thrust myself into some dealing with him, and sought by conference to undermine their affairs ; and moreover, it is the manner of all such as are distressed to 'seek to' princes and their ministers. In the evening Don Juan de Souza repaired to me, requesting me to think that the count was willing to visit me, but loath to give any cause of mislike to their Majesties ; otherwise of himself he would willingly come to me, for upon the speeches he passed with their Majesties there was cause 'importing' the Queen's service to declare to me. I answered that for my part I had done the office of my sovereign's servant in visiting him, and I was willing he should do all things to the advancement of his affairs rather than to their impeachment ; therefore if he found it convenient for the cause he had dealt in with their Majesties to confer with me, 'in respect' it touched my sovereign, I hoped he would deal accordingly. Don Juan de Souza requested that I might meet the count in the night, and he would come for me. I assented, because he alleged that it somewhat imported her Majesty ; but about 9 o'clock he sent the enclosed excuse. For what has further passed between the count and Don Juan de Souza, I must refer to Mr Waad, by whom you will I suppose be specially advertised. I am informed that the count returns in a few days to Tours, where the king means that he should reside. The Duke of Nevers arrived here yesterday. The Dukes of Montpensier, Guise, and Maine are looked for. The quarrel between the Dukes of Montpensier and Nevers will be accorded ; but if it were to be knit up with the marriage of Mme de Vaudemont, mother of the young queen, it were not so well to be liked, because it is judged by some that many artifices are being used to win from Monsieur his most honourable friends, and best 'complices.' There is M. 'Alfaranti,' a servant of Monsieur, who was sent hither to accompany Count Vimioso ; being one much misliked, and known as some affirm to have been employed by the late agent of Spain. Also d'Abbadie is conversant with him, who is thought also to be affected to the Spanish. Yesternight being Sunday [?] the count was requested by the king to come to see the dancing and evening pleasures of this Court. 'Pierredor' the French consul, who two months ago departed with two ships to Portugal, visited me at his return, telling me that Don Antonio was in health and in a sure place ; but with what truth I cannot 'perceive,' because he did not speak more clearly of the certain being of Don Antonio. The king, meaning to renew the confederacy with the Swiss, is sending, as I understand, M. de Fleury, elder brother to M. de Marchaumont, to be his ambassador ligier with them. Marshal de Retz has been moved by the king to go to confirm that confederacy with offer of other negotiations ; which journey he 'doubts' to undertake, fearing lest the Swiss should take him to be a good pledge for the great sums of money due to them, much above what the king means to send. M. de Soucy, kinsman to M. d'O, having returned from the Swiss, is to be sent to the Grand Signior, and Germigny recalled. M. de Source, who was master of the king's wardrobe before M. d'O came into the place, having been long sickly, is now returned to the Court, and much favoured again by the king. I have been advertised that the king has taken offence with Lavalette and d'Arques. For the appeasement of his wrath toward them, d'O made entreaty ; whereon the king turned his displeasure upon him. Howbeit, they are all in appearance returned to his good favour. The king proposes to 'ease' the Privy Council 'for' having to deal with 'complaints of process' and private suits, minding to appoint a chamber of Counsel Ambulatory, or else those suits to be remitted to the Grand Conseil. It is advertised that Marcantonio Colonna will go to Spain to be lieutenant to the Cardinal of Austria in the government of Portugal. He has been a noted person, appointed principal actor for the negotiation of those enterprises the Spanish King and the Pope have, or shall pretend and conclude against her Majesty's estates. M. Chassincourt has requested to know how her Majesty likes the King of Navarre's offer for her service which I signified to you in a former letter. This morning, one Clark, a Scottish captain and assured servant to their Majesties, asked me for a passport to go into England, which I abstained to grant him, because I understood he is not addicted to her Majesty's friends in Scotland, and departs upon some extraordinary cause. The solicitors to the king for the places of preaching in every bailiwick according to the Edict, cannot receive any satisfaction or resolution from him, which breeds suspicion in the minds of those of the Religion. The conference for them of the Religion appointed at Montauban is deferred to the end of this month. M. Beza and certain commissioners from the Swiss are looked for there, wherewith their Majesties are displeased. The king since his coming hither has been hunting, accompanied by both the Queens ; a pastime which heretofore he seemed not greatly to like. It is esteemed their Majesties will pass their time most of the summer in these quarters.—Blois, 28 April [but ? that day was not Monday] 1581. P.S.—Monsieur is looked for tonight or tomorrow at Tours, as I am just informed. Add. Endd. 3 pp. [France V. 61.]
April [?29.] 149. "DRAUGHT of INSTRUCTIONS for MR HUDDESDON to deal in the ACCOUNT of SR. HORATIO PALLAVICINI'S MONEY."
"He is to put further pressure on the States for the repayment of, or at any rate for good security for, the interest now amounting to £4,616 13s. 1d. (which is to be 'incorporate with' the principal of £28,757 11s. 2d.), and to let the Queen have an answer within 6 weeks ; failing which she means to provide herself of such remedies, as by other means of equity she can, not only for that debt due to Horatio and Baptista, but also for the other of £65,000' Gilpin is to be employed. "And in case the States or their 'committees' shall say to you that the Jewellery her Majesty has in pawn may be sufficient assurance for the interests or for some part of payment of the principal, you may declare to them that as her Highness takes them to belong to the House of Burgundy, and therefore that the States have no power or authority to alienate them, so she cannot in honour dispose of them to her profit in case she should be driven for want of due payment to take some such course for the furnishing of her necessary employments of treasure. "And yet if they shall persist in allegation of the great value of the said jewels, as exceeding both the aforesaid principal debt and also the interest already grown, you may say, as of your opinion, that you think her Majesty means not to make any profit thereby ; but if they will make present payment of the debt and the interest, whereby she may content the two merchants, they may have the jewels redelivered without delay, to do with them what they will. "You may at some time 'interlude' to them that it is not politicly done of them to break their credits in this sort with 'these kind' of merchants, by whose hard usage they hazard their credit with all other merchants with whom in time coming [they may] have need to deal for their relief." Draft with corrections in Burghley's hand (last two pars. written entirely by him). Endd. : April the 9, 1581, and as at head, the latter part having been added after 1587, the year in which Pallavicini was knighted. Below, but also of later date, in a hand that may be Burghley's : M. Davison and Mr Hudson's negotiation touching band money. [Walsingham's mark] mark frequently repeated, also in different inks. 18 pp. [Holl. and Fl. XIV. 61.]
April 30. 150. "The SUBSTANCE of the SPEECH to be delivered unto the COMMISSIONERS."
Her Majesty found it expedient before the passing of a commission to certain chief persons to treat with the commissioners, that they should be thoroughly informed of the true course of the cause since the renewing of the treaty by Baqueville, continued by M. de Simiers and other ministers employed there until the arrival of the commissioners. Her Majesty being herself best acquainted with that course has herself informed them particularly how things have passed until the time of the assembly of Parliament. Having occasion for divers important causes to assemble the said Parliament, she sought by certain well-chosen instruments to inform herself how the members were affected to her marriage, and found that there were two principal reasons that made them very doubtful that the marriage proceeding could not but be greatly to the discontent of the subjects of this realm. First, that the best-affected subjects of this Crown, seeing that through the sending into this realm from the Pope of certain Jesuits, divers of the subjects, otherwise dutifully affected, were by their persuasions carried away from their former obedience, greatly doubted that, if this match proceeded, divers of such as were not the best affected in matters of religion will take encouragement, since his Highness is of their religion, to withdraw their obedience from the laws of the realm in those matters, in hope that through his mediation they should be borne with ; a thing that might greatly disturb the quiet of this realm. The other, that as his Highness is already embarked in the cause of the Low Countries, they fear that if this marriage should proceed they should be thrown into a war that could not but grow burden-some to this Crown, the more so that they do not see that the king his brother is inclined to assist him, whom they hold to be greatly affected to the King of Spain ; which they the rather conceive, for that they see how 'slightly' the assistance required by Don Antonio, and 'importing' greatly the bridling of the King of Spain, was put off. A third thing, that not only by those of Parliament, but generally throughout the whole realm is feared, is her Majesty's years ; but since the allegation thereof more properly appertains to her than to others, it is meet that men should rather tonch than treat thereon. Her Majesty found it expedient before entering into treaty to acquaint them with these difficulties and complaints of her subjects with which she has also found it expedient to acquaint his Highness, and she daily expects his answer, before which she does not see how she can grow to any conclusion. Yet because personages of their quality, sent from so great a prince, should not seem to come hither to no purpose, she will give orders that the persons the other day appointed to treat with them, shall have permission under the Great Seal to perform the same. Draft in Walsingham's hand, and endd. by him : The speech delivered at [sic] the Lord Treasurer by the Secretary. 4 pp. [France V. 62.]
April 30. 151. STOKES to WALSINGHAM.
My last was the 23rd, since when etc. The Prince of 'Pinoye' has written to the Four Members of Flanders who are together at present in this town, that M. de Fervaques has victualled Cambray with 80 great wagons well laden with all manner of necessaries. It was done by some good devises, and in doing it they overthrew a cornet of 'Albernoyse' to the great displeasure of the Malcontents. Also the French camp lies now within Artois, at an open village called Miraumont, within 5 leagues of Cambray, very strongly intrenched. The Prince of Parma with the whole force of the Malcontents lies in a town called Lescluse within a league of Douay, where he is making his preparations to give battle to M. de Fervaques. He has sent to every town, castle, and fortress in Artois and 'Henogo' to send him all the soldiers that they can spare with all possible haste ; so that it is much feared the French camp is yet too weak. By good advice from the Malcontents' camp they show themselves of great courage, and fear not the French 'in no respect.' But the towns in Artois fear them greatly. There have been great speeches here for a long time of a camp to be made here in Flanders by the States, and that it should have been in the field long ere this time. But as yet it is far from any readiness, so that there are great speeches here of many matters that shall be done, but in the end nothing goes forward amongst them ; and all for want of a good commander, 'which' the wisest sort fear the want of one will be their overthrow if it be not 'foreseen' in time, and therefore Monsieur's presence is greatly desired here. By letters from Artois, M. de la Noue still lies at Limburg, where it seems he is very straitly used ; for he has written to the Prince of Parma to be better used, or else to take his life, or send him to the galleys.—Bruges, 30 April 1581. P.S.—Enclosed I send you a copy of the Prince of Epinoy's letter to the Four Members, in which you will see in what order Cambray was victualled. Add. Endd. 1½ pp. [Hol. and Fl. XIV. 60.]
April. 152. ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE COMMISSIONERS.
To appoint the lodgings in—Strand—Harbingers.
To appoint the lodgings in—Fleet Street—Harbingers.
To appoint the lodgings in—Chancery Lane—Harbingers.
To appoint the lodgings in—Holborn—Harbingers.
April 1581, 16, Sunday, at Dover.
17, Monday, at Canterbury.
18, Tuesday, at Sittingbourne.
19, Wednesday, at Rochester.
20, Thursday, at Gravesend.
21, Friday, at London.
22, Saturday, audience.
23, Sunday, St. George's Day.
24, Monday, to confer with them at Somerset House.
25, Tuesday, St. Mark's Day, dinner with the Queen.
26, Wednesday, confer.
27, Thursday, dinner with the Earl of Leicester.
28, Friday, confer.
29, Saturday, confer.
30, Sunday, dinner with Lord Treasurer.—The Triumphs at the Queen's Pleasure.
May 1, Monday, Mayday, to dine with the Queen—The Triumphs at the Queen's Pleasure.
2, Tuesday, to dine with the Lord Chamberlain.
3, Wednesday, to confer, and to continue during the Queen's pleasure.
Draft in Burghley's hand. Endd. ¾ p. [France. V. 62.]
153. Another copy, corrected by Burghley. ½ p. [Ibid. V. 53.]
April. 154. "THE NAMES OF THE COMMISSIONERS JOURNEYING."
In the 'Coche' :— The Prince Dauphin ; the two Dukes [sic] of Bouillon ; the elder Count of Sancerre. In the 'Carroche' :— The younger Count of Sancerre ; M. Brisson ; M. Chasteau, kinsman to the Prince ; M. Marafin, knight of the Order, and one of the king's stewards, sometime governor to the Prince ; M. de Fosseuse, Marquis of Torrey, knight of the Order, son of the elder house of Montmorency ; and a secretary of the Duke of Montpensier. Endd. as above. ½ p. [France V. 44.]
April. 155. "The PRINCE DOLPHIN'S train."
The Duke of Bouillon and Count of la Marck his nephews ; the Counts of Sancerre and Baron of Bueil ; the Count of Monrason ; the Marquis of Fosseuse ; the Viscount of Panny ; M. de la Roche-Joubert, lieutenant to the Prince ; M. de Monlieu, son to M. de Jarnac ; the Baron of Seurre ; M. de Panneusse ; M. de Thibottan ; M. de Guerchy ; M. de la Motthe aux Ausnaize ; M. de Marafin ; M. de Mondon ; M. de Chasteaux. Gentlemen of the Duke of Bouillon :—M. de Nuol ; M. de Maulwart ; M. de Mazarny ; M. de Sillery ; M. de Vaux ; M. d'Auroy ; M. de Sainte-Croix ; M. de la Haye ; M. de Bezu ; M. de Chalande ; the Baron of Hadouville ; M. de Téligny ; M. d'Austrude ; Captain de la Motte ; M. d'Holon ; M. Allemaigne ; M. de Chellandre ; M. de Chemitte ; M. de Chaunfort. Six valets de chambre, six officers, six surgeons, six pages, six lacqueys. Endd. by L. Tomson as above, and train or suyte written by him against various names. Fr. ¾ p. [Ibid. V. 45.]
April. 156. Another list with some variations and notes by Burghley. Endd. 1¼ pp. [Ibid. V. 64.]