BHO

Elizabeth: July 1576

Pages 346-356

Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 11, 1575-1577. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1880.

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July 1576

July 6. 834. Dr. Dale to Burghley.
1. Has written to the Secretaries of the tragico-comedy of the reiters and Bellieure. It is marvel Bellieure would be so unhonest or so unwise to say he carried the money with him, and to entreat Doctor Beuttrich to persuade the reiters to be content with it, and when he came to the camp to say he had no money, and it is more marvel the reiters took not their pennyworths of him, but stratagems do not always take effect. It was thought the reiters would have mutinied against Duke Casimir, and so undone themselves, but it falls out contrarywise. The reiters are come back to Monsieur, and say he shall not depart from them till they have all their money. And so there are 600,000 francs sent to them, and the King is written unto by his council to return with speed from his idle journey. The council doubts lest the reiters of the King have intelligence with Duke Casimir, and that they will hardly be satisfied unless they be both paid, or at least the whole two millions which were promised to Duke Casimir. While the reiters are here, Monsieur cannot go to Bourges, nor any other thing settled. The Prince of Condé has nothing but fair words for Peronne. The preaching goes forward in Gascony, Turenne, and Normandy. It is said there were 300 at the preaching this last Sunday at Noiset le Sec, little more than two leagues from Paris. The King of Navarre tarries for Monsieur about Rochelle, and La Noue is to go to him as soon as the reiters may be appeased to make some perfect reconciliation between Monsieur and him. The council is much "astonned" with the declaration of M. Danville, who wills them of the religion to keep their garrisons in Languedoc until he be received as Governor throughout all his government according to the Edict, whereby he should be far more strong than he was before. Prays him to have him in remembrance for his return before the Queen begins her progress.—Paris, 6 July 1576. Signed.
2. P.S. (in cipher).—The Queen Mother is earnest for a meeting between the King and the Duke of Alençon, which is a train to apprehend him. The Prince of Orange's men are without any hope of help from hence for all the promises they have had.
Add., with seal. Endd. Pp. 1¾.
July 6. 835. The Prince of Orange to Lucas de Heere.
Desires that he will inform Walsingham of an intended enterprise against the town of Nieuport, and desire his good favour for certain English engaged therein.—Middleburg, 6 July 1576. Signed.
Copy. Endd. Fr. P. 1.
July 8. 836. The Payment of the Reiters in France.
1. The King, treating with Duke Casimir and his colonels and rittmeisters by M. de Bellieure on the 8th July, accorded:— 1. To pay all money for the levying of the army and the advances for that purpose, as well by his father the Elector Palatine as by the Queen of England (who is therein for 50,000 crowns), also all the old debts due to the heirs of the late Duke of Zweibruck, and also 100,000 francs which Casimir now lends as in ready money to satisfy that which the King ought presently to pay to him.
2. The sum the King ought to pay is for two months of four, the Duke forgiving the rest, which amount to 1,275,000 francs tournois, whereof the King paid the 8th July 600,000 francs in ready money at Despoisse; there remains 675,000 francs, out of which the Duke lends the King 100,000 francs, the remainder, 575,000 francs, are promised at Vaucouleur on the frontiers before the 20th of July. Bellieure further promises the contract made and signed by the King shall be delivered before the said 20th of July, after which they have promised to depart the realm.
3. For the rest of the payment the Duke of Lorraine and M. de Vaudemont enter into bonds for 1,500,000 francs, and promise to pay the sum at the next three fairs at Frankfort in September, Easter, and September then next following. M. de Vaudemont is further surety alone for the King for 100,000 francs, which he promises to pay in Frankfort in September next. The Sieur de Castellas and his associates bind themselves and promise to pay for the King 340,000 crowns at the next three Frankfort marts. The Cardinal of Guise lends himself and the temporalities and revenues of Metz for the sum of 1,200,000 florins, payable at the years and fairs next following after Duke Casimir shall be paid, that is, after September 1577. The King's jewels remain in pawn with Duke Casimir for 300,000 crowns.
4. The hostages, which are six French gentlemen, shall remain with the Duke of Lorraine, promising to be forthcoming, when they shall be called, upon default of the payments, and specially for the sum of 300 and so many thousand crowns, wherein they are specially bound.
5. The King binds all his lands and all his subjects hereunto, granting reprisals to the said Casimir against the subjects of France, which shall be found in Almaine for default of payment.
Endd. Pp. 1⅓.
837. Another copy.
Endd. Pp. 1¼
838. Another copy.
Endd. Pp. 1⅓.
839. Another copy.
Pp. 1½.
July 10. 840. Mr. Colshill to Lord Burghley.
Thanks him for his letter, but much more for his honourable counsel and care of him, so poor and simple a wight. Without his own guilt the secresy of his cause is more known than wished for, yet he hopes, whatsoever hap befals him, honourable and good minds will hold the attempt honest, specially when the same was grounded upon reason and judgment of those holden wise. Cannot write anything thereof, the party has not yet returned from Strasbourg from weighty affairs, as is said, yet has he received letters from her containing more than a friendly welcome, and in her absence is well comforted by her inward friends; yet all this will not cause him to believe thereof more than doubtfully, till more proof and better ground. There is nothing worth advertising touching the Queen's service in Cologne, although they have delivered her Majesty's letters and those of the Steelyard to the Burgher Masters and Senate; first they be men of the greatest ceremony in all things, which causes no expedition; secondly, a late request from the Emperor but for 40,000 has been denied him, and the like requests from King Philip and the French somewhat staggers their speedy resolution. Some of their friends be absent at the council of the Hanse towns at Lubeck, and others at the Diet at Ratisbon; also the time of election for new Burgher Masters is now doing. Hopes that he may not be blemished or blamed for others' acts if this matter fall not out as was looked for. Minds to go this day with her Majesty's letters to the Count Nevenor, who is a man of credit in this town.—Cologne, 10 July 1576. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 2.
July 11. 841. Piracy.
1. May 23, 1575. Petition of Pierre Lacheray, citizen of Rouen, to the French King, begging for relief under these circumstances.—In 1573 two of his ships, and in 1574 one, all coming from Spain, were seized by the English. He sent over an agent to obtain redress, who was ill-treated and denied justice by the Vice-Admiral Lord Clinton, to whom he applied, and who also extorted money from him. M. de Carrouges, Governor of Rouen, advised Lacheray to present his petition to the Queen and Council himself, which he did through the means of M. de la Motte Fenelon, Ambassador in England. One of the Council was the father of Lord Clinton. The Council told him that they were displeased at the conduct of the Vice-Admiral, but advised him to leave the kingdom, which he did, taking ship at Dover for Calais. On the way, the ship falling in with one bound from Flanders to Spain, and it being cried out that he was a Frenchman, he was set upon and robbed, landing in Calais deprived of everything.
2. Petition of Pierre Lacheray to the King for one of the Masters of Requests to be appointed to value the loss that he had sustained, so that he might be satisfied out of the effects of Vice-Admiral Clinton, and of the English merchants at Rouen.
3. A Master of Requests having valued the loss, it is ordered in a Council of the 11th July 1576 that what is right be done to the suppliant.
Copies. Fr. Pp. 5½.
July 12. 842. Heinrich Schneidewege to Queen Elizabeth.
Seeks permission to import 100 pieces of English cloth duty free. Had previously made the request by letter, dated Weimar, 27 March 1574, through Hans Breithampt the elder, but had received no answer.—Weimar, 12 July 1576. Signed.
Germ. Pp. 3½.
15 July. 843. The Privy Council to the Regent of Scotland.
Upon his letter sent not long ago, touching the repair of the misorder committed at the Red-Swyre, wherein he found some misliking in certain points, they wrote forthwith to Sir John Forster, and upon his coming hither for certain his own affairs they have called him before them. He answers that nothing was sworn but according to the order made by the Commissioners at Foulden, and affirmed in the presence of those whom the Regent had appointed to be at the affirmation of the said oath. He further says that the Queen's subjects find themselves no less aggrieved by the oaths of the inhabitants of Scotland, not only in their horses but for their other goods, which never came in English ground; and for the delivery of the horses, being another point in the Regent's letter, he affirms that the same was made in no other sort than was agreed on by the said Commissioners. As for the matter of Fenwick, who is charged with writing a letter of defiance, he says he did did not understand of the truth thereof until his coming up, and that it shall be punished according to the laws and orders of the Borders in such cases used; yet, forasmuch as there appears an assurance to be broken on the other part, the offender should likewise receive punishment. Sir John Forster, for his further excuse in that behalf, alleges that no notice was given to him by the Regent or Warden of Scotland. They perceive in him good disposition to do all things for the continuance of good order on the Borders, and amity betwixt the realms. Suggest that the Regent should appoint a meeting between the Earl of Angus or some other meet person and Forster for the final ending of all causes.—St. James', 15 July 1576.
Rough draft, with corrections. Endd. Pp. 3¼.
July 15. 844. The Lords of the Council to Sir John Forster.
Have imparted his doings for the repairing the disorders committed at the Redswyre to the Regent of Scotland. He is to use all means in his power to maintain the quietness of the Borders, and the good peace and amity betwixt the realms.—Court at St. James, 15 July 1576.
Draft. Endd. P. ¾.
July 15. 845. Dr. Dale to Lord Burghley.
Du Plessis has his whole despatch from here, and is gone to his house in Normandy, from thence to come to England. The reiters received 600,000 francs the 8th of this month, and are to receive 575,000 more the 20th. Sees not how it is to be paid, seeing there was so much ado to get the former. In the capitulation between the King and Duke Casimir the Queen's money is provided for. For the rest of their money they have assurance from the Duke of Lorraine, Count Vaudemont, and others, who have assignations for their indemnity upon the money which is to be levied by the making of the new gentlemen. They are to depart towards the frontiers, there to receive their money the 20th. Monsieur is gone towards Bourges, and the King returned to Paris with a number of "monkyes and papagayes" (popinjays). The King's forces are not discharged, and the Duke of Lorraine assembles as many men as he can make. Preaching goes well forward. There were assembled at the preaching at Normandy within three leagues of the King, when he was there, 4,000 or 5,000, and the King commanded no man should molest them. The Prince of Condé is promised Dourlens and Coucy for Peronne. Danville holds the towns he has in Languedoc as Governor, and requires the rest to receive him as Governor by the Edict. There is a bruit Duke Casimir has promised the Prince of Orange 4,000 horsemen. Don John of Austria is ready to come into Flanders with a great army, and tarries only till the harvest be gathered in the mountains of Savoy. There is a marriage concluded between the Duke of Maine and the Admiral's daughter and heir, which is taken to be of great consequence for the wealth he has by the marriage, and the hope he has thereby to be admiral.—Paris, 15 July 1576. Signed.
P.S.—Has sent the Queen a lettre de creance that La Fin brought him from Monsieur touching the interview between the King and himself.
Add., with seal. Endd. Pp. 2.
July 15 846. University of Paris.
1. Note from Dale to Burghley, sending him certain bills set out to invite all nations to read mathematics in this University, with stipend of fifty pounds sterling by the year, to the intent that if there be any in their Universities that have courage and skill they may try themselves. A German has read it this two or three years. Has sent some of the same to Lord Leicester for Oxford.
P. ¼.
July 15. 847. 2. Notice dated 15th July 1576, in virtue of a decree of the Court of Parliament in Paris of the 9th, inviting men learned in mathematics to submit to examination as to their skill, so as to become Reader therein for three years, with a stipend of 500 livres tournois by the year according to the testament of the founder, Pierre La Ramée.
Printed in Latin and French. P. 1.
July 18. 848. Secretary Cayas to Sir Henry Cobham.
Was glad to understand of his good health by the letter brought by William, who has solicited the particular cases for the which her Majesty wrote to the King, and now goes to Seville to the Holy Tribunal of the Inquisition, about the restitution of the goods of such as are not found guilty, for there has never been done any wrong to them in these kingdoms, whereof he may certify her Majesty and the parties interested.—Madrid, 18 July 1576. Signed.
Add. Endd. Span. P. 1.
849. Translation of the above.
Endd. P. ¼.
18 July. 850. Kanzler Meckhachd (?) to Queen Elizabeth.
In support of Breithampt's application to import English cloth.—Coburg, 18 July 1576. Signed.
Add. Ger. Pp. 5.
July 19. 851. M. de St. Aldegonde to Walsingham.
Assures him of his continued goodwill towards her Majesty and her realm. The Spaniards and Walloons have mutinied at Zericksee, and throughout Brabant there is extreme discontent on account of the robberies and outrages of the soldiers, who can no longer be kept in discipline through lack of their pay. The States refuse to contribute any money unless there is peace. The Council spread the report that M. de Havre is coming from Spain with full commission to effect a pacification, but really they have secret charge on no account to entertain it, with promise of speedy succour to be brought by Don John of Austria. They say the King has raised 4,000,000 ducats, and has commanded Don John to levy 12,000 Italians and Spaniards to come with him hither.—Middleburg, 19 July 1576. Signed: Ph. de Marnix.
Add. Endd., with seal. Fr. Pp. 1½.
July 20. 852. Edward Chester to Lord Burghley.
Arrived in Zealand on the 8th inst., and made his repair to Sir William Winter, and gave him to understand of the great displeasure conceived by her Majesty at the outrageous dealing of the Flushingers with her merchants, willing him to let the Prince understand the same, that he might so satisfy her that her wonted goodwill might not be changed to his utter ruin. Winter's opinion was that in no case should Chester use any such speech to the Prince as would make him distrust that revenge for these outrages would follow, for he found him of such mind that if any such suspicion grew he would be so careless of all that might ensue that he would endeavour all further spoil of her subjects, having now the forehand and start. Winter has very wisely proceeded with his Excellency, and by his great temperance and courtesy wrought that the ships of the merchant Adventurers are now at liberty. Doubts not but that how dangerous the Prince's disposition and intendments are will clearly appear to his Lordship. The arrival of 4,000 French from Monsieur is daily expected, who stay only for money to be sent from the Prince of Orange. The country are not very joyful of such succours, and especially the Hollanders, who purpose to resist their entrance, for which end the better sort of magistrates are assembled at the Brielle. The plot of this is drawn by M. Paul Boyz, who, with the Count of Culemberg, impeaches all he may the French proceedings, and advances the Queen's credit in those parts. If the Queen would incline to their relief she would find the whole country of Holland and Waterland at her devotion by their means. Their zeal and affection to her Majesty has greatly impaired their credit with the Prince in whose grace stands specially St. Aldegonde, the only furtherer of the French affairs and enemy of the English. The Queen's honourable courtesy employed on him in England is not the best deserved. Paul Buiz prays pardon for not writing; he says that nothing is said or done in her Majesty's Court, be it never so secret, but if it concern the Prince he gets straight intelligence thereof. It has been told him in Holland that the Prince little values her Majesty's displeasure, and has sought to have them of Holland and Waterland to take part with him and the Zealanders in all causes betwixt her and them, but they have refused. Finds that the Prince has no affection for the English, who are not trusted. The 18 ships at Browershaven are still kept there by the Prince's ships.— Middleburg, 20 July 1576. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 2¾.
July 21. 853. The Prince of Orange to the Lords of the Privy Council.
The Queen's deputies having been present at their councils can assure them of the great regard that they have towards her Majesty, and also how unwilling they are to do anything that might prejudice her reputation and estate.—Middleburg, 21 July 1576. Signed.
Add. Endd. Fr. P. ½.
July 23. 854. Requests of the Prince of Orange and the Estates of the Low Countries.
1. That their contract with the Merchant Adventurers for 200 pieces of light artillery may hold good.
2. That they may be allowed to agree with the Merchant Adventurers as to payments in respect of their passage and traffic.
3. That the Queen will not allow their vessels to be stayed by process of Admiralty or otherwise for matters concerning the general cause until they have been first heard in their defence.
4. That the Queen will cause speedy justice to be done in the matter between Jean de Beaulieu and Benedetto Spinola. —Middleburg, 23 July 1576. Signed, Guilliem de Nassau.
Endd. Fr. P. 2/3.
[July 25.] 855. Dr. Wyer to the King of France.
Sets out the many threats and discouragements given by the Catholics to those of the religion for preaching openly according to the Edicts; complains of the miscarriage of justice towards the Protestants and of the bad feeling of the Catholic gentlemen towards them, some of whom say that when the harvest is gathered they will begin the war again, and that Peronne is not delivered to the Prince of Condé, nor are the new Chambers of Justice erected, and that he retains his forces. Prays him to remedy these matters, and reminds him that the armies of Casimir and Monsieur are yet unsatisfied of the money that had been promised them, and that if they remain so, the war will arise again greater than it ever was.
Copy. Endd. Fr. Pp. 4⅓.
856. Another copy.
Fr. Pp. 7⅓.
July 26. 857. Accounts of Sir Valentine Browne.
Receipts 139,869li 12s. 8d. against payments of 141,240li 19s. 6d., leaving a deficit 1,371li 6s. 10d. Further, in the late rebellion he was burdened with 800li odd, and also with divers great quantities of corn and provisions left at the end of the rebellion which he sold to divers persons, and has not been able to get payment, which, with losses of cattle taken by the rebels, amount to 2,500li odd.
Endd. Pp. 1¼.
July 27. 858. Answer of the King to Dr. Wyer.
He has done what he could for the execution of the Edict; he has been to Normandy and caused that country to receive the preaching; he was in Parliament almost an hour, purposely to admit Darenes to his office; he has done what he could to deliver Peronne or Doulens, but that he was constrained to keep the strangers till they were paid, which could not be till Casimir was; he has broken his companies of footmen and kept no more than were necessary for his guard and the defence of the frontiers; for the money, desires to be borne with till the end of the month, for it is difficult to find such great sums after the afflictions of the country.
Copy. Fr. Pp. 2.
859. Another copy.
Endd. Fr. Pp. 2.
July 28. 860. Dr. Dale to Smith and Walsingham.
Dr. Wyer has very gravely and severely made complaint to the King and Queen Mother of all the disorders in the execution of his peace, which, because they came out of the mouth of Dr. Wyer, who is taken to be a man of very great judgment, and one that warned them at Lyons of things that have happened since that time, they had the greater credit, especially concurring with the late departure of the Prince of Condé, which matter touches the King very much. The King answered that he had done what he could, and desired Doctor Wyer to write to the reiters to have the last of the month for their payment, which he refused to do for that they would be offended with him if the King broke his day. In the end the King sent away 200,000 francs, the 23rd of this present, and has furnished the Swiss with Duke Casimir with 100,000 francs in cloth and 280,000 he promises to send away in a day or two to make up the whole payment they should have before Frankfort fair. The Queen Mother continues her suit for the interview between her sons; she put Monsieur in hope to be Lieutenant-General for the King, knowing he has long been very desirous to have that office. She has been ready these eight days to go towards Bourges to bring him to Fontainebleau or some other place to meet the King, but Biron is now returned from Monsieur, and brings small hope of that matter; it is said he has hurt his leg running at the ring, which is either a let or an excuse for the time; men doubt much what the hope of the Lieutenancy may do with him. There has been a great brawl of late between the Queen Mother and Guise upon this occasion. The Duke was talking alone in the King's outer chamber with a gentleman of Picardy almost two hours together. The Queen Mother understanding thereof sent out every now and then to know if they were still together. At length she came out herself and asked them whereof they talked so long, charging the Duke that he would never leave to trouble the peace of the realm, and called him into the King's cabinet and there began afresh. The Duke was very malapert with her, and said he was able to hold up his head against all men, and that he had never done anything but for the King's service, and if he and his friends should forsake the King as others had done he should have no man with him. She knew this to be meant against Monsieur, and therefore took it the worse; howbeit, after long talk they ended in more cold terms. She sent very earnestly and often to Montmorency to come to the Court, but he excused himself and is gone to Spa. The Marquis de Havre is returned with embassy from the King of Spain. He has vehemently dissuaded the King from the execution of the peace, not without words of reproach for the making thereof instead of congratulations. The intelligences between the King and the King of Spain begin to be suspected more and more. News is come out of Italy the Turk is come with 200 galleys to Navarino, it is suspected to come to Sicily, whereon Don John of Austria stays his army and sends to the King of Spain to know what he shall do. The Baron of Viteaux is apprehended either by Monsieur for his devices against the Prince or else by the King.—Paris, 28 July 1576. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 3⅓.
July 28. 861. Dr. Dale to Sir Thomas Smith.
Doctor Wyer has been very stout with the King both for his money and for the rest of the execution of the peace; he has gotten all his money, saving 400,000 francs, whereof 200,000 are sent away already and the rest promised within a day or two. For the rest of the old debts they take security to be paid at the three next fairs of Frankfort. The Queen Mother was ready to go towards Bourges to bring her son to speak with the King, but Biron is returned from thence with word that Monsieur will not come; yet it is doubted he will be allowed for he is promised to be Lieutenant-General, which he has always desired. The King of Navarre and the Prince of Condé are about Perigeux standing on their guard.—Paris, 28 July 1576. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1.
July 20. 862. W. Wade to Burghley.
Duke Casimir means to go no further forth of France before he receive answer of such petitions he sent to the King by Doctor Wyer. It is said he is retired again further into the country upon advertisement of certain horsemen between him and home, and the King's reiters not far from him on this side, with the Duke of Lorraine on the other side, the which enterprise should have been followed to execution it is thought if the Prince of Condé had entered Bourges. It was given out the King would make the Duke of Savoy his LieutenantGeneral, and that Montmorency should have been sent to him, but Montmorency is of certain gone to Spa, though there were great means used to stay him. The Duke of Nevers is gone thither before. Montmorency by his dealings in this last negotiation has weakened much his party. Heard that he had privy conference with the King within these four days alone, three hours at one time and referred again to another conference for want of time. M. de Foix yesterday set forth from the King to Monsieur and from thence to the King of Navarre to remain as a chief counsellor. The Turk's army is discovered in the Midland sea, to descend on Sicily or Africa. Don John of Austria leads his forces where the Turk shall be thought to descend. It is suspected this report to be given out to stay the suspicions and speech which was of the coming of Don John of Austria hither to settle again the Protestants after the alarms of the enterprises discovered against Condé and Casimir.—Paris, 28 July 1576. Signed: W. Waad.
Add., with seal. Endd. Pp. 2⅓.
[July ?] 863. War in France.
Names of the hostages given by the King to Duke Casimir for the payment of the money agreed on between them.
P. 1.