|
| [Before May.] |
351. Christiana, Duchess of Lorraine, to Queen Mary. Recommends to her Majesty the captain of the vessel in which she had
been conveyed and wishes her a fine boy. [French. Holograph.
Two pages.] |
May 1.
Reggio. |
352. The Citizens of Reggio to same. Their unfortunate
city has been of late years so destroyed by the Turks, who have
burnt their houses, churches, and monasteries, and have reduced to
misery its inhabitants, that they send Camillo Dediano, Doctor of
Laws, and Bernardo Mosolino, Ambassadors to his Catholic Majesty,
for assistance, and beseech her Majesty favourably to intercede for
them. [Italian. One page.] |
May 3.
Brussels. |
353. Sir John Masone to Sir William Petre. Sends the articles
of accord between the Emperor and the Siennese. The Duke of
Savoy has departed in post towards Italy, with one attendant and
his guide. The rest of his train, 12 in number, follow to-day,
expecting to overtake him at Augsburg. He has promised to be
here again on the 20th. Yesterday arrived the news of her
Majesty being delivered of a Prince. Doubts as to the certainty of
this. [One page and a half. Printed by Tytler, Vol. ii., p. 469,
where he misreads Genoeses and Genes instead of Seneses and
Senes.] Incloses, |
|
353. I. "Articles of accord between the Emperor and the
Seneses." [One page and a half.] |
May 4.
Antwerp. |
354. Thomas Gresham to the Council. On the 2d inst. news
came along the seas by men of this country that the Queen was
brought to bed of a young Prince on 30th April; on the 3d, the
Regent, being at Antwerp, about seven o'clock p.m. caused the great
bell to ring to give all men to understand that the news was true.
On the first arrival of the news the English merchants caused all
the English ships to make themselves in a readiness to show some
worthy triumph upon the water. And when the great bell had
been rung, they caused them to shoot off with such joy and triumph
as by man's heart and policy could be devised, in the presence of the
Regent and all her nobles and gentlewomen. The Regent presently
sent the English mariners 100 crowns to drink. Trusts in God the
news is true, for no one of the English has any certain writing of
it. The Governor has called a general assembly of the merchants,
where it has been concluded that they will allow the Queen 21 s.
for every 1l. of the 18,000l. which was to be paid on the 15th May,
and to pay it on the 15th June next, for the receipt of which he
must give his acquittance and will send home those bonds and all
others together. [One page. Indorsed by Petre. Mostly printed
by Burgon, Vol. i., p. 168.] |
May 6.
Guisnes. |
355. Lord Grey to the Council. Has this day been credibly
informed that the Constable of France, with 400 men of arms and
eight or ten thousand foot, will be at Ardres within six or seven
days, and that he left Fontainebleau on the 30th ult. The rumour
of peace is so certain among the French that they hold it to be
already concluded. [One page and a half. Indorsed by Petre.] |
May 7.
Guisnes. |
356. Lord Grey to same. Hears from some persons out of
France that if peace is concluded the Cardinal of Lorraine is
appointed to go through England into Scotland, to conclude with
the nobles there upon the marriage of the young Queen of Scots
with the Dauphin, and to establish all French officers there, of
whom part have already gone there. Also that the town of
Berwick is like to be attempted upon the discharge of the soldiers
there. His informant there says that too many Scots are suffered
to pass through England. The bearer, Mr. Clybberie, who has been
a long time in France and has frequently furnished information, has
now brought him some intelligence, of which, considering Clybberie
can make more ample relation, he has sent him to their Lordships.
[One page. Indorsed by Petre.] Incloses, |
|
356. I. Note of the information above mentioned, with the
addition that on the 3d of April six ensigns of Germans
and three ensigns of French were going to Scotland,
and that all the ports and havens in that north part are
known to the French. [One page.] |
May 8.
Brussels. |
357. Mary. Duchess of Alva, to Queen Mary. Recommending the
bearer Thomas Denis. [Spanish. One page. Indorsed by Petre.] |
May 11.
Brussels. |
358. Sir John Masone to Sir William Petre. On receipt of her
Majesty's letter of the 6th had audience of the Emperor; what
then occurred will be seen in his letter to her Majesty. The
Emperor had been apprized of the matter previously, but took the
communication in very good part. The disposition of both Princes
is good towards a peace, but the points between them shall with
difficulty be handled. On this side of the mountains things might
be easily compounded, but the French King has such a footing in
Italy that he sees not how they can be brought to frame without
the immediate help of God. The death of the Pope will not further
the matter, since if Ferrara can leap into his place, as he is like to
make a great shift for it, they shall see much business will follow.
The giving up of Milan would help all, though the Emperor did
bestow it on some one of whom he might make as assured account
as of himself; but that will not be heard of. Thanks him for
his gentle procuring of a letter to the Lord Treasurer; prays God
some fruit may come thereof; the like thanks for the cramprings. The mediators appointed on the Queen's behalf are very
well liked. [One page.] |
May 19.
Brussels. |
359. Sir John Masone to Sir William Petre. The Emperor's
mother being departed, it were well to consider whether (as such is
used in like cases between Princes in amity), a message of condolence
on part of the Queen should be conveyed by special messenger
or by letters of credit. Trusts some occasion will shortly come for
sending some man to signify more pleasant matter, who may do
both errands at once if it so be thought requisite. Duke Augustus
has required investiture of his estate at the Emperor's hands. The
King of the Romans has prayed the Emperor to refer the executing
of the ceremony to him as Vicar of the Empire, whereby the Duke
may be driven to resort to Augsburg, where the King has so long
remained without any fruit of his travail by reason of the absence
of the Princes of Germany. He has also besought the Emperor, in
event of either peace or a truce, (which he wishes most heartily), that
they may have an interview; for which purpose he will come here,
unless the Emperor in going to Spain should travel by Germany and
Italy, in which case he will attend him by the way. It is the general
opinion that if any agreement of peace ensues, the Emperor and
both Queens will go to Spain and the Duke of Savoy remain here
as Governor. Much marvel that there are no news from Rome;
fear that Ferrara, qui demonium habet, will carry the matter
away, in which case the wars are not yet ended. The Earl of
Bedford has departed for Italy, having been very well entertained
by the Emperor, from whom he has received both gentle words and
right good advice; besides his other great bonds to her Majesty, he
counts this occasion to the Emperor not to be the least. The Earl
of Devon arrived on Thursday, and will be sent for to the Emperor
either to-day or to-morrow; he seems to have a great desire to
demean himself in all things to the Queen's contentation. Shall not
fail to give him advice occasionally, in terms of the letter from the
Council which his Lordship brought with him. [One page and a
half.] |
May 21.
Brussels. |
360. Same to same. Last Sunday the Earl of Devon was
conducted to the Emperor by the Duke of Alva. Masone was not
present, but by report of the Duke and Chamberlain, whom the Earl
has requested to be his interpreter if necessary, he demeaned himself
very well; declaring among other things how much he was indebted
to King Philip for helping him through the Queen's favour out of
custody, and also for procuring him leave to see the world, whereby
he might attain to such knowledge as displeasant fortune had
caused him hitherto to lack: for which reason he had come to offer
his services to the Emperor, the renown of whose Court was so
great. His Majesty embraced his offer most willingly, minding
from time to time to show him such signs of his favour as the Earl
should have no cause to for think his journey hither. To this he
said he was moved not merely by the King's and Queen's recom
mendation, but for the sake of the Earl's father, whose noble
virtues were not unknown to him, and of whose ill fortune a
great piece be thought was for the good will he bare to his welldoings. The Earl should be informed of the service devised for
him, and in the mean time his Majesty desired that he should
take all pleasure which the Court could show him. His Lordship has now gone to Antwerp to deliver his letters to the Queen
of Hungary; he has 15 or 16 men very well in order. Yesterday
the Duke of Alva departed in post for Italy. The Queen has
removed some Governors in Antwerp, of whom the people complained for their corrupt administration of justice, and has in effect
changed the whole Scabins [Echevins] "which be in the like state
of our Aldermen of London" to the great content of the city. In
their places she has chosen both learned, upright, and substantial
men, of whom one is Melchior Schetz. The Emperor has ready
about Namur, 12,000 foot and 3,000 horse; he has also ordered to
repair thither 5,000 pioneers, " not tag and rag, but of the stoutest
and likeliest men," to labour there and in the countries of
Luxemburg and Namur. He has also caused a number of boats to
be conveyed thither, both for bridges and other service. The
meaning of this preparation is a secret, but it is thought for an
attempt on Marienburg, Mezieres, or some other French fort;
wherein if they fail, then to encamp in the vicinity of the former
city and there construct a fort like that at Hesdin, whereby
Brabant and this town, which lie open to the French, may sleep
afterward with better quiet. The widow of the late Vaivode begins
to stir on the confines of Hungary on behalf of her son, being
spurred on by the Turkish, French, and Moldavian Ambassadors
there. Many soldiers are levied about Bremen, bruited to hang upon
Marquis Albert; and it is suspected that the Elector Joachim will
make some stir for restoring him to his estates. No news of late
from Italy, but rumours continue of the likelihood of Ferrara's
attaining to the governing of the Church by professed bribery.
Peter Gonner having in his hands 8,000 Collen cleves, which he
says he provided by order from England at very reasonable prices,
laments much that for lack of money they have lain so long on his
hands, much, as he alleges, to his hindrance. [Three pages.] |
May 23.
Copenhagen. |
361. Christian III., King of Denmark, to King Philip. Acknowledges his letter of the 18th of April in reference to the restitution
of some cloths belonging to Thomas Bannister, which were seized
two years ago for evasion of the custom duties. However agreeable
it would be to him to gratify his Majesty, it is impossible, for the
various reasons set forth, to do so in the present instance. The matter
has been judicially settled by the proper official, and although there
might be no intention on the part of his Majesty's subject to
defraud the revenue, it is absolutely necessary to act rigorously in
consequence of the numerous frauds which are constantly being
perpetrated. [Latin. Broadside.] |
May 23.
Brussels. |
362. Sir John Masone to Sir William Petre and Sir John Bourne.
Last night the Earl of Devon sent him the inclosed letters to be
forwarded, in which he thinks his Lordship gives the King and
Queen an account of the gentle entertainment which he has received
from the Emperor. The Marquis of Marignano has gone with his
army to the enterprise of Porto Ercole, and Andrea Doria has gone
by sea to the same exploit with 48 gallies; to these will be joined
the gallies of Naples and Sicily now on their way, which will make
the number of the fleet at least 60; with these the French will be
unable to match. The Cardinals entered into conclave on the
15th inst.; the names mentioned as having a chance of being elected
Pope are the Cardinal of England, Cardinal di Fano, Cardinal
Morone, and the Cardinal of Naples, named Chietino [Chieti]. The
talk of Ferrara is not so hot as it is of the others. [One page.] |
May 24.
Rome. |
363. The Count of Montorio to Queen Mary. Takes advantage
of the opportunity afforded to him by the elevation to the pontificate of his uncle the Cardinal of Naples, now Pope Paul IV., to
offer his services to her Majesty. [Italian. One page.] |
May 25.
Brussels. |
364. Sir John Masone to the Council. In consequence of the
reports of the great naval preparations of the King of Denmark,
the Emperor sent recently to Antwerp for some of the Easterlings,
who have their house there resembling the Steelyard at London.
After communication had it was concluded that their Secretary,
whom they call here their Consul, should with all speed resort to
the East cities to ascertain the facts and to know whether, in case
of any ill-meaning, they had any intelligence with the King. He
has accordingly gone; in the meanwhile it causes many divers
talks, some tending to these countries others to England. The
Emperor for all events has stayed here the Spanish fleet, and minds
to take steps for the staying of all ships that may arrive in any of
these ports to be employed as need shall require. " I would wish
that our navy were looked upon in such sort, as the world might
at the least see we mind not to suffer it to decay; for, if any
mischief be intended, let us be sure our ports shall either first or
last be therein." The King of Denmark has so divided his realm
as that every tenth man fit for the wars is appointed to serve, at
the cost of the remaining nine. The French soldiers in Corsica
have mutinied for lack of payment, whereby Calvi, before which
they lay, stands on better terms; if that place were obtained, as
now it is trusted they shall not, the whole island were gone.
The Duke of Alva has left for Italy, having commission to spend
on the way a couple of days with the King of Romans to confer
with him, among other matters of importance, about his wife's
dowry and his partage, which hangs in some question. He is also
instructed to end the matters between the Colonnas, father and
son. Notwithstanding the quiet demeanour of the Emperor's
soldiers in occupying Sienna, above four or five hundred of the
inhabitants have availed themselves of the liberty granted by the
capitulations, and have removed with their houses to Montalcino,
in spite of the persuasion of Count de Santa Fiore to the contrary.
"Such matter breedeth a sect and a faction when it once resteth
in a man." During the week before the town surrendered above
1,000 of all classes died from hunger. Strozzi brags that he will
ordain a form of new Sienna at Montalcino, with magistrates
and all as before when Sienna was at liberty; but if the Marquis
of Marignano succeeds at Porto Ercole, that device will quickly
quail. The Emperor's army is encamped seven leagues beyond
Namur; the spot where he is building the new fort had been
viewed and measured by the French for the same purpose, three
days before the arrival of the army. The Cardinals entered into
conclave on the 15th. Ferrara makes shift by all means, lawful
and unlawful, to carry the bell away; but others, doubting the
inconvenience of such election, and detesting the open bribery of
his agents, do their best to let him; and, what is best, Farnese,
who was thought on his side, makes a party against him. It is
thought when he sees no chance of success he will give his influence to Fano. " The wagers in the banks run upon England,
Morone, Fano, and Naples, otherwise called Chietino [Chieti], and
least is laid on Ferrara his side though he thrust never so fast at
it." The Duke of Urbino has the charge of the city, and Ascanio
della Cornia of Bologna, during this interregnum. If advices
from Constantinople are correct, the Turk's navy comes towards
those seas in greater force, though not so soon as was feared;
besides the Captain-General there come with it four Sangiacchi,
of Santa Maura (Dragut Rey), Metelin, Negropont, and Isnich.
The Turk himself is still in Amasia, waiting for the Sophy's
Ambassador, who was appointed to be with him in March. [Three
pages.] |
May 29.
Brussels. |
365. Sir John Masone to the Council. The Queen having settled
all matters at Antwerp, has returned here, and the soldiers have
been sent to the camp. On the 25th inst. Martin Van Ross [en] set
the first shovel into the ground for the beginni g of the new fort
which is devised between Givet and Verey on the Meuse. It is
promised to be tenable in three weeks, there being employed upon
it 6,000 pioneers, besides such as for two patarts extra pay choose
to put their hands to it. In the banks at Rome are laid on the
head of the Cardinal of Naples twenty for the hundred, upon
Ferrara sixteen, on Pole, Fano, and Morone twelve. " If our
Cardinal were present at Rome he were by the common opinion
like to be made Pope." The Algerine gallies, in number 20,
have arrived in the Tuscan sea to aid the French, and it is reported,
though not thoroughly believed, that the Turk's fleet to the amount
of 80 are afloat to make thitherward. Strozzi, leaving Cornelio
Bentivoglio in Montalcino, has gone to Porto Ercole, in hope of
the arriving of the Turk's fleet. Matters in Piedmont stand at a
stay. The French still lie at the siege of Vulpiano. The Duke of
Savoy arrived in Milan on the 13th, contrary to a rumour that
he had been taken in Germany by the way. The Bishop of Ely
and the other Commissioners are still in Bologna, their expenses
being defrayed by the Consistory of Rome, like as when in Milan
they were by order of the Senate. Sir John Cutts died suddenly
at Venice about the 8th or 9th inst. "One Woodman is at this
present in this town, with three or four servants in blue coats at
his tail, whom (for that being an Englishman he strangeth himself
from my house) I had for a time in suspect, but upon inquiry
made of him, I have learned that he is received to serve the
Emperor upon the sea, which I knew not before. How he useth
himself in that charge, well or ill, your Lordships cannot be but
well advertised." |
|
P.S.—A post just come from Italy mentions the arrival of the
Duke of Alva at Augsburg on the 25th, and that of the Duke of
Savoy at Vercelli on the 15th. [Three pages.] |
| May 30. |
366. "Instructions given by the King and Queen's Majesties to
Sir Edward Carne, their Ambassador to the Pope's Holiness." On
receipt of her Majesty's letters he is to notify the same to Cardinals
Morone and Sequenza, and follow their advice in delivering them
to his Holiness. Should his Holiness seem to mislike that the
letter is written in the King and Queen's name jointly, he is to
be informed, that by a common order taken in England, whatever
passes under the Queen's name, during the King's absence from the
realm, his still goes jointly therein; and if he be within the realm
his hand and subscription is also to every such writing. He is
to inform Cardinal Caraffa of the receipt of the letters, of their
Majesties' desire for the maintenance of the true religion, and of
their trust that he will be a furtherer and helper therein. He is
to thank in their names Cardinals Morone and Sequenza, for their
good will and communications by the Ambassador Resident. To
enable him to converse on the subject of their contents, copies of
these letters and of another writing by the Bishops are sent to him,
and which he shall use, according as to the Cardinal Morone and
his own wisdom shall seem convenient. Should his Holiness or
Cardinal Caraffa mislike that no special messenger was sent with
these letters, they are to be informed that their Majesties, thinking the matter to be of weight and importance, considered all
diligent speed should be used therein, which in these great heats
could not have been done by any man of reputation meet for such
message without danger and peril of his life. In conference with
his Holiness he is to use their Majesties' names either jointly
or separately as he shall deem most expedient for promoting
the matter; and should the Pope seem inclined to condescend to
the contents of the letters, he is to be suitor for a reply; otherwise
not to ask or appear to desire such. The letters from his Majesty
to Cardinals Morone, Sequenza, Carpi, and Compostellano, he is
to deliver personally, and inform them that they may make such
use of these letters in discoursing with his Holiness as they shall
see fit. As Cardinal Pole has apprized Cardinal Caraffa of the
full commission given to the English Ambassador to treat with
the Pope for peace and quiet, the Ambassador is to be guided by
the Cardinals before named as to his answers to Cardinal Caraffa.
To declare the cause why he opens no such matter to his Holiness,
if it shall be agreed that the same may be better done by the
Cardinals aforesaid. [Draft. Autograph of Petre. Five pages.] |
|
Copy of the preceding. [Four pages.] |
[End of May.]
Hampton Court. |
367. Queen Mary to Pope Paul IV. Informing his Holiness
of her safe confinement of a Prince and requesting his prayers and
thanksgivings. [Latin. Broadside. Signed by her Majesty;
autograph of, and countersigned by, Roger Ascham.] |
|
Copy, in modern hand, of the form of style of the preceding.
[Quarter of a page.] |
[Eo. temp.]
Hampton Court. |
368. Same to Henry II., King of France. Informing him of the
birth of a child. (One of the forms prepared in anticipation of
her Majesty's being confined.) Blanks left for the name of the bearer
[intended to be the Viscount Fitzwalter as appears by the subsequent form] and the sex of the infant. [French. Broadside.
Signed by her Majesty.] |
[Eo. temp.]
Hampton Court. |
369. Same to same. Having dispatched the bearer Richard Shelley,
one of the gentlemen of her household and esquire carvers to
notify her accouchement to the King and Queen of Portugal, and
the Princess of Portugal, Regent of Spain, she has commanded him
to pay his respects to his Majesty by the way, and requests a
safe conduct for him. [French. Broadside. Form as preceding.] |
[Eo. temp.]
Hampton Court. |
370. Same to the Emperor Charles V. Announcing her safe
confinement. The sex of the child and date left blank. [French.
Broadside. Signed by her Majesty.] |
[Eo. temp.]
Hampton Court. |
371. Same to the King of Hungary and the Romans. Similar
announcement, with the like blanks. [French. Broadside.
Signed by her Majesty.] |
[Eo. temp.]
Hampton Court. |
372. Same to the King of Bohemia. Similar announcement,
with the like blanks. [French. Broadside. Signed by her
Majesty.] |
[Eo. temp.]
Hampton Court. |
373. Same to the Queen of Bohemia. Similar announcement,
with the like blanks. [Spanish. One page. Signed by her
Majesty.] |
[Eo. temp.]
Hampton Court. |
374. Same to the Queen Regent of Flanders. Announcing her
Majesty's safe confinement. [French. Broadside. Signed by her
Majesty.] |
[Eo. temp.]
Hampton Court. |
375. Same to Catharine, Queen of Portugal. Announcing her
confinement. [Spanish. Half a page. Signed by her Majesty.] |
[Eo. temp.]
Hampton Court. |
376. Same to the Queen Dowager of France. Informing her of
the birth of a child. [French. Broadside. Form as preceding.] |
[Eo. temp.]
Hampton Court. |
377. Same to Francisco Venieri, Doge of Venice. Announcing
the birth of a Prince. [Latin. Broadside. Signed by her Majesty,
and countersigned by Roger Ascham.] |
[Eo. temp.]
Hampton Court. |
378. Passport for Richard Shelley, Esquire, sent by King Philip
and Queen Mary to the King of Portugal and the Princess of
Portugal, Regent in Spain, to announce to them her Majesty's confinement. [Broadside on vellum. Signed by their Majesties.] |
[End of May.]
Hampton Court. |
379. The Council to Dr. Wotton. Desire him to procure from the
French King a safe conduct for Richard Shelley, Esquire, sent to
carry the news of her Majesty's happy delivery to the Princess of
Portugal, Regent of Spain, and to the King and Queen of Portugal.
[Signed by Stephen [Gardiner] Bishop of Winchester and Chancellor, the Marquis of Winchester, the Earl of Arundel, Lord
Howard of Effingham, Sir John Gage, Sir Robert Rochester, Sir
William Petre, and Sir Edward Waldegrave. One page.] |
[End of May.]
Hampton Court. |
380. Passport for Lord Howard of Effingham, High Admiral of
England, sent as Ambassador to the Emperor Charles V. to
announce Queen Mary's safe delivery. Sex of the infant and date
left blank. [Broadside on vellum. Signed by King Philip and
Queen Mary.] |
May?
[Frankfort.] |
381. "Responsum Commissariorum Cesariorum ad literas Regis
Galliæ." [Latin. Six pages.] |
