Simancas: March 1584

Calendar of State Papers, Spain (Simancas), Volume 3, 1580-1586. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1896.

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Citation:

'Simancas: March 1584', in Calendar of State Papers, Spain (Simancas), Volume 3, 1580-1586, ed. Martin A S Hume( London, 1896), British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/simancas/vol3/pp519-520 [accessed 6 December 2024].

'Simancas: March 1584', in Calendar of State Papers, Spain (Simancas), Volume 3, 1580-1586. Edited by Martin A S Hume( London, 1896), British History Online, accessed December 6, 2024, https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/simancas/vol3/pp519-520.

"Simancas: March 1584". Calendar of State Papers, Spain (Simancas), Volume 3, 1580-1586. Ed. Martin A S Hume(London, 1896), , British History Online. Web. 6 December 2024. https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/simancas/vol3/pp519-520.

March 1584

1 March.
Paris Archives, K. 1448. 4.
372. The King to Bernardino De Mendoza.
From your letters up to the 18th January, I learn of the new persecution of the Catholics in England, and the danger that existed that they would wring by torture out of the prisoners to their own prejudice, and that of others, confessions of things that never happened. By your letters of 26th and 30th January, brought by your servant, I am informed of the decision adopted by the Queen with regard to your departure, and the manner in which it was conveyed to you, together with your reply, which was a fitting one. I approve of it, and see that you have acted with the same good sense and courage in the manner of your departure as in all else that has happened during your stay in the country. I am entirely satisfied with you, and with your good services, and will take care that they are duly remembered. Anxiety has been felt lately in consequence of our not having any certain news of your arrival in France, and although two English ships which have arrived in Spanish ports now bring information that you passed over without misfortune, we are hoping for a direct confirmation of the intelligence. In the belief that it is true, I now inform you that, from whatever place in which your servant who takes this may find you, you may start for this place at once, and will be welcome. Funds are sent to you herewith for the purpose, in a credit for 4,000 crowns, and if passports from the Christian King, or escorts be needful for your safety in certain places, Juan Bautista de Tassis will take steps to obtain them. I shall be glad to receive an account, which doubtless you will already have written to me, of all you did, and all that happened up to the time you left, and anything that occurs to you in English affairs, as we are now dependent upon correspondents in France with regard thereto. You need only deal with matters that you think we ought to know before you can arrive. All else may wait until you come.
William Waad has arrived, and will get fitting treatment and reply, as you will learn in good time.—Madrid, 12th March 1584. (fn. 1)
20 March.
Paris Archives, K. 1448. 3.
378. Document sent to the King by Juan Bautista De Tassis, the ambassador in France, headed "Intelligence brought by John Utiton (Whittington?) who left London 20th March 1584."
That three ships of 400, 300, and 200 tons were being fitted out on the Queen's account in London, the statement being that they were destined for Magellan and would be commanded by Francis Drake. They are to be very well supplied with soldiers, munitions, and warlike stores, but carry no merchandise. They are to sail at the beginning of May. (fn. 2)

Footnotes

  • 1. In a letter of the same date to Juan Bautista de Tassis, his Ambassador in France, the King instructs him to take all necessary steps for Don Bernardino's safety and comfort, as he highly approves of his (Mendoza's) services. Tassis is instructed to keep the King informed on English affairs in the absence of an ambassador in England.
  • 2. A note on the back of this document, in the handwriting of Secretary Antonio Perez, says that Tassis is to send news of what he has heard about this matter through his other channels of information.