Simancas: June 1572

Calendar of State Papers, Spain (Simancas), Volume 2, 1568-1579. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1894.

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

Citation:

'Simancas: June 1572', in Calendar of State Papers, Spain (Simancas), Volume 2, 1568-1579, ed. Martin A S Hume( London, 1894), British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/simancas/vol2/pp395-397 [accessed 10 October 2024].

'Simancas: June 1572', in Calendar of State Papers, Spain (Simancas), Volume 2, 1568-1579. Edited by Martin A S Hume( London, 1894), British History Online, accessed October 10, 2024, https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/simancas/vol2/pp395-397.

"Simancas: June 1572". Calendar of State Papers, Spain (Simancas), Volume 2, 1568-1579. Ed. Martin A S Hume(London, 1894), , British History Online. Web. 10 October 2024. https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/simancas/vol2/pp395-397.

June 1572

9 June. 333.
Another duplicate sent of the aforegoing.
23 June.
B. M. Add. 26,056b.
334. Document headed, "News from England" (from Antonio Fogaza to Ruy Gomez?).
The principal reason for the risings in Zealand are the letters (bills?) given to the rebels by the merchants of Antwerp, some of the richest of these having given such letters. I have just discovered a matter of the highest importance, especially if the duke of Alba should not hitherto have heard of it, namely, that these Antwerp men, through their agents here, are really finding the money for the continual succour sent from here. In order that this wickedness may be punished, I enclose herewith the names of these agents and their principals in Antwerp. There are still some whose names I have not yet discovered, but will duly advise all I can learn. The admiral of France has sent a gentleman hither to see the Queen, and tell her that he was forced to surrender the lands to the King before the time agreed upon. The letter did not dwell upon other things, except to say that, as they could not be entrusted to paper, the gentleman himself would declare them.
I will go for three or four days to Kingston, to learn what these Frenchmen are up to, as, from what I hear, I do not think I was wrong in my opinion expressed on Montmorenci's first coming. Foix had Burleigh in his house the other day, and praised him highly for his great prudence, and said he was esteemed everywhere. He said his wisdom might now be made manifest to all the world, as he (Foix) had special instructions from the Queen and King to point out to Burleigh how advisable it would be for the two Queens to join together and make war in Flanders, where public feeling was fully prepared for it, as he could prove to him by many letters received from Flanders, which he showed him, pointing out how easy and profitable the enterprise would be. Foix could well do this, as he is a most diabolical person, and a great rhetorician. He added, that the territory they conquered could be divided between England and France. Burleigh listened willingly to this, as he is the inventor of the alliance, and a mortal enemy of Castile. Foix afterwards broached the subject to Leicester, but he did not take it so readily, nor did the Queen. This was the matter which Montmorenci was to convey to the Queen in the Admiral's name, but I am told he did so in the name of his prince.
So far as can be seen the Queen does not trust overmuch to these offers and fine words, but wishes to have some sort of security in her hands—thinking of Calais—and this may be managed if Burleigh is favourable. It is more likely that this may be the outcome than anything else, as I do not see where the Queen has any money for a rupture of so much importance. I hope to learn more, and will advise.
25 June. 335.
After closing this letter ready for despatch I was obliged to stay for two days longer to assure myself further about the negotiations between the English and French. I am told that nothing will be settled until the arrival of a courier from France, who was sent from here in great haste. It is thought that the Queen demands sureties or hostages before she entertains anything. By the answer sent we shall know what the decision will be, and I will be vigilant, in order to advise your Highness, sending you if possible a copy of the agreement.
I am told on good authority that orders have been secretly given for all sorts of warlike stores to be got ready. There is no suspicion that they are arming, but they are really doing so actively. I am nevertheless assured that no fleet could be got ready in less than six weeks.
News comes from Scotland that there is a cruel civil war there between the Catholics and the heretics, who are killing each other without respect or mercy. This was not the case before, but only since Croc has been there. He is doing more harm than good.
27 June. 336.
After having closed my letter a second time I was told that I should have some important news about the French alliance with the heads of the agreement, and kept back the bearer. I send enclosed the rough heads by which your Highness will gather the substance, and will send the full text as soon as I can get it, the document being very long.
The expected reply from France arrived on the night of the 25th, and a letter came also from the King to this Queen in answer to one she had sent to him, through her ambassador, about the negotiation broached by Montmorenci and Foix in his name, respecting a joint war in Flanders. The answer was quite different from what was expected, it having been found that the business had been carried very far on slight grounds, to her (the Queen's) very small advantage. She dissembled as well as she could, and went to the Council next day in person. Montmorenci and the other two were there, and the Queen said to them, loudly, that on no account would she break with the Catholic King. This declaration was made very emphatically, and Montmorenci replied that her intentions were much changed, as M. de Lumay had gone from here with her consent and aid to rob the isle of Brille. The Queen at once admitted it, but said it was a very different thing, and protested that she desired to keep friendly with the house of Burgundy. She tried hard to convince the Council that this was her intention, as they were not in the secret, as Burleigh, Leicester, and Bedford were. At last Montmorenci and Burleigh privately agreed that, if the King consented to the draft treaty sent, this Queen would do so. In order to lose no more time Montmorenci decided to leave two days before he had intended, so as to get the King to agree to the conditions.
These people are very desirous of securing themselves in case the treaty is agreed to, and Montmorenci is so desirous of carrying it through that the point becomes less difficult. He, Montmorenci, fears the Guises may have been at work to cool the King somewhat in the matter.
News comes from Scotland that Croc had reconciled the Catholics with the heretics.
The night before last three ships left this river for Flushing, with 1,500 men, mostly English, four cannons, two bronze culverins, and some cast-iron ordnance, as well as much warlike stores. The troops are raised secretly by Burleigh's orders, and at the cost of the Flemings here.
28 June. 337.
Montmorenci left this morning. The train he brought consisted of 540 persons in all, amongst whom were 62 Monseigneurs, most of the rest being gentlemen and captains. A ship from Flushing arrived here this morning with news that the Castilians had taken a fort a mile distant from the place, with losses on both sides, and that Mons was surrounded by the troops of Chapin Viteli and Don Fadrique (de Toledo).—London, 28th June 1572.
30 June.
B. M. Add. 26,056b.
338. Document headed, "Points of Letter from Antonio De Guaras to the Duke of Alba."
That the queen of England had told Guaras, when he handed her certain letters from the duke of Alba, that the Flushing people came daily to offer to deliver the place to her, and, if it were to the interests and the wish of his Majesty, she would accept it and hold the town by means of the English who were there, and those she would send for the purpose, with the object of, at once, surrendering the place to the duke of Alba, or his representative.