Elizabeth: August 1585, 21-25 | British History Online

Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 19, August 1584-August 1585. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1916.

'Elizabeth: August 1585, 21-25', in Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 19, August 1584-August 1585, (London, 1916) pp. 666-680. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/foreign/vol19/pp666-680 [accessed 19 April 2024]

August 1585, 21–25



Aug. 21/31.	Count Maurice to Colonel Norreys.
	Commission from Count Maurice of Nassau and the Council of State to “le Baron Jehan de Norreys” confirming the commission granted to him by her Majesty to be Colonel general and governor of all her men of war in the Low Countries.— Middelburg, last day of August, 1585.
	Copy of original signed by Count Maurice, countersigned by H. Wynlioff, and sealed with the seal of the Council of State.
	Endd. Fr. 1½ pp. [Holland III. 15.]
Aug. 21/31.	Jaques Rossel to Walsingham.
	[The first part of this letter is too much injured by damp to be calendared in the usual way. The substance of it appears to be as follows :—]
	He has received a relation of the loss of Antwerp and the articles of its surrender, which to many appear advantageous.
	St. Aldegonde has written in his own justification, but all who come from thence accuse him of treachery, some saying that four months ago he had intelligence with the enemy. Hears that some of those in the fleet had the same, seeing that they never permitted the bridge and palisade to be attacked, even with the great hulks; while, according to common report, a simple hoy of Holland had broken it and passed through. Wherefore the principal men are in disrepute, and it seems have been playing their part expressly to break the good intentions of her Majesty; the whole matter having been hurried on and perfected before the coming of General Norreys, who on his arrival must have remarked very strange countenances on the part of those ill-affectioned to the party of her Majesty. The Hollanders have continued to send victuals to the enemy, although it had been ordered that no provisions whatever were to be sent to the frontier towns, under heavy penalties. If this order is observed, the enemy will suffer more than he has ever done before, and will be obliged to quit several great towns for that reason. Bruges especially is in extremity, victuals being so scarce that it is impossible for the town to hold out three months. Has spoken of this to the General, and offered to do him all the service he can.
	Has written already to his honour asking him to put him into some office, even the least important of those which he has previously held, and is awaiting his reply.
	It is thought that the enemy mean to attack Ostend and Sluys, but probably, being informed of the General's arrival and of his forces, they may change their design, especially as they cannot make a great army and also keep garrisons in so many large towns.
	In Antwerp there are a thousand Germans and a thousand Walloons, with six cornets of horse who entered with the Prince of Parma on Tuesday last [Aug. 17–27]. Some forces are being assembled by La Motte about Courtray and Ypre, which are believed to be for the end mentioned above.
	As to France, although many supporters of the King's party have published that what he has done has been in order to break the designs of the Guisards, the war is begun against those of the Religion.—Middelburg, last of August, 1585.
	Add. Endd. Fr. 2 pp. [Holland III. 16.]
Aug. 21.	Ortell to Walsingham.
	Before the receipt of your letter I had imparted to the deputies what the Lord Treasurer and your honour had said concerning the pioneers. And as they left early the next day, they desired me to assure you that they would not fail, immediately upon their arrival, to inform the States of your lordship's good affection as regards this matter, apologising for not being able to settle it without the consent of the said States.—London, 21 August 1585.
	Add. Endd. Fr. 1 p. [Ibid. III. 17.]
Aug. 21.	Oetell to Walsingham.
	I am daily molested by the officers of the collectors of the subsidy to pay a certain sum rated by them. I am willing to employ both body and means in her Majesty's service, “but being here a public person and in the quality as I am,” I am sure it is not her Majesty's or her Council's pleasure that I should be troubled with such matters, and pray you to take order with my Lord Mayor or others to whom it appertains that I and my family may enjoy the freedom that others have done in like causes; for which I should hold myself” greatly beholding” to you.—London, 21 August, 1585.
	Add. Endd. English. 1 p. [Holland III. 18.]
Aug. 21.	Colonel Norreys to the Privy Council.
	On Monday last, Aug. 16, we embarked at Quinborough and on Tuesday anchored at the North Foreland, before Margate. The same evening we took our course towards Flushing, but the tempest that night growing very great, and her Majesty's ship “nothing well appointed either of sufficient master or pilot or of skilful mariners able to stand to their tackle,” during the storm, we were in great peril to be cast away.
	The next day, about three o'clock we came before Aldborough in Suffolk, took in some mariners of the town and again went to sea, but by the unskilfulness and insufficiency of the officers and sailors, and especially of the pilot, mistaking the channel, we were brought on Thursday afternoon to the left side of Flushing, towards Camphere and Zericsee, a place so full of flats and sands that it is a wonder how we escaped. But by God's providence and such direction as I could give, the ship came to an anchor that night clear of all danger, and on Friday morning we safely landed at Camphere.
	Since coming to Middelburg, I have had conference with the Council there and understand that the States mean shortly to muster their forces and erect a camp; to which end all the English troops already arrived are presently to be sent into Holland, by which time I trust the whole of the last 4,000 soldiers appointed for this service will be come over, only about two thousand having as yet arrived.
	The composition between the Prince of Parma and Antwerp “in the opinion of most men seemeth no better than if they had yielded themselves wholly to the Prince's discretion; not being permitted to have any liberty at all for matter of religion, and having already received 2,000 Almains and as many Walloons in garrison into their town. This matter hath been brought to pass not without great practices and persuasions, and chiefly by the means of Aldegonde; many devices being now freshly in hand to persuade Holland and Zeeland to accept of the like composition, for which purpose, in the opinion of many men, Aldegonde maketh great suit to come to remain in these parts, but as yet it is not granted unto him.”
	Those of Ghent and Bruges, being in great want of victuals, have made earnest suit to the Prince to recover the castle of Sluys and town of Ostend, as the two places most fit to relieve them with victuals, whereupon it is said the Prince purposed to besiege them; but they being now sufficiently furnished both of men and victuals, it is not likely he will attempt them, especially understanding what forces the States now have in readiness. The Council desired to have some few of our English troops put into those places, with other companies there in garrison, “but because I am not sure whether these places are so well provided for as they make them, and do think it would be some dishonour unto her Majesty to be said she had lost them, I refused to sever my troops” and pray for further directions if hereafter they demand the like again.
	Touching Count Hollock, although for the relieving of Antwerp I thought it did not stand with my credit to depend upon anybody's direction but my own, yet that service now failing, finding the Count here “chiefly” employed by the States, and seeing his ready devotion to her Majesty's service, “I have determined to conform myself to such course as the States shall set down in this behalf.”
	The surrendering of Antwerp gave these people occasion to doubt that her Majesty had refused them all succour, but upon my arrival with the troops, they seem to be somewhat better comforted. On Monday next I propose to repair to the States General in Holland, for their resolution touching the employment of these forces, which being concluded, I will immediately advertise you thereof.—Middelburg, 21 August, 1585, stilo Angliœ.
	Add. Endd. 2 ½ pp. [Holland III. 19.]
Aug. 21.	The Queen to Lord Burghley.
	Whereas of late years order was given to all our officers of customs in our ports, that the merchants of the Society of the Hanses, resorting to our realm, should neither bring in nor carry out any merchandise unless they put in good bond in our custom houses to pay like customs &c. as did all other merchants strangers, until we should understand that certain decrees made at Lubeck and elsewhere to the prejudice of our subjects should be revoked, and namely until our merchants resorting to Hamburg might have the like residence and privilege there as they had for certain years after the year 1567; and also until the ordinance “whereby a new imposition was set of seven or more in the hundred” upon all English commodities brought into those parts should be revoked; by reason of which injurious decrees we made our former order—
	We now having received letters from the Emperor in favour of those Steedes, and other letters from the Consuls and Senate of the said Hanses congregated at Lubeck, authorising John Schultzen, senator of Hamburg, Maurice Tymberman, alderman of their house here in London, and George Leeseman [Lyseman] to come as commissioners to ask for the abrogation of all orders made by us to their prejudice, who have both by speech and writing “certified that all manner of decrees of late years made by their Society to the prejudice of our merchants . . . are and have been of long time abrogated:—
	“Upon these considerations, and for that also we do not understand by any of our merchants that they have been of late time impeached by force of any their said decrees”:—We are pleased that all decrees inhibiting them to use their trade in any other sort than they did before December, 1578 shall be suspended and in no sort executed:—And therefore we command and authorize you as our Treasurer of England to signify this our pleasure by your letters to all our officers of our custom houses in any port of our realm; commanding them to permit the merchants of the Hanses residing here or hereafter coming hither to use like-trade and pay like customs and duties” to all respects” as they did before December, 1578; which permission shall continue hereafter as long as we perceive that our subjects trading to the ports of the Society shall be permitted the same liberties and privileges as they had before the decrees against them were made, both in Hamburg and other places.—Given under our signet at the Manor of Nonsuch, 21 August, 1585.
	Sign Manual. Add. Endd. 1¼ pp. [Hamburg and Hanse Towns II. 7.]
Aug. 22.	Walsingham to Davison.
	Asking him, by her Majesty's command, to meet him this night at Barn Elms if he can possibly, to confer about the state of the Low Countries, as to-morrow, at eight o'clock, he has prayed the deputies with Orteil to be there, having somewhat to say to them from her Majesty. He will have the tide with him this evening, and so will find it “but an hour's work.”—The Court, 22 August, 1585.
	Holograph. Add. Endd. 1 p. [Holland III. 20.]
Aug. 22.	Adolf, Count de Neuwenar to Walsingham.
	Recommending the bearer, who long served the late Prince of Orange and those of the Low Countries, and has lately escaped from prison, as he will himself inform his honour.—Utrecht, 22 August, 1585, stilo veteri.
	Signed. Add. Endd. Fr. 1 p. [Ibid. III. 21.]
Aug. 22.	Adolf, Count de Neuwenar to Davison.
	Expressing his regrets at not having seen him when he was in the country, and his joy at learning that her Majesty has accepted the defence of this country, which by this means he hopes may be restored to repose and tranquillity. Asks him to give all needful directions to the bearer, whom he is sending with letters to divers lords.—Utrecht, 22 August, 1585, stilo veteri.
	Postscript in his own hand. His wife sends apologies for not writing, and commends herself to his kind favour.
	Signed. Add. Endd. Fr. 1 p. [Holland III. 22.]
Aug. 22.	Instructions for Sir John Smith, sent to the Prince of Parma.
	You are to go to Calais, and from thence write to the Prince's secretary asking for a passport.
	And after delivery of our letters to the Prince, to let him understand that conceiving there would be divers bruits of the cause of our sending forces into the Low Countries, we have thought meet to acquaint him truly thereof, both in respect of his office, “as also the reputation that he hath to be a prince most wise and honourable, and that would not be carried either with vain bruit or partial respects from that which honour and reason shall require.”
	For it cannot be unknown to him that during these troubles we have sent divers messengers (whereof you have been one) both to the King of Spain and his governors in the Low Countries to persuade them to take a peaceable course with the people by permitting them to enjoy their ancient privileges with freedom of conscience, and some toleration of the exercise of their religion, and not to force them by desperation to withdraw from the obedience they owe to him as their natural prince and to throw themselves under the protection of some such prince as might, without scruple of conscience, accept any offer they should make, “which fell out in experience both by the French King's brother and the King himself, and would have been performed with very hard effects towards the said King, had not the one been prevented by death and the other by home troubles.
	To let him understand that before anything was attempted by the King's brother, we advertised the King of Spain thereof, but he did not make such account of our friendly dealing as it merited.
	Further, to say that he cannot be ignorant of the strict friendship that has always been between our crown and those countries, the treaties that have passed, the bonds and assurances between divers towns, which moves us to an extraordinary care of them and their privileges and liberties; they having always .been a place of vent for our commodities, and also that great prejudice might grow to us if they were subject to heavy impositions laid upon them by the governors for the King, whereby free traffic would be taken away. Therefore we caused our ministers to say to the said King (as yourself can best witness, having been sent thither) that unless he would take some peaceable course, we should be constrained to assist them until he was drawn to deal more favourably with them. Therefore, seeing the continuance of the said persecution and that our mediation has not taken the good effect we desired, we have at their earnest request, sent by their commissioners, consented (though not to take the sovereignty as they desired, yet) to assist them as our good friends and neighbours, having no intent to make ourselves possessioner of those countries—as will appear if the King shall ever grow to a friendly accord with them such as was offered at the Pacification of Ghent, which none would be more ready than ourself to persuade them to accept.
	Which thing we have thought meet to notify to him, as also to publish to all the world by a declaration which you shall give him, “which may suffice for the first time of your access.”
	At your second audience, you are to let him understand that the reasons in the said declaration being grounded upon honour and justice, we trust he will be content to enter into some treaty with the United Provinces for compounding their differences with the King, in respect of their liberties and freedom of conscience. And if he declares he has no commission to grant toleration of the exercise of religion, as a matter the King will never consent to, you shall say that if the King considered well his own estate, he being grown to years, his son young, his countries lying far asunder, the strength of those countries still in the hands of the United Provinces, and the great desire some of the neighbours of those countries have to set foot in them, it ought to move him to make some good composition with them, rather than by continuance of war not only to hazard the loss of those countries but of all his dominions. You shall also, as from yourself, put the Prince in mind how necessary it is for his own fortune to persuade the King to this, “having obtained very great reputation through the notable exploits he hath done there during the time of his charge,” and seeing that the success of war is subject to change, that the States which hold out are stronger and harder to gain than the rest, and that after these long wars the King lacks means to back him as the service requires, it would be best for him, after “performing so notable an attempt as the winning of Antwerp” to try to draw the wars to an end.
	And if you find in the Prince a disposition to like of our motion, but no authority to proceed without advertising the King thereof, then to move him for a surcease of arms until he hears from his Majesty.
	Also to declare that whatever conceit the King may have had of our disposition towards him, none will be more ready (if he please to use our mediation) to do all good offices that may work an accord.
	And as he may enter into declaration of wrongs conceived to be done by us to the King, you shall, for the better answering of him, have a copy of the declaration sent a year past into Spain by Waad, where these objections are answered, and our good offices and his Majesty's unthankful requital of them are “contained.”
	And if he finds himself aggrieved that his servant Guiverino [or Zuffarino] whom he sent last year, might not have access to us, you shall show him that this proceeded not from lack of goodwill or respect to himself, but because our servant Waad had been denied access to the King; and to show that we had no meaning to disgrace himself, his servant was told that if he came to deal in matters nearly concerning the Prince, he should have access.
	But if you find the Prince resolute to yield neither to treaty nor to cessation of arms, you shall plainly let him understand that we are determined to employ such means as God has given us in the assistance of those countries, to such end as is contained in the declaration you shall deliver to him.
	Endd. 8¾ pp. [Flanders I. 37.]
Aug. 22.	John Schulte to Burghley.
	In order to expedite the affairs of the Hanse towns, he has thought best to give him private warning and information as to the extent of the commissioners' orders and as to the fixed and immoveable opinion of the Hanse towns about the whole business.
	As to the residence at Hamburg and the question of toll or customs there will not be much difficulty. But as to everything else that concerns trade and commerce, the Hanse towns wish all the old rights and agreements to be preserved and the liberties lately withdrawn to be re-granted. And further, they must have expressly reserved to them the right of imposing the same tolls and customs in their cities as are taken in England, and desire that all the old agreements between them and the Lord Mayor, Sheriffs and commonalty of London be preserved intact. On these points, they cannot give way.
	No alarm need be felt because the question of the residency at Hamburg must be deliberated on by certain of the cities. There will be no difficulty about this, provided the old privileges of the Hanse towns are first restored.—London, the Steelyard, 22 August, 1585. Signed Johan Schulte, LL. Licent., senator of Hamburg, now deputy for the Hanse cities.
	Add. Endd. Latin. 3 pp. [Hamburg and Hanse Towns II. 8.]
Aug. 23.	Roger Williams to Walsingham.
	“If her Majesty means to have Holland and Zeeland, her Highness must resolve presently. Aldegonde hath promised the enemy to bring them to compound. Here are arrived already his ministers which know all his dealings about Antwerp from the first to the last. Calvart, a minister in times past, but now secretary to the town of Antwerp—as much to say a greffier or a recorder—also Barwick, a secretary to the Prince of Orange. He was joined with Aldegonde from the Prince and ran always with him one course, with divers others.
	“Count Morris is governed altogether by Villiers the minister; Van der A, steward, and Malleroy, esquire. Villiers was never worse for the English than at this hour; the other two not firm in Religion but constant to Aldegonde. Perceiving their intent and meaning, I used words to them that came from Antwerp afore Count Morris and some of the States; notwithstanding, now yesterday they were resolved to send for 'Aldegondy.' Now I do hear order is given to stay him at the fleet afore Lyllo until his dealings be known. Count Morris tells me he will not only discredit Aldegondy what he can but also give no ear unto his confederates.
	“To be short, the people say in general they will accept a peace unless her Majesty doth sovereign (“suffraine”) them presently. I spake with divers of Antwerp, which knew all the dealings; they say their desperation fell first when your honour gave a bill of credit unto Colonel Morgan. He gave it out unto the people and soldiers that he and his were in her Majesty's pay. Now when her Highness' letters came to Antwerp, they gave out, these be such succours as the first, after our voluntaries arrived so poor, without arms. Those dealings, with the furtherance of our contraries was the occasion of their desperation.
	“Here are divers murmurs because they receive no letters from her Highness and your honours. When the Prince dealt with the French, the King and his chiefs wrote letters often to particular men, the which advanced greatly their affairs. If her Majesty means to deal with these countries, it were good letters were written unto sundry personages to thank them for their good opinion of our country and succours, as though your honour heard it by our means. The Count Hollock, the burgomasters of Flushing and of Rotterdam, Meetkerke, Van der A, Count Morris' steward, the which (I think) would be good English with small persuasions.
	“Milander, the secretary, he carries a good sway amongst the people. Lyer, governor of Rogen Hill, Locres (Loker) governor of Ostend; Grunvelt (Grimnold), governor of Sluys; especially Dr. Junius and the serjeant-major of Flushing, with him he had great conference, he doth assure us, whensoever her Majesty's will is, he will deliver the keys of Flushing. He may do it, for he hath in the town 800 soldiers at command. All the men of war in general will be at her Highness' devotion if they be in credit in time. What you do, it must be done presently, for I do assure your honour there is large offers presented unto them by the enemies, wherefore I pray God her Majesty prevent it in time. If she deals not roundly and resolutely with them now, it will be too late two months hence. The enemy hath ready forty battering pieces, and marches presently either to Sluys, Ostend or to Berges [Bergen-op-Zoom]. To Ostend most likely, for Ghent and Bruges hath sent unto the Prince of Parma either to relieve their passage for victuals or else they must quit the towns. Wherefore the general [Norreys] hath sent six hundred of his men to Ostend with Captain Erington and his brother Edward. We go this [day ?] for Holland, to the General Estate, to know where our rendezvous shall be, to address the army. I think it must be in the Isle of Tertole. If there come any cavalry, I humbly desire your honour to give it me, for this place which I have I am sure Col. Morgan and I will never agree, wherefore it were good he were lieutenant of the footmen, if it will please your honour. I think I could discharge the place on horseback.—Middelburg, 23 August.
	Copy. Endd. 2 pp. [Holland III. 23.]
Aug. 23.	Colonel Norreys to Walsingham.
	I am asked to commend to you the bearer, “Frederick Jenibell, an Italian born, a man very famous for his knowledge and skill in fireworks, and the only inventor which framed the late fireworks sent out against the bridge from Antwerp.” As I know you esteem men of rare gifts, I pray you to afford him your favour and to despatch him hither again if you so think good, as we may have occasion to use his service in these parts.— Middelburg, 23 August, 1585, stilo Angliœ.
	Add. Endd. ½ p. [Holland III. 24.]
Aug. 23.	The Queen to the States of Zeeland.
	Has already written requesting them not to proceed against the Sieur de Treslong with such severity as it seems they endeavoured to do, and now, having heard that her former request has not produced the desired and fitting effect, wishes to put them again in mind thereof, and to pray them to give orders that he shall not be further proceeded against until they have informed her fully of the charge against him and received her opinion thereon.—Nonsuch, 23 August, 1585.
	Copy. French. ½ p. [Ibid. III. 25.]
Aug. 24.	Horatio Palavicino to the Queen.
	[This letter has been cut down almost in the centre, so that only half of each line remains. It gives an account of the audience which he and Sir Edw. Stafford had of the King on Sunday, Aug. 22 [old style] when he presented a letter from her Majesty. The substance appears to be—] That he desired to know whether the new edict was voluntary or obligatory; that the King replied cautiously, saying that his subjects were of two different religions and that he desired nothing so much as to unite them all in his own religion, and for this cause had made the new edict; that he went on to excuse the Guises for what they had done, to which Palavicino replied that what they had done was not for the cause of religion, but for their own private aggrandisement, seeking their own designs, not his service, and for this cause had taken arms, to his manifest prejudice; wherefore it was hoped he would take her Majesty's letter into consideration, not expecting from him any great resolution, but hoping he would carry out the edict gently and without severity.
	Add. Endd. with date. Italian. 1¾ pp. [France XIV. 73.]
Aug. 24.	Norreys to Walsingham.
	I have dealt with the Council about the business of the Lord Mayor of London, mentioned in your letters; who say they have heard nothing thereof, but so soon as they do, promise to proceed therein “with all indifferent justice.”
	They have not yet taken the informations in Admiral Treslong's cause, but to give her Majesty no cause to be offended, will send for the bailiff of Middelburg, and take order that the Admiral shall have the liberty of the prison, with such other ease and favour as may be, and will hereafter make report to her what they find in the informations against him.
	Concerning the speeches uttered at Berghes [Bergen-op-Zoom] before M. Marquette they have sent for the examinations taken by him, but the gentleman being since departed this life, and the party which spake the words fled to the enemy's camp, “they do not see how they can do any justice for the offence.”
	I am presently to take my journey into Holland, to treat with the General States, who as I understand mean to create a camp, the Council here having sent their deputies thither to treat for pioneers, a thing so necessary in this service that I earnestly beseech your furtherance therein, having no doubt but that these people will allow of the charges disbursed in levying and transporting the same and of any moneys disbursed by the treasurer for the furnishing of this service.
	From Holland I will advertise you what I can learn of the States' purpose in their treaty with her Majesty, wherein it is feared some cunning will be used to make delay.
	“It is very hard dealing that my brother is abridged of the allowance of 20s. a day.; in respect of the great charges I am at in these journeys, I well hoped my allowance there should not have been shortened, but if her Majesty shall not please to allow it, I must be content to bear it patiently among my other mishaps.” The lands I held per custodiam in that country I trust I shall still keep, and the survey being once brought out of Ireland, I pray to be remembered for some lands in fee simple. I also crave your favour to procure letters to the Lord Deputy in behalf of Captains Hill and Wingfield, that during their service in these parts, they may still enjoy their pensions in Ireland.—Middelburg, 24 August, 1585, stilo Angliœ
	Add. Endd. 1¾ pp. [Holland III. 26.]
Aug. 24.	Col. Norreys to Walsingham.
	I think myself infinitely bound to you for your godly counsel, and will follow it to the uttermost of my power.
	“I have had large conference with M. de Villiers. He condemneth St. Aldegonde's doings, but will impute it to fear and not to malice.” He will write to you what charge he has from M. Segur to deal with the States in behalf of the King of Navarre, but will defer to make overture of it to the States till it be seen what will come of the treaty with her Majesty. His counsel is “that they shall deal frankly with her Majesty, for that prince will soon find where there is halting.” I was fain to tell him that she was sending into Germany as promised to M. Segur.
	“St. Aldegonde, notwithstanding that he was forbidden to come hither, and laid for at the fleet, yet stole secretly to Dort,
	where they say he is stayed, but I doubt he will be heard speak and then assuredly he will do great hurt.” I beseech you to think upon us in these parts, “for if her Majesty refuse the country, we shall find hard measure.”—Middelburg, 24 August, 1585.
	Postscript.—Give me leave to pray your honour that if her Majesty deals with this country, my father may have the government of Flushing and the island of Walcheren (Walkere) “I doubt not but it will be agreeable both to her Majesty and this country.”
	Holograph. Add. Endd. 1 p. [Holland III. 27.]
Aug. 24.	The Commissioners op the Hanse Towns to the Privy Council.
	Complaining that, instead of a written answer to their demands a verbal message was sent to them from the Treasurer by Adam Wachendorf, secretary of the Steelyard, and that, although the Council demanded and obtained from them a signed statement that the decrees made by the Hanse towns were abrogated, no similar statement had been so far obtained from the Council.
	[Further arguments in favour of the abrogation of the decrees against them.]—-London, 24 August, 1585.
	Add. Endd. “Aug. 25.” Latin. 1 ½ pp. [Hamburg and Hanse Towns II. 9.]
Aug. 24.	Copy of the above.
Aug. 24.	Endd. Latin. 1½ pp. [Ibid. II. 10.]
Aug. 25.	A. de Licques to Walsingham.
	Informs him that on Saturday, the 21st inst. [o.s.] a French merchant naturalized in England, and living “in this town of the Rye,” going to London upon his business, was attacked by robbers between Flemwell and Tunbridge, robbed of all that he had and left for dead. The sum taken was not great in itself, but a very great loss to its owners, for he was carrying up 15l. sterling in French gold belonging to two poor men, burdened with wife and children, who, to escape from persecution had brought with them their all, to sustain them until they could get work. The Mayor and some of the magistrates of the town say that if his honour would write to Sir Richard Baker and one named “ Cooltpiper, (fn. 1) ” who live near the place, they could easily recover what is lost. Prays him to have pity on these poor people. The merchant himself had no more than he needed for his journey, only some thirty “ schelins.”—25 August, 1585.
	Add. Endd. Er. 1 p. [France XIV. 74.]
Aug. 25.	[The Queen] to Count Hohenlohe.
	We are despatching the bearer to the States of the United Provinces to assure them of our care for their welfare and preservation, to the end that this accident of the loss of Antwerp, for which we are extremely sorry, may not cause such amazement amongst the people that further alteration may ensue, to the danger and prejudice of the State. And we pray you that as you have hitherto very willingly and honourably employed yourself in their cause, you will now above all exhort them to stand firm, and will aid them by your advice and industry in the maintenance of their affairs.
	Draft, endorsed with date. Fr. ¾ p. [Holland III. 28.]
Aug. 25.	The Queen to the States General.
	“Nous avons a nostre tres grand regret receu les nouvelles de la rendition de la ville d'Anvers; dont craignant que la perte ne cause quelque dangereuse apprehension es cœurs du peuple de par dela, comm' en pareilz cas ils y sont ordinairement sujets, et que par consequent il ne s'en ensuive quelque changement ou alteracion, au prejudice de Testat present des affaires, a quoy vouldrions surtout obvier, pour le soing qu' avons du bien, repos et conservation des Provinces unies; avons advisé de despescher quant et quant vers vous ce porteur, nostre feal et bien aymé le Sieur Davison [over le Sieur Waade erased] pour vous representer combien voz affaires nous sont en recommendation, et la bonne intention en laquelle it nous laisse de ne rien oublyer qui puisse servir a vostre bien et preservation, comm' il vous le declarera plus particulierement, en quoy vous prions de luy donner foy et credit comm' a nous mesmes et de vous tenir pour certains et asseurés que ne fauldrons d'accomplir tout ce qu' il vous promettra de nostre part, suyvant la charge que luy en avons donnée.—Wimbleton, 25 August, 1585.
	Copy, apparently intended to be the letter sent, if the name had not been changed. Endd. ½ p. [Ibid. III. 29.]
	Another copy of the above.
	Endd. Fr. 1 p. [Ibid. III. 30.]
Aug. 25.	The Queen to Count Maurice.
	Credentials for Davison [over Waad erased] to the same effect as those to the States General, above.
	Draft. Endd. Fr. 1 p. [Ibid. III. 31.]
Aug. 25.	Capt. Roger Williams to Walsingham.
	“After my last letters, on the general's request I came to this town, having speeches with the burgomaster, the serjeant-major and others. I do perceive by them their case stands thus. Unless her Majesty does place garrisons presently, the large offers of the enemy's will make the people in general very shortly to cry all peace, peace (“peas, peas”). Then her Highness will be sorry she neglected the time. At this hour she may have all. Her Majesty needs not to trouble herself of mean to charge herself with garrisons but in these towns: Flushing, Brill, Enchuysen, Harling in Friesland; all be ports invincible (unvinsipell). These her Highness may assure them with 2,500 men. As long as we be able to put 5,000 footmen, 1,500 horsemen in the field, we will defend all the rest longer than the enemy will be able to assiege them. Look unto it well, else I do see our ruin.
	“I spake with divers of experience and good judgments which had conference with the enemy; some instruments for him, others well willers to us. Pattun [qy. Paton] the Scot, Fremyn the Frenchman, Ambrose Duke, a Walloon, Sucke, a Fleming all does agree and says he means either to perish or to be in England presently after stablishing any order in these parts, the which will be done presently; and will become mortal enemies unto us unless we defend them with great resolution presently. I do humbly desire your honour to show my letters unto her Majesty, to discharge my duty towards her royal service and dear country. It grieves no man more to see great occasions overthrown so lightly; the famous town of Antwerp lost only wilfully, in delaying of time. Now it is well known their bridge might a been broken with less loss than a hundred men. Our delays made the people desperate, without sense. If we look not to it in time, it will not only lose these invincible countries, but despair all honest good minds to defend our own.”—Flushing, 25 August.
	Add. to Walsingham, or in his absence to Sir P. Sydney.
	Endd. 2 pp. [Holland III. 32.]
	Copy of the preceding letter.
	Endd. 1½ pp. [Ibid. III. 33.]
Aug. 25.	Burghley, Walsingham and Hatton to the Commissioners of the Hanse Towns.
	Explaining that the reason for sending a verbal message by M. Wachendorf was that they were much pressed with business, and owing to the dispersal of the Council could not do by letter what the commissioners desired; and announcing that freedom of trade has been restored to the Hanse merchants resident in London, and that the decrees that have for some years hindered such freedom are abrogated, on condition that English merchants be permitted a like liberty in the Hanse towns. To facilitate this, they have decided to recommend that the Hanse merchants be allowed to export yearly a certain number of cloths.
	As to their other demands for confirmation of their privileges, further discussion is needful, which must be postponed until the other members of the Council return to Court.—Wimbledon, 25 August, 1585.
	Copy. Endd. Latin. 1 p. [Hamburg and Hanse Towns II. 11.]
Aug. 26.	Stafford to Burghley.
	Has written two long letters to the Secretary, and Mr. Pallavicino has written both to him and to her Majesty; therefore refers his lordship to these and to Mr. Pallavicino's return, by whom he will write at large of all things. Encloses a new book, come out only “this morning,'' which has been greatly commended to him, but which he has not read, it being only this moment brought to him.—Paris, 26 August, 1585.
	Holograph. Add. Endd. by Burghley. ¾ p. [France XIV. 75.]