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June 2. Westminster. |
215. The Council to Sir John Masone. Narrates the reception
of M. de Chastillon and others sent to England to receive the King's
ratification of the treaty of Boulogne, with the entertainments provided for them. Mentions the discussion of matters connected with
the peace; such as the liberation of prisoners, restoration of captured
vessels, and the demolition of Roxburgh and Eymouth. Enumerates
the presents made to them by the King. Refers to Bowes' proceedings with the Scots, and the encroachments made by the French at
Calais. The King having pardoned some Frenchmen justly condemned to death, the Council hope that if any Englishmen are in
similar case, the like clemency may be shown to them by the French
monarch. [Ten pages. Partly printed by Tytler, Vol. i., p. 284.
Copy in Sir J. Masone's Letter-Book.] |
June 3. Konigsberg. |
216. Albert Marquis of Brandenburg to the Duke of Somerset,
"Lord Protector." Letters of credence for John Alasco. [Latin.
One page.] |
June 14. Paris. |
217. Sir John Masone to the Council. Had received their letters
on the 2d and 5th. The reception of the French Commissioners gave
much satisfaction. Details his interview with the French King on
preceding Thursday, in reference to the encroachments at Calais.
Having had secret intelligence of the arrival at the French Court of
George Paris, sent from Ireland by M'William with letters of
credence, and of the despatch to Ireland of M. de Botte, a Breton,
disguised as a merchant, mentions his conversation with the King
as to these practices with the Irish. Had conferred with the Constable regarding the frontiers and the Scots at St. Andrew's. Recommends caution and preparation. Various reasons assigned for
the Emperor going to the diet at Augsburg. Expense of living in
France. Stourton desires to return to England, but is afraid to do
so without warrant of protection. Sends a cipher. [Ten pages and
a half. Copy in Sir J. Masone's Letter-Book. Partly printed by
Tytler, Vol. i., p. 291.] |
June 29. Poissy. |
218. Sir John Masone to the Council. Since Francisco's departure
has had one or two conferences with the Constable as to the frontiers,
and had been again in hand with him touching Ireland, about which
country there is some stir in the French Court worthy to be looked
into. These Irish wild beasts should be hunted down. The Emperor
is reported to have left Spires on the 13th, and is expected at Augsburg on the 20th. He has grown into a notable pensiveness, and is
specially troubled that peace has been concluded between France and
England without him, and that he cannot frame his son to such a sort
as he much desires. Notable feud between Roygnac and De Nevers.
The Bishop of Rome has made an old bawd of his Cardinal, having
neither learning nor any other virtue or good quality, wherewith
the Holy College are much offended. Has been requested to intercede for François Robin, formerly in the service of Sir Thomas
Speke, now a prisoner in the Marshalsea on suspicion of being a spy.
Stourton still importunes to obtain licence for him to return; his
companion Horsemonden, than whom never was there a verier
ruffian, and who to make himself a gentleman has fathered himself
upon Pole's kindred, bragging the said Pole to be his uncle, has
been commanded to avoid the Court. Great want of rain lately,
but much fallen within the last three days. The French King has
nominated Basse Fontaine and Erskine Ambassadors to the Regent
for pacifying the matters of Scotland. On the 27th, between four
and five in the morning, the Queen was delivered of a son, whom
they call M. D'Angoulême. Various surmises who shall be the godfathers; they who know much say that the Queen is desirous the
King of England should be one of them, and that for that purpose
a gentleman will shortly be sent to England. [Six pages and a half.
Copy in Sir J. Masone's Letter-Book. Partly printed by Tytler,
Vol. i., p. 301.] |
June 30. Westminster. |
219. The Council to Sir John Masone. Send further instructions
how to act in the matter of the encroachments. Sundry requests
as to prisoners had been preferred by the French Ambassador. Inform him of the prohibition against the exportation of horses from
Scotland to France through England, in consequence of their great
scarcity and high price. The French Ambassador had had appointed
for his lodging the Lady Yardford's house,—one of the fairest in
London,—but this he misliked, and as such as he wished were
occupied by noblemen and others who cannot be dislodged, he seemed
not altogether satisfied, although offered the best that could be had
Scottish ships on the coasts of Cornwall, Devonshire, Essex, Sussex,
and Suffolk, having not only pillaged the Emperor's subjects, and
the Portuguese trading with the English, but also of late spoiled the
King's subjects, proclamation had been made forbidding them to
be supplied with provisions or other necessaries in any of his
Majesty's ports. Send letter from Bowes of the 19th instant in
regard to the Scots. [Five pages. Copy in Sir J. Masone's LetterBook.] |