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May 1.
Rome. |
596. Intelligence from Rome. After the capture and destruction
of Monte Fortino, Giulio Orsino went to Carpinetto, or, as some say,
to Piglio, and Marc Antonio Colonna came to meet him with large
reinforcements more of country-people than soldiers, whence he was
forced to withdraw himself into Paliano with some disorder, having
run the risk of losing not only men but artillery, and if he had not
been assisted by the cavalry would have been in bad case; as far
as can be seen, he does not intend to try another enterprise at
present with the same troops, the Imperialists daily adding to
their numbers in Anagni and in the other frontiers. The Duke
of Paliano has not yet left. Marshal Strozzi has not yet departed
for the Romagna, but will go soon; although it has been said by
some just now that his departure would be uncertain. The Gascons
leave for the camp, and at present are to join the army; the others
who embarked in the French gallies at Civita Vecchia, and who are
said not to exceed a thousand, wait orders from the Duke of Guise.
The Italians who were to have gone with the Duke of Paliano are
daily approaching by way of Reati. Captain Paolino came here,
and has returned to Civita Vecchia, and it is said that Sig. Paolo
Orsino will resign the Governorship of Perugia and go to Campo,
and will be succeeded by Sig. Torquato Conte. It is said that
many burdens will be laid on the whole of the States of the
Church, and that one per cent. will be charged on real property,
and it is still said that in the first Consistory they will proceed
to confiscations, as has been often said. Hears for certain
that Cardinal Caraffa has been to the castle and liberated the
Cardinal of Perugia, and has taken him to kiss the feet of his
Holiness. He has given security to the amount of 30,000 crowns
not to leave Rome. It is reported that the Duke of Alva is
at Sulmona, where he has levied a great mass of troops and
cavalry for aid of the Abruzzo, and that the French are battering
Civitella. |
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2. From Pesaro, of same date. A gentleman from the Duke
of Guise has arrived in Pesaro, in order to obtain munitions and
bread, and he says that the French army was before Civitella,
which was defended by Count Santofiore, with 8,000 ensigns
of infantry; that it was fortified and excellently munitioned, in
a strong position, upon a craggy mountain, where the Imperialists
had thought that artillery could not be planted, but that by a
new method at his departure they had already drawn up six guns
by ropes to a place 30 paces from the gate, and if rain had not come
on would have brought up the rest, hoping by battery and sap
to destroy its defences. That the Roman troops had joined the
Duke of Soma and the Duke of Atri, to whom all these places had
delivered their keys, and had agreed to give him the obedience
of Atri, which was very well guarded by Imperialists, and these
offered to give him 3,000 pioneers for the enterprise of Atri and
Civitella. That those in Civitella by 300 at a time had twice
sallied out and provoked a skirmish, where they were valorously
repulsed by the French, who put them to the ground, and at length
drove them back to the ramparts, many being left dead, wherefore
the Duke of Guise had issued orders that no person should go out
of the trenches under pain of death, in order to avoid a useless loss
of men. In this engagement he lost, by a shot from the defenders,
one of his best horses. |
|
3. From Rimini, of same date. They have advices from Ancona
that the prisoners, namely, the Governor, Lieutenant, and soldiers,
were liberated without ransom, and that after the French camp
had battered Civitella for some days the defenders conferred as to
an agreement. [Italian. Two pages and a quarter.] |
May 2.
Rome. |
597. Sir Edward Carne to King Philip and Queen Mary. As
the bearer, Mr. Pinnyng, leaves with diligence, and will probably
arrive before the post that departed hence on the 24th ult., recapitulates the contents of his letter of that date. On the said 24th
ult. the French gallies at Pontia returned to Civita Vecchia, the
island, as they say, being too bare for them to tarry there. At
Civita Vecchia they landed 1,500 French soldiers; next day the
captain of the gallies came hither to the Pope, and his vessels, it is
said, will return to Marseilles forthwith, leaving the soldiers behind
them. It is likewise said that the Duke of Guise will not attempt
to invade Naples, unless the Duke of Paliano, who is still at the
Court here, accompanies him. The decree revoking the Legate
is not yet out, and some think that the Pope will not be so hasty
in enforcing it as he was in decreeing it. Hears that Cardinal
Caraffa would gladly the Pope used moderation therein; and is
minded, if he could spy a time to have his Holiness in a good mood,
to move him thereof. Is advised by Cardinal Morone in no wise
to move the Pope therein. Hears that a great man is on his way
from France as Ambassador here, and that the Pope sends to
France the Cardinal of Pisa, and with him the son of the Duke
of Paliano, called the Marquis of Canea, who is said to be sent to
be brought up in the French Court and to remain there as hostage,
because the French here are not contented because the Pope will
not deliver to them the holts of the Church. They would also
have the Pope deprive his Majesty of the realm of Naples and give
a new investiture of it to the French King, else they say they
will not jeopard to enter into the said realm. As far as he can
learn the Pope will do neither, since he thinks it not expedient
for the Church or the quietness of Christendom. Whatever the
French do attempt, understands that the Duke of Alva is in such
readiness, that if they should venture there they are like to be
met withal. It is also reported that Walfrancs [Villafranca], in
Piedmont, is taken by the French; trusts it be not so. [Two pages
and a half.] |
May 6.
La Ferté Milon. |
598. Dr. Wotton to Secretaries Sir John Bourne and Dr. Boxall.
During the time Sir William Petre held office, was in the habit of
troubling him with letters containing such matters as might or
might not be considered worthy of her Majesty's attention, leaving
it to Petre's discretion to make such use of them as he deemed
fitting. The like fashion he will be glad to use with Boxall, trusting
he will treat his communications as Petre did. The French
King has commanded not only the Arrière-Ban but also the gentlemen of his household to be in readiness, whereby it is thought he
will shortly be personally in the camp, which some suppose will be
at Laon, others at Abbeville; but such secresy is maintained, even
in the smallest things, that few can know them. It is thought
that if Thomas Stafford takes any place in England, all the English
here will be sent to him, besides other aid. Dudley is still at
Court. The English here who sue for pardon are in perplexity;
for fear of war they would fain go hence, but poverty prevents
them all, save Sir N. Throckmorton who purposes to depart. Prays
God the others of desperation forget not their duty ! News have
arrived of the taking of Chierasco by assault; the Italians and
landsknechts were slain; but the Spaniards withdrew to and
kept a fort until assurance was given that their lives should be
spared. Brissac writes that this victory is to be ascribed to the
Vidame of Chartres, who behaved most valiantly. The Dauphin
has come to Court, apparently well recovered. M. de Montmorency
and the Duchess of Castres were married on Tuesday the 4th inst.
either not esteeming or else not considering that their Nostrodamus
in his prognostications said on this day should be made an unlucky
marriage. They are so occupied about the war that few pastimes
were made at the marriage. Both Tutty's and Crayer's bands are
cassed, because it is said some of the former's band would have
done him displeasure. |
|
P.S.—The rumour of war between France and England is so
prevalent, that it is said the Ambassadors of both countries
have orders to depart. The Rhinegrave is said to have made up
his band of 20 ensigns of landsknechts, and 500 horsemen of
those who carry dags, called here pistolets, who are all together in
Lorraine. The King leaves here on the 10th, whither knows not,
but the Queen remains for a while. [Cipher, deciphered. Three
pages.] |
May 7.
La Ferté Milon. |
599. Dr. Wotton to the Council. Communicates a letter from
the Constable and the substance of his arguments with Testu, the
Constable's Secretary, in reference to the seizure of some goods belonging to Bartholomew Compeigne and other merchants, not native
but naturalized Englishmen, in a vessel of Flanders; whereby they
will perceive that, contrary to the previous understanding that
such cases were to be determined by the King's Privy Council, the
French insist on the matter being remitted to the Admiralty, in
which case sentence will pass against them, for they will follow the
laws maritime. And although the English might appeal from it,
yet that were a process of three or four years, and at the last to no
profit; and although the King had not so remitted it, but caused
it to be ended here in the Council, yet should the merchants have
been never a whit the better thereby, seeing they take it that their
law maritime is nothing derogated in this point. [Three pages.]
Incloses, |
|
599. I. Letter from the Constable. Villers-Cote-Retz, 6 May.
[French. One page.] |
May 7.
St. Peter's. |
600. Pope Paul IV. to Queen Mary. Bull appointing John
[Christopherson] to the bishopric of Chichester in room of George
[Day] deceased. [Latin. Broadside on vellum.] |
May 8.
Rome. |
601. Sir Edward Carne to King Philip and Queen Mary. In
the Consistory yesterday the provision of the church of Chichester
passed according to the promise of his Holiness. It has been
reported for the last five days, and is now believed certain, that
the army of the Duke of Guise is now in Naples about Civitella,
with which is joined all the Pope's army of horse and foot, both
such as were with Antonio di Caraffa, otherwise called Marquis de
Bello Monte, and those that were at the taking of Monte Fortino,
as well as the men of war that were here also, except such as
keep the garrison of Paliano and Velletri. Is informed, however,
that Civitella is so strong, and so placed upon a mountain, that
they cannot batter or assault it; that the Count de Santofiore
is in it with 1,500 soldiers well appointed; and that it is well
victualled and provided with all munitions, so that both their
armies cannot hurt it. Indeed it is plainly said that the Duke of
Guise is in despair thereof. Antonio di Caraffa arrived here on
the 4th, having had a variance with the Duke of Guise about the
placing of certain noblemen of France who are with the Duke, who
gave him such words that Caraffa thought it should not stand with
his honour to tarry there. This matter being declared to the
Pope, he expressed such discontent with the Duke that Cardinal
Morone showed Carne that if any Ambassador had commission from
his Majesty to treat with the Pope he might have had a good time
with him. Was also informed by Cardinal Morone that neither
Antonio di Caraffa nor the Duke of Paliano will go to the Duke
of Guise's camp; but if any do go, he thinks that Cardinal Caraffa
shall. Likewise that the Pope has deferred the making out of the
decree of the revocation of the Legate, and will have it proposed
on the signature of the Inquisition, where are many Cardinals to
see what is most meet to be done therein. Cardinal Morone therefore wished him to inform these Cardinals of the Inquisition how
expedient it is to have the legateship continued in England, which
he intends to do, as in so doing Morone has good hope that the
"legacy" shall continue as it was. The Cardinal further showed
him that the Pope's army has gone here and there for lack of
wages, having had none since January last. Only four hundred
at most of his troops remain in camp with the Duke of Guise.
The Cardinal of Pusa [Perugia], brother of Ascanio della Cornia,
has been liberated from St. Angelo, on sureties of 30,000 ducats
not to leave the city without licence from the Pope. [Three pages
and a quarter.] |
May 8.
Rome. |
602. Intelligence from Rome. Yesterday in Consistory the Pope
incidentally showed much desire for peace, and displeasure that
King Philip did not display greater compunction, and declared that
he stands always with his arms open, and much to the same
purpose, which give some hopes of good. The enterprise of Civitella
turned out to be more difficult than was expected, especially it is
said, as the Duke of Alva is in the field with a large number of
troops and good cavalry near Civitella, and a good part of the
infantry having departed, the forces of the Duke of Guise are
weak in some points; however, the Duke of Paliano was to go
thither to-morrow and provide what was necessary, and not only
bring together the troops who are partly disbanded, but also raise
others, if he shall judge it to be necessary. It is four days since
Strozzi left privately with Montaigu only, it is not known what
road he has taken, though some say that he has gone on board a
frigate to visit some place. |
|
Same day. Nothing new is known but that to-morrow or next
day the Duke of Paliano goes to the camp, and will settle the
slight difference which had arisen between the Duke of Guise and
the Marquis of Montebello, who on that account had come away
to Rome; on the other hand Mons. de Guise has commanded
M. Sipier to give his account, from which Sipier understood that
the enterprise of Civitella had turned out to be very difficult, but
was not such as that its occupation need be despaired of, at least
by sap. Count Santofiore is in the city, some say by choice, some
by necessity. The bull of one per cent. is not yet published; it is
believed that it will appear in a few days, and in the meanwhile
these ministers do their best to provide as much money as they can.
The report touching the convocation of the Cardinals seems to have
subsided, and when it comes to pass it is thought that the ultramontane Cardinals will not be summoned. [Italian. One page
and a quarter.] |
|
Attached to the preceding is a printed "Relatione del Gran conflitto seguito contro trè poderosi Vascelli Corsari, e la presa della
Capitana di quelli fatta dalle Galere della Sacra Religione di San
Giovanni. Ad instanza di Gioseppe Elmi. In Roma. Con licenza
de' Superiori." [4to. Four pages.] |
May 11.
Dover. |
603. Christiana, Duchess of Lorraine, to Queen Mary. Returns
thanks to her Majesty for the attentions shown to her while in
England, and recommends the gentlemen who now return from
escorting her hither on her way home. [French. Holograph. Two
pages.] |
May 14.
La Ferté Milon. |
604. Dr. Wotton to the Council. On the 7th had sent by one of
his servants a letter containing the Constable's answer concerning the
matter of Bartholomew Compeigne and other denizens of England.
Within two or three days thereafter it was declared to the factors
of these merchants, and to other nations who had goods in the ship
taken, that the sentence given against them in the Admiral's Court
was confirmed by the King and his Council, being conformable to
their laws, which they intend to observe and keep. So the matter
is ended, without further appeal. Understands that the Admiral
with his friends made earnest suit in this matter against the
merchants; in a manner threatening that neither he nor others
would send ships to the sea unless the King maintained the
maritime laws. Having obtained his purpose, the Admiral has
returned to Picardy. The King has gone to Paris, but will be here
again on Saturday, as there is some talk that a number of Swiss
and Gascons are appointed to come and serve on this side; if this
be true, the camp will be larger than he thought any should have
been here this year. [Partly cipher, deciphered. One page and
a half.] |
May 11.
La Ferté Milon. |
605. Same to Secretaries Sir John Bourne and Dr. Boxall. The
person who gave him first knowledge of Thomas Stafford's enterprise
upon Scarborough, has shown him a little plot which Ashton has
desired to be drawn out. This plot contains Hampton, and over
against that the Isle of Wight: then, following the coast, Poole,
and beyond that another place, the name of which was so ill-written
that he could not read it. Next Waynemouth [Weymouth], and
then another place, also very ill written, but it seems to be Pontland,
or Portland, or another like thereto, "and this place is a castle set
on a hill or a rock somewhat far in the sea, not as in an island, but
there is a narrow way that goeth from the land unto it;" and this
is the very place which Asheton will have drawn and delivered to
the French King, and intends to take. It were therefore well to
have an eye to this place, for Asheton is a craftier fox than Thomas
Stafford; and if henceforth any thing be taken as Scarborough was,
it is probable that so many besides the English will be put into it
that its recovery will not be so easy as that of Scarborough was.
Dudley and one Layton are still at the Court, about some notable
enterprise, as he hears, but matters are kept so secret that he can
learn nothing. His informant thinks it is upon some plan towards
Scotland. Prays God Berwick be well provided for. Dudley and
his mates laugh merrily at Thomas Stafford's chance, and call him
King of Scarborough: his chief councillor they say was Stowell,
whom they call his Lord Treasurer, and say he must needs have
good success who uses the advice of such councillors. Is credibly
informed that Asheton earnestly makes shift to borrow money,
probably wherewith to attempt something. Hears that a Scot who
was in favour with the Duke of Northumberland is now in her
Majesty's service, and communicates all that he can learn in England
to Florence de Diaceto; if such there be, it were not amiss to have
an eye to him. The Duke of Guise is said to have taken Civitella
in the realm of Naples, and Brissac to be beating Asti with good
hope to have it. The Ambassador of Ferrara is again sent in post
to his master. [Cipher, deciphered. Two pages and a half.] |
May 15.
Rome. |
606. Sir Edward Carne to King Philip and Queen Mary.
According to the advice of Cardinal Morone, as mentioned in his
letter of the 8th, he informed all the Cardinals of the good proceedings and reformations made by Cardinal Pole in England, as
well in clero as in populo, and of his having called a synod of the
clergy, wherein many good ordinances had been passed and many
more were in hand. These, if the legacy were revoked, would be
stayed, which might produce very dangerous consequences in the
realm unless such reformation were made; and he had desired them
to weigh all this when the matter was moved among them, further
pointing out the inconveniences likely to spring from his Grace's
revocation. The Cardinals fully concurred, and said the circumstances rather called for the sending of a Legate, had none been
there, than the revoking of him; recommending him to move his
Holiness therein. Wherefore upon the 12th he waited upon the
Pope on pretence of thanking him for his provision of the church at
Chichester and commendations of her Majesty in the Consistory;
when the Pope prevented him, saying he was glad of Carne's coming,
and trusted that God had sent him, as on the previous day Cardinal
Pacheco had shown him the good inclination of his Majesty to have
peace with him and the Church, and that he had also received a
letter from Cardinal Pole to the like effect. This, his Holiness said,
he liked very well, and held up his hands beseeching Almighty God
to continue his Majesty in that good mind; as for himself, he
coveted nothing more, yea, though he shall sustain great damage
thereby, he will win his Majesty if he can. The Pope denied his
having refused to hear Francisco Pacheco or others from his Majesty,
and was desirous that such an impression should be removed from
his mind, requesting him to write to her Majesty thereof, and pray
her to advertise the King that there was no lack on the part of his
Holiness. Then referring to Pole's revocation, his Holiness stated
that this had been done already, not to prejudice anything in
England, but because it was not convenient that any Legate should
be in any of the King's dominions, for which reason he had recalled
his Nuncios from Naples, Spain, and elsewhere: yet for all that if
her Majesty would write to him for a continuance of his Legate in
England he should restore him to such authority as her Majesty
should think expedient. Had besought his Holiness not to suffer
the revocation to pass, since if it were once known abroad it should
be a great comfort to the wicked and discomfort to the good, whereby
many inconveniences might ensue. The Pope replied that what
was done could not be undone. Said his Holiness had not gone so
far in his decree but that he might moderate it and not extend it to
England, which in all his proceedings he had showed he would have
separate from his Majesty's realms, though now he set it as far forth
as any of the others: wherefore urged reconsideration. The Pope
to this observed that it could not stand with the Majesty of the
place that he sat in to revoke any part of the decree solemnly given
in full Consistory. After further argumentative remonstrance,
which he took in good part, his Holiness said, he must needs do for
England what he could, and as there was a congregation of the
Inquisition next day, the matter should therein be proponed, when
he would do his best, and willed Carne to resort to the Cardinal of
St. Jacobo to inform him that he might propone it. Had seen the
Cardinal previously, but nevertheless went again to show him the
Pope's pleasure. The matter had occupied the whole time of the
Congregation, and next morrow the conclusion was that the Pope
himself should answer Carne. Had he not gone to him the decree
would have issued, but this evening he had been with his Holiness
to know what was to be done: the Pope was still obstinate and
would not revoke the decree, yet was content to stay until her
Majesty should write, and charged the Notary and his Secretary
Beringo, not to intimate the recal without his special orders. Thus
the matter is for the present stayed. There is jarring betwixt the
Pope and the French, with whom he is nothing contented nor they
with him. All the Italians whom he had in the French camp have
left: the French handled them very ill and vilely, especially Signor
Antonio di Caraffa, the Pope's nephew, so that it is thought his
Holiness would turn the leaf if his Majesty had any one here to
treat with him. On the 10th the Duke of Paliano left this for the
Duke of Guise's camp, which is still at the siege of Civitella; it is
said that they may lie long enough before the place as they cannot
hurt it much with battery. It is said that there are 2,000 soldiers
in the town under the Count of Santofiore, and many of the
French are slain; but others say that it is in danger of being taken,
because the French occupy a hill whence they beat sore into the
town, and have withdrawn certain waters from and undermine it.
Yet most think they will lose their labour, because of its great
strength. The gallies of Marseilles arrived at Civita Vecchia six or
seven days ago, bringing 12 more ensigns of French to reinforce
their army, and he hears that they return to fetch more in room
of those who have perished. Of these twelve ensigns the French
Ambassador selected 300, whom he sent to the Duke of Guise
well furnished; the rest he discharged, but all the rest who came
have gone to the camp to such captains as will retain them to
supply the loss of others. Hears that Antonio di Caraffa does not
intend to return to the camp, and that the Duke of Alva was within
16 miles of the French with a great army of horse and foot;
but what he does is not spoken of here for want of communication,
as there is such strait keeping and dangerous passing. There are ill
news from Piedmont, the French being reported to have taken
Chierasco. Hears that if the French are not withstood in time,
they will do much hurt in Italy. The Pope sets forth a bull for
money, levying one per cent. on all the lands in the States of the
Church, which it is thought will produce two or three millions if it
be paid. [Fourteen pages.] |
May 15.
Rome. |
607. Intelligence from Rome and elsewhere. 1. From Rome,
May 15. An opinion that there will be an agreement is current
here, and Cardinal Pacheco has beeen closeted with the Pope and
Cardinal Caraffa. The Duke of Paliano leaves for the army, and with
him goes Marshal Strozzi, who, it is understood, will be soon here.
A plot has been discovered at Paliano of some Calabrian soldiers,
who left Anagni pretending to be unpaid and ill-treated; were
received in Paliano and placed in these companies, and came to
Rome with the knowledge and by order of Captain Pistolese, who
is in Anagni. At the proper time they sent a countryman into
Anagni, to learn when the Imperialists should present themselves
there; he was not to return with the answer, but to place it outside in some spot where one of the soldiers should go and take it.
The countryman did so, but it is said that, being seen by a lady,
the letter came to the hands of the captain in Paliano, whereby
the plot was discovered, and all the traitors, said to be 40 in
number, were taken. These gentry say they desire to make a new
expedition with 6,000 infantry, but it seems that they have some
difficulty in finding leaders. |
|
2. From Pesaro, of same date. Nothing is heard from Civitella,
except that the bombardment was going on, and they were waiting
to undermine it, but the continual rain for six days had been a
great hindrance. The place being very strong, both in site and
fortifications, it is doubtful whether it will be taken otherwise,
and it will cost them dear. Everybody speaks of the prudence,
valour, and humanity of the Duke of Guise, and the camp is abundantly supplied with everything. The Duke of Urbino sends five
ensigns of his troops to the Duke of Ferrara, and there have gone
at present more than 300 men. |
|
3. From Rimini, of 17th May. Yesterday came a courier with
news from the French camp that they had taken four ensigns of the
Duke of Alva's horse. The Duke had come to aid Civitella. The
particulars are not known. |
|
4. From Ancona, of 15th May. By what was understood yesterday from one who came from the camp, the French still bombard
Civitella, and those within defend themselves bravely. Yesterday
the army was to have given a general assault, but by a post arrived
this night it is understood that "andavano sopracedendo," and the
post came to summon the two ensigns of infantry to proceed immediately to the camp. The Duke of Alva is 12 miles on this side
of Civitella, coming to its aid with 18,000 infantry and 3,000
cavalry. |
|
5. From some place, of same date. Advices have arrived that
the Duke of Alva is 10 miles on this side of Civitella, with from
12,000 to 14,000 infantry and 2,000 cavalry, and had given orders
to reconnoitre the French camp with 400 horse, whence they
returned, after a smart skirmish, with slight loss. It is thought that
the French will not take Civitella, because they are inferior in
numbers, and the more so as it is understood that the Count di
Populo is coming from the other side, by way of Aquila, with other
6,000 infantry and 1,000 horse. [Two pages. Italian.] |
May 18.
Calais. |
608. Lord Wentworth to Queen Mary. The countrymen fortify
the bulwark on this side as actively as can be wished. Arrived
here last Saturday. Attempts are likely to be made upon Renti.
Has sent to watch the proceedings of the French by land and sea.
Has sent supply of grain to Guisnes, which indeed was very
necessary. [One page. Mutilated.] |
May 21.
Mantua. |
609. The Marquis of Pescara to same. Credentials of
Maestro Giovanni Francisco Arrivabene, Envoy to her Majesty.
[Half a page. Italian. Indorsed by Petre.] |
Eod. die.
Mantua. |
610. Margaret, Dowager Duchess of Mantua, to same. Credentials of the aforesaid Giovanni Francisco Arrivabene. [Italian.
Half a page. Indorsed by Petre.] |
May 22.
Mantua. |
611. William, Duke of Mantua, to same. Credentials of the
aforesaid Arrivabene. [Italian. Half a page. Indorsed by Petre.] |
[1557.] May 22.
Rome. |
612. Intelligence from Rome. It is as it were decided that
there shall not be war; his Holiness is altogether averse from
it, and has written to the King of Spain to show him sufficient
reasons that it is for his benefit that they should not take to
arms in Italy, but the important thing is to keep his Majesty
from doing it himself, and from irritation availing himself of the
opportunity of the Turkish fleet, seeing he is already resolved
not to fail Duke Octavio, as is manifest by the provision
of money which he has made in Italy, having ordered Duke
Horatio to come to Parma with many nobles, and that a royal
army shall be raised for the defence of Rome. Cornelio Bentivoglio
has already arrived at Mirandola, and Pietro Strozzi on the
9th was at Lyons, expecting Duke Horatio with the Duke of
Nemours, Marquis of Rocca, Mons. Sipier and others, who will
all come into Italy in company with his Excellency, who on
the 5th was married and will be General of the cavalry as
Strozzi will be of the Italian infantry, and De Thermes Commanderin-Chief of the whole. It is sufficient that the Pope, who formerly
was so resolved upon war, now inspired by the spirit of fear only
waits to remedy it, and does not kindle the fire, but demonstrates it
to be pernicious to all Christendom. Matters will be put out of
doubt by the answer which his Holiness expects from the Emperor
and the King of France, and which cannot be long of appearing.
He has ordered Alessandro Vitelli to Bologna, so that the city may
not remain without a Governor in these commotions, and sends the
Cardinal of St. George to his legation of the Romagna. It is said
that Cardinal Farnese is going to stay at Castello this summer
with his sister, but has not yet wished to prorogue the term "del
monito" of Duke Octavio, resolved to pronounce prout in cedula.
Dragut has done some damage in Calabria, and it is believed goes
to meet the Turkish fleet. [Italian. One page.] |
1557. May 22.
Brussels. |
613. Emanuel Philibert, Duke of Savoy, to Queen Mary. Recommending to her notice the bearer William Drury, whose service
to their Majesties in the war is deserving of employment and
remembrance. [French. One page. Indorsed by Petre.] |
May 22.
Rome. |
614. Sir Edward Carne to King Philip and Queen Mary. Since
his letters of the 15th inst. there have been no occurrents, except
that on the 18th the Pope called a Congregation at Rome of all
the Cardinals, where the bull for the imposition of one per cent. on
all the stablished goods under the Church, as well mediate as
immediate, was passed. Advertised them in his last that this was
in treaty. Hears of nothing yet done by the French in the war
in these parts, except that a Marquis, brother to the Duke of Guise,
was slain by Civitella with many others of the French. The Pope
has sent out captains to levy 6,000 men out of hand, to be sent to
the late-made Duke of Paliano, who is with the Duke of Guise in
the camp. Some say here that the Duke will not permit him to
leave it. Can hear of no soldiers the Pope has there besides the
French. It is said here that the Duke of Guise has removed
from the siege with his chief force, leaving 3,000 men in a strong
defensible place to keep the siege, to stay, as men say here, the army
of the Duke of Alva from rescuing Civitella. The Duke of Alva,
it is also said, is near Atri on the Tronto. It is reported also that
a plot got up by 32 gentlemen of Ferrara, by which they would
have betrayed the city, has been disclosed. Ten or eleven of them
have been taken and the city kept shut this fortnight, so that no
man may go in or out. Incloses a chart of the plat of Civitella and
of its siege. [Two pages.] |
May 23.
Calais. |
615. Lord Wentworth and the Council at Calais to Queen Mary.
On circumspect consideration and view of the stores and munitions,
they are found to be so defective and unserviceable that unless
speedily repaired and put in better estate they will be utterly lost.
The bearer, Mr. Highfield, Master of the Ordnance, will declare the
full particulars. Entreat that immediate order may be given for
supplement of the lacks. [One page. Printed by Lord Hardwicke, "Miscellaneous State Papers," Vol. i., p. 103.] |
May 24.
Pampeluna. |
616. The Duke of Alva (?) to Queen Mary. Sends his relative
Juan de Mercado to pay his respects to her Majesty, being prevented
from doing so in person. [Spanish. One page.] |
May 25.
Brussels. |
617. Emanuel Philibert, Duke of Savoy, to same. The bearer
Gothart de Bochotz, Seigneur de Grenenbrocks and de Hermondt, has shown him that money is still due to him in England
for service done to the late King Henry VIII., and in virtue of a
certain report on the arbitration of the Commissioners of the
Emperor and King Henry VIII., which should have been sent to
her Majesty. The bearer has just returned from a legation to the
King of Denmark, wherein he has acquitted himself very well.
[French. One page.] |
May 26.
[Westminster.] |
618. King Philip and Queen Mary to Sir Edward Carne. Send
by bearer the King's letters in a separate packet addressed to Cardinal Hequeca [Pacheco] and those of their Majesties', jointly directed
to the Pope with another writing by their Bishops. As they have
caused instructions to be drawn and sent to him by which he may
at good length perceive what order they will have him to follow in
delivering the same letters and in his other doings in that behalf,
refer him to those instructions and desire him to follow them, unless
in such accidents as could not be foreseen by their Majesties, in
which case they refer him to Cardinal Morone and others mentioned
in the said instructions. [Minute. Autograph of Petre. One
page.] |
May 28.
Calais. |
619. Lord Wentworth to Queen Mary. Has perfect intelligence
that at Newhaven, in Normandy, 16 sail are in full readiness for the
sea, but where to be employed cannot with certainty learn. Orders
are given to Dieppe to prepare all they can, and 20 ships are now
being rigged there, which when ready are to go to Scotland with
M. de Baudillon [Bourdillon], one of the Order and Lieutenant of
Nemours. Lord Grange is presently at Dieppe, tarrying only the
wind to pass in to Scotland. The French King expects the
Rhinegrave to be at Verdun, in Lorraine, at the end of the
month, with several thousand German foot and 2,000 horse, to
serve, it is thought, upon these frontiers of Picardy. The King is
in person in Champagne, and there assembles as great a force as
he can, minding to be in the field before the middle of next month.
Although he does all that in him lies to preserve the amity by
friendly means, yet there is a great rumour among the French of a
breach betwixt her Majesty and them. Thinks it very necessary
that the men appointed hither, with money, provisions, and all
requisite supplies, should be immediately sent over, as the number
here are scant able to defend the pieces from a sudden attack.
Her Majesty having freely bestowed upon him certain lands in
Suffolk, which by reason of being ordered hither he could not go
through, beseeches that some special friend in his absence may be
permitted to put her in remembrance in his behalf. [One page.] |
May 29.
[Westminster.] |
620. King Philip and Queen Mary to Dr. Wotton. Recalling
him from his legation in France, peace being ended. [One page.] |
|
Draft of the preceding, indorsed May 26. |
May 29.
[Westminster.] |
621. Queen Mary to Henry II., King of France. Because of his
long residence and advancing years, as well as for other respects
which he shall declare to his Majesty, has thought good to assent
to Dr. Wotton's petition to be recalled, and requests licence for his
safe departure. [Minute. One page and a half. |
May 29.
Calais. |
622. Lord Wentworth to Queen Mary. All the men appointed
from Suffolk, Norfolk, and Essex have arrived here to-day, with
their captains and under captains; except one [company] that came
from Essex which wanted a captain. One has been appointed here,
and all are now officered by men of skill and knowledge, well trained
in the service. |
|
P.S.—Sir Thomas Knevet has not himself come, but this night is
looked for by short seas. [Half a page.] |
