|
| Dec. 16. |
1071. Don John of Austria to [Secretary Escovedo]. |
|
Is pleased to hear of the good reception that those Lords
had given them, and hoped that the peace and good offer of
the King would have been accepted. Since reading their
letter of the 14th, he remains more confused than ever, and
marvels that they should not have written to him in cipher.
Since he has come for the purpose of pacifying these States,
and has given them so many pledges that he will perform
what he has promised in the King's name, they should trust
him, for though he sees that they had cause to be suspicious
on account of the past, yet they should consider the difference
of the persons and of the times. If he had intended to
deceive them he would not have come in the manner in
which he has done. Knows not what to understand by their
letters, except that they insist on the withdrawal of the
Spaniards as soon as possible, and that he should entrust
himself to the native born subjects. His levy of reiters was,
as they well know, for no other purpose but for his security,
without having recourse to the Spaniards, as there is so little
agreement amongst them that if he was by himself some of
them might enterprise something against him. As to their
complaint that they are not trusted, they should write clearly
what they mean by the same, for as for their saying that they
would not fail in their duty to the King or the law, if that
had been sufficient for his assurance he would be doing wrong
to ask for more; but notwithstanding this both before and
since his arrival they have only manifested their intention of
continuing the war. Cannot see any reason why he should
put himself in their power, and enable them to use his name
in the furtherance of their designs, as he is persuaded that
they intend nothing but deceit. Desires him to do what he
can to procure the coming of the Council and the States to
Namur, he being himself on his way to Marche-en-Famine.
Is disgusted at the news that certain cavalry and infantry
have crossed the Meuse. Declares that he will not withdraw
the Spaniards, or put himself in the power of the States, unless
they first come to Namur and give him other satisfaction than
mere words, which no one would advise him to do after so
many marks of their malice. Thinks, however, that they will
merely send fresh deputies as he has always suspected. If
the Spaniards depart it will be for the King's service that they
do so by sea in order that they may arrive quickly in Spain
and be able to serve in Barbary. Fears that the passing of
the Meuse by the above-mentioned soldiers is for the purpose
of making him prisoner. Has written to the Duke and
Marquis thanking them for what they have done, and doubts
not but that they will bring these matters to a good conclusion
as they ought to do considering the great trust that his
Majesty has in them. Desires them to write to him with all
the information they can procure, for if as he believes the
negotiations are broken off he does not want to lose time.
Though he would strongly deplore this, and do much to avoid
it, still he will not put trust in people who give him so little
reason so to do. In the meanwhile their people should
fortify themselves and make all ready. The courier Lantz
has brought a letter from the King of the 26 Nov. approving
and commending that which has been done by Antonio
Fugger and his nephews. One of Octavio's men has arrived
from Lombady with news that Madame Cecilia is well and
also his household and horses, and that the health of Milan is
improving. As payment for this good news he wishes he
would send a certain Fray Luis de Grenada to him for his
confessor, and that he might be with him by Christmas.
Delays sending to the Court until he may better see how
affairs will turn out. Desires to know how he can best write
as the ways are kept so closely. Is sorry that the States are
so mistrustful of him. Sends this by the Marquis de Havre.—
Bastogne, 16 Dec. 1576. |
|
Copy. Endd. Fr. Pp. 3. |
| Dec. 16. |
1072. Sir John Smith to the Queen. |
|
Gives the same account of his audience as is contained in
his letter to Burghley of this date. The Princess of Rochesur-Yon, an old widow, and the Princess of Lorraine, a child
of 10 or 11 years old, were in the Queen Mother's chamber.
"There were besides other ladies, young and old, fair and
foul, to the number of nine or ten, but this I do assure your
Majesty of my faith that there is more beauty in your Majesty's
little finger than there is in any one lady that there was, or in
them all." Had heard the French Queen commended as very
fair and of good presence, but as far as he can judge she
is clear-skinned, but without colour of stature convenient if
she be not heightened with high "pantobulls;" she stoops,
and bears her head something forward, but has a very
womanly and modest countenance, and her face reasonably
well formed, but for presence or majesty of a princess she
has none. Her attire was all in black, as all the rest of
the ladies were, but of no comeliness, "and therefore not
worthy to be described to your Majesty." The King is of
good stature, and has an indifferent good presence; the hair
of his head is black and something long, but turned and
rolled up, as I think, with some hot iron like a very roll
round about his head, and from the roll to the crown of his
head is very smooth. His cap was black, with only one
jewel, and so little that it covered little more than the crown
of his head, and all the rest of his garments were also black."
Has written of some other matters which appertain to his
duty to Mr. Secretary Walsingham.—St. Die, 16 Dec. 1576.
Signed. |
|
Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 12/3. |
| Dec. 16. |
1073. Sir John Smith to Lord Burghley. |
|
Has had divers lets which have much injured the expedition he has sought to use in her Majesty's service which he
has certified Walsingham at large. Arrived here at St. Die on
the 13th inst. where Sir Amias Paulet and the rest of the
ambassadors lodge, being within one post of Blois, where the
King holds his Court of Parliament. Meant for more
expedition only to have visited the Spanish Ambassador and
to have obtained passport from the King by means of her
Majesty's Ambassador, but he alleged certain good causes
why it would be necessary for him to do reverence to the
King, and know whether he would command him any service.
Therefore gave notice to M. Gondi that he was going into
Spain on the Queen's affairs, but that as she knew not that he
would find the French King and his Court she had not given
him anything in charge to say to the King, but that he
thought it part of his duty to offer him his service and desired
to know whether it was the King's pleasure that he should
see him. The King having appointed the 15th for him to
come to Blois, the English Ambassador presented him to the
King, to whom he told his embassy to Spain and offered his
services, for which the King thanked him, but told him that
he had no present occasion to use his offer. From the King
they were brought to the Queen Mother, the young French
Queen, and the Duke of Alencon, to whom he used in a
manner the words and offers and received the like thanks and
compliments. In the Kings and Queen Mother's company
there were many gentlemen, but no noblemen of name that he
could hear of. The Dukes of Guise and Maine, the Archbishop of Rheims, the Cardinal of Guise, and the Marquis
D'Elbæuf were all at the Court but not present whilst they
were there. All other matters concerning the Ambassador's
and his talk with M. D'Aubigny of the Low Countries who
came to their lodgings at Blois with all other particularities
he has written in cipher.—St. Die, 16 Sept. 1576. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Pp. 2¼. |
| [Dec. 16.] |
1074. Intelligence in cipher. |
|
1. If ever the [Queen of England] had or shall have
oppurtunitye to take Calis by stealth I thinck tyme doth now
serve her best. When I came that wayes I learned there are
not above two hundred and nintie in garison, and most of
them towne dwellers and unable men. Monseir Gurden, the
governoure, hath licence to be absent fowre monethes, he hath
left for his deputie capteine Campneg there are but two gates
open thone towardes the haven and thither towardes Geynes
vearie slenderlye garded. If it should please the [Queen] to
send two or thre captaines, of the which one of them to be
such a one as doth knowe the towne and contreye, and that
hath served there before, to view and consyder howe the
matter myght be best brought to passe, and after to suffer
some number of horsemen and fotemen to go over into
"Bleptis" with good leaders under the pretence to serve the
"Colchos," I thinck that three or fowre hundred horse with
everye one a foteman behinde him the Tyme beinge well
taken, and they well ledd from Bleptis, might take the gate
that is open to the fieldes and so the towne by stealth. |
|
2. As far as I can learne if the "Gonsalva" have no warres
with the "Cambyses" and the "Empedocles" he will under
hande aide the "Colchos" with intente to possesse the
same under the name of the "Philolaquus." This
was tould me at Orleans by a gentleman called Monsier,
Lacalle who dwelleth by Lyons, and came from the Courte,
and others. |
|
In cipher. Endd.: "from Sir John Smythe's Cypher." Pp 3.
Enclosure. |
| [Dec. 16.] |
1075. Sir John Smith's Embassy into Spain. |
|
Certain points contained in Sir John Smith's instructions.
What answer from the King of Spain for her Majesty's subjects imprisoned by the Inquisition, and touching their goods;
whether any were released, and who they were, and how
many remained, and what was answered for their detention.
What answer touching the residence of an ambassador, and
liberty for freedom of his conscience. For the merchants of
Spain, to certify what grievances they have against Spain;
what goods stayed or confiscated there; what ships and mariners; what cause pretended; what suit has been made, what
answer given, and what "constat" they have for all or any
parcel of this." |
|
Endd. P. ½. |
| Dec. 17: |
1076. Laurence Jonson to Daniel Rogers. |
|
Occurrents from France are very scarce. The Edict is like
to be disannulled and the Gospel banished. It has been duly
propounded in the Assembly and passed by the consent of the
clergy and people, and at length, though hardly, by the
nobility. The deputies for the religion proposed a nullity of
the assembly of Estates, and when they met at their next
session it was moved what should be answered to their proposition; the clergy and commons decreed punishment of
death as contra perturbatores paeis publicæ, and the nobility
resisted that determination. The deputies from the States of
the Low Countries are still at the Court of France, expecting
the return of Fontpertuis, who they say has gone to his house
near Blois. There is good likelihood that France will be to
them no better than a broken reed. Colonel Bassompierre
has agreed to serve Don John, and numbers of troops are to
be levied in Picardy. Don John shall have all the aid that
may be from hence. His long parley with the States is but
to trim time. At his coming through France he had talk with
the Queen Mother at Chenonceau, and there was the Holy
League of Trent confirmed again. He received lately from
Paris 1,700 crowns and send three mails full of money by
Secretary Escovedo about the 4th inst., who came through
France. This free passage may sufficiently witness to the
States what they may look for at the French King's hands.
Monsieur and he are all one, as two brothers cannot be more.
Bids Dr. Wilson to be on his guard. It were well not to enter
into treaty with Don John before his is bereft of this
Spanish soldiers. The King of Navarre is at Agen, where
Mons. Danville was of late three days. La Noüe is there with
him. The Prince of Condé is at St. Jean d'Angeli, Beauvais
la Nocle at La Charité, and Thore at Niort St. Esprit.—
Hampton Court, 17 Dec. 1576. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Pp. 2⅓. |
| Dec. 19. |
1077. The States of Flanders to M. Swevenghem. |
|
By his letter of the 13th they understand of his arrival in
England and hope of success in his negotiations. The deputies have returned from Luxemburg with Don John's consent
to all their demands signed with his hand, merely demanding
from them their continuance in the Catholic religion and the
King's obedience, requiring the attestation of the bishops and
the Council of State that there shall be nothing derogatory to
those two points contained in the articles of pacification.
His Highness has ordered the Spaniards to withdraw, which
they have agreed to do provided they may go by sea, which,
however, cannot be allowed. In the meanwhile the States
have required the strong places to be given up to them. A
cessation of arms for 15 days is granted, to commence on the
15th inst. They have resolved to go next Friday to Namur
to settle all remaining points and to bring his Highness with
them. Beg him to use diligence in his negotiations.—Brussels, 19 Dec. 1576. |
|
Copy. Endd. by Burghley. Fr. Pp. 1¼. |
| Dec. [19]. |
1078. Reply of the Spanish Soldiers to Don John. |
|
Express their willingness to retire from the Low Countries,
but as owing to the season of the year the passages of the
mountains will be impassable through snow, and it will be
most difficult to obtain provisions, they desire that they may
return by sea, defraying their own charges. The Almain
colonels also say that they are ready to obey his Highness on
receiving the money due to their soldiers. Signed by Rodas
and seven principal officers. |
|
Endd. "Translated out of Spanish into French." Pp. 1¼. |
| Dec. 22. |
1079. Catherine de Medicis to the States of the Low
Countries. |
|
Thanks them for their goodwill and affection shown to her
son the Duke of Anjou, and offers to do all in her power to
relieve them from the troubles they are in, and to intervene between them and the King of Spain.—Blois, 22 Dec.
1576. |
|
Copy. Endd. Fr. P. 2/3. |
| Dec. 22. |
1080. The Duke of Anjou to States of the Low Countries. |
|
Letter of credence for M. d'Aubigny, who will inform them
of his intentions.—Blois, 22 Dec. 1576. |
|
Copy. Endd. Fr. P. ⅓. |
| Dec. 23. |
1081. The Duke of Anjou to the States of the Low Countries. |
|
Letter of credence for M. de Berrangreville, gentleman of
his chamber.—Blois, 23 Dec. 1576. |
|
Copy. Endd. Fr. P. ½. |
| Dec. 23. |
1082. M. de Swevenghem to Walsingham. |
|
Thanks him for his good offices, which he begs him to
continue. Spoke yesterday with the Lord Treasurer, who
received him very graciously. Desires him to send him the
names of certain English rebels.—London, 23 Dec. 1576.
Signed: François de Halewyn. |
|
Add. Endd. by Walsingham: 24 Dec. Fr. P. ½. |
| Dec. 24. |
1083. Sir Amias Paulet to Burghley. |
|
Sends a copy of the oration pronounced by the King the
first day of the assembly of the Estates, and a register of the
names of so many of the principal persons present as he can
learn. There is great expectation of the resolution of the
Estates, which are composed of many and sundry contrary
humours, and yet will agree he fears in one thing to banish
all other exercise of religion than the Romish, unless some
foreign war keep them in peace.—St. Die, December 1576.
Signed. |
|
Add., with seal. Endd. by Burghley: 24 Dec. 1576.
P. 2/3. |
| Dec. 6. |
1084. The Oration of the King to the Estates. |
|
Copy of a long speech delivered by the King in which he
adverts to the causes of the war, the present misery of the
country, and to his own efforts and those of others, the
Queen Mother especially, to obtain a better state of things,
and he hopes that the Estates will aid him by their advice
and assistance herein. |
|
Endd. by Burghley. Fr. Pp. 2½. Enclosure. |
| Dec. 24. |
1085. Events in France. |
|
The Pont St. Esprit in Languedoc is lost by M. Thore, who
forsook it with more fear than needed; Captain Almynes, a
gentleman of Languedoc, has taken it. The Prince of Condé
entered into Rochelle the 10th, where he discovered that the
mayor, the president, and some others of the town had conspired against the town, and therefore commanded the mayor
to keep his house and himself remains there as governor.
The secretary to M. Danville assured the King that Montmorency and Madame Danville would make their speedy
repair to the Court, but upon the surprise of Pont St. Esprit
are countermanded. La Noüe is likewise countermanded.
Divers gentlemen in Gascony, to the number of 500 or more,
have leagued themselves for the maintenance of the Edict.
The Estates of Languedoc have assembled at Bezieres, as well
those that have committed themselves to Danville as those of
Toulouse, Narbonne, and Carcassonne, where they have jointly
resolved to defend the Edict. Those of Poitou, both clergy
and others, demand the observation of the Edict. The
nobility have chosen their speaker, M. Genese, lieutenant of
the company of M. de Guise, and the third Estate have chosen
Versoris, advocate of the Court of Parliament of Paris, a
notable malicious Papist. The 15th, the matters of religion
was propounded amongst those of the third Estate, where
it was alleged that those of the Low Countries have capitulated with their King and refused the Prince of Orange,
would endure no other religion than the Romish, and would
banish all that professed any contrary religion and all their
adherents; that the new Count Palatine had already banished
all the ministers placed by his father, had reduced the policy
and the "fournie" of the church in his dominions to the
order of the Confession of Augsburg, and that there was great
likelihood of sharp war between him and Duke Casimir,
what may be inferred of this kind of reasoning refers to his
better consideration. In conclusion they demand one religion
et qu'on use les moyens doulx et sainctz por les reduire. The
19th, certain of the nobility propounded to break the Edict
to establish one only religion, to banish all the ministers of
the reformed religion within six weeks, giving liberty of conscience to those of the religion until other order might be
taken by a general and national Council. Miraubeau, a gentleman of Provence, withstood this opinion with very stout
and high words, protesting, seeing their doings tended to
none other end but to the infraction of the peace and the
renewing again of the civil troubles, that he would come no
more amongst them. The deputies of Guienne took part with
Miraubeau, and the contention grew to be very hot. The
King sent for him and entreated him to keep his place, affirming that he desired nothing more than to continue his realm
in peace, and that he had not only prayed but also conjured
the deputies to follow this his intention. All the particular
"cayers" of the provinces are upon the point to be agreed
upon, and demand one only religion, Catholic and Roman.
Picardy offers to serve the King with 6,000 horse and 12,000
footmen against those that demand the Edict, whereof those
of Languedoc being advertised have made offer of 15,000
horsemen and 40,000 footmen to defend it. In Picardy the
churches are dispersed, and divers gentlemen retired with
their whole families. The Spanish Ambassador had audience
the 11th, and used very high words to the King, and told him
if he did not desist from his purpose to assist the Low Countries, his master would not fail to seek his revenge in such
sort as the King would have little cause to thank the procurers of the voyage. The King was troubled with this
message, and deferred him for his answer until the 14th.
The ambassador said at that time to the Queen Mother that
it was in her power to let this voyage, and to govern her sons
at her pleasure. She answered that her sons had attained
the age of 21 years and more, and were not now under her
government, and that if they were affected to that enterprise
she must conform her affection to theirs. The ambassador
repaired again to Court at the day appointed, where he had
fair words and large promises. Is given to understand the
deputies of the Low Countries require 10,000 French, 2,000
horsemen, and 6,000 reiters, and proffer four frontier towns,
whereof Cambray and Valenciennes are two, to receive
Monsieur as their sovereign, and to pay during the maintenance of the war some say 123 pounds Flemish, some say
more. It is said that M. d'Aubigny bears greater hatred to
the Prince of Orange and his religion than to the Spaniards;
he solicits her cause with diligence, and is conveyed from the
Queen Mother to Monsieur by the back door. Two deputies
from the King of Navarre arrived at Blois the 15th, their
message contains especially these points to assure the King and
the Assembly that nothing is arrived in Guienne, as was given
out at the Court, to pray the King to conserve the Edict
and to preserve his realm in peace, to inform the King of his
great desire to continue in his favour, and to do him all
faithful service. The 21st, the deputies of the Reformed
Churches exhibited their bill of supplication to the King, by
which they desired him to command the Estates not to touch
the Edict. The King answered that he could not so do
without breach of their liberty, a thing they did especially
challenge, but that his meaning was to conserve his subjects
in peace. Count Nigrepellisse, oldest son to St. Supplice and
Count by his wife, unto whom he was married sixth months
past, was slain on the 21st by the Viscount of Tours, late in
the night: |
|
Pp. 4¾. Enclosure. |
| Dec. 24. |
1086. Sir A. Paulet to Walsingham. |
|
The King having signified that he would hear no ambassador until his coming to Blois, sent John Tupper, accompanied with his secretary, to M. Pinart to pray his friendly
assistance, and to signify that he had letters from the Queen
to the King to that purpose. Pinart promised his best furtherance, and desired to be instructed in some other things
touching the captains of Newhaven, willing Tupper to resort
to him again as soon as he could. In the meantime M. Gondi
came with letters from the King to the Commissioners for
matters of depredation, and to Madame la Gravache, a principal party in this piracy, and now Tupper follows his cause
with the commissioners. Having audience with the King
to deliver the Queen's letters, told him he took his good and
grand dealing as an evident testimony of his willing disposition to minister speedy and favourable justice to the
Queen's subjects. The King answered that he desired nothing
more than to entertain the good amity between the Queen
and him. Is charged daily with Mr. Dale's promise that
commissioners should be appointed in England for the
hearing and deciding of such complaints as shall be made
by the French, and is desirous to hear what is done therein.
The Estates here are so newly begun, and so far from any
good end, that he has no other matter whereby to advertise
him. The Baron d'Aubigny departed yesterday for the Low
Countries, to procure, as he says, a final composition between
Don John of Austria and the Estates of those countries.
Some think the resolution herein stands on the good or bad
success of this Assembly. It is said the voyage of La Nocle
into Spain for a marriage to be had between Monsieur and
the daughter of Spain is renewed again, and that he shall
go shortly.—St. Die, 24 Dec. 1576. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Pp. 3. |
| Dec. 24. |
1087. Monsieur to the King of France. |
|
Complains that an attempt has been made on his life by
putting poison in his wine, which brought on a most violent
sickness, that had it not been for the mercy of God and the
prompt remedies that were applied his Majesty would have
lost the most affectionate subject he ever had. Prays him
to aid him in making diligent search after the offender.—
Chalons, 27 Dec. 1576. Signed. |
|
Endd. Fr. Copy. Pp. 1½. |
|
1088. Another copy. |
|
Endd. by Dale. Fr. Copy. Pp. 1½. |
| Dec. 28. |
1089. Occurrents in Flanders. |
|
On the 15th instant the Estates agreed with Don John for
15 days' truce, which began on the 15th, on which day he
sent Juan Escovedo and Octavio Gongaza of the house of
Mantua towards the Spaniards of Antwerp, since which
time the Estates came to Namur, trusting by colloquy to
make an end of the differences betwixt them, and on the
24th they sent the Viscount of Ghent to his Highness either
to accelerate his coming or his answer. On the 28th a
message came from him desiring eight days' respite in order
that he might know what his deputies had done with the
Spaniards at Antwerp; and furthermore desired to know what
assurance the Estates would give him touching the obedience
due to the King after the Spaniards' departure, and because
it was not for his dignity to yield himself unarmed to armed
men, he required them to send away at the same time
all their Almains, Scotch, and French soldiers. He also
required to know when and where the assembly of the
Estates should be held to consider the Prince of Orange's
affairs and the matters of Holland, and also what assurance
he should have for his own safety. By this last point it
appears he would have the assembly of the Estates to be held
before the Spaniards' departure, in which lies all the difficulty,
for the Estates require that they should retire incontinently.
Don John declared to the writer that on the 27th the
Estates had accorded the eight days' further respite, but M. de
Ruissinghen, who has communicated to him the contents of
this paper, has denied it.—From Marche-en-Famine, 28
Dec. 1576. |
|
Endd.: "Copy of that note which the ambassador, Horsey,
sent in his letter written to her Majesty from Marche, 29
Dec. 1576." |
|
Injured by damp. Pp. 1¼. |
| Dec. 28. |
1090. M. de Swevenghem to Walsingham. |
|
Is sorry that Walsingham was not at home when he went
to take leave of him. Begs that he and Dr. Lewis will send as
soon as possible the form of the assurance for her Majesty so
that the money may be received and sent on safely towards
Dover as soon as possible. If the deputies of Dunkirk receive a
copy of the prohibition made to the Cinque Ports to proceed to
reprisals without Lord Clinton's authority they will return in
his company.—London, 28 Dec. 1576. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd., with seal. Fr. P. 1. |
| Dec. 29. |
1091. Edward Horsey to Lord Burghley. |
|
Knows not what to write of the peace, for sundry of the
States have been here with Don John hoping of good success,
and yet yesterday the Viscount of Ghent, being one of those
sent, returned in choler nothing satisfied. Was here more than
a whole day before he could speak with Don John, whom he
perceived was not well persuaded of her Majesty's dealing
between the King and his subjects; but after Horsey had
delivered the effect of his instructions, and urged him by all
the means he might to hasten the peace, Horsey could not
find in him any resolution how or when it might be brought
to pass, yet he let him understand that rather than the States
should call in the French, or the government be subverted by
the Spaniards, her Majesty would employ her forces in their
behalf, whereunto Don John made no answer. The same
afternoon, in reply to Horsey, Don John said with a loud
voice that the Spaniards should away, and that he was
very willing to yield to the peace, but that there were some
difficulties not yet resolved, which he trusted very shortly
should be. Could by no means get him to cause the English
ships and goods to be set at liberty that yet remain at
Antwerp, although, according to the Queen's command, he
dealt substantially with him. In the end he requested him
to be content for a time, saying that if the English went away
discontented, the bruit thereof would discourage other nations
from coming to Antwerp; promising to write presently that
the bond for 5,000 crowns should not be demanded, and also
that the merchants remaining in Antwerp should be used with
all courtesy. Knows not what to think of the detracting of
the peace and the restraint of the English merchants' goods.
Don John this day sent the Baron de Ruissinghen to the States
for eight days more to make an end of this peace. This is
the most barren soil for intelligence, and all other things that
ever he came in. Intends to tarry four or five days. Found
Mr. Copley here who seems to have no lewd disposition
towards her Majesty or his country.—Marche, in Luxemburg,
29 Dec. 1576. |
|
Add. Endd. by Burghley. Pp. 1½. |
| Dec. 29. |
1092. M. de Swevenghem to Walsingham. |
|
Has been conferring this morning with the Lord Treasurer and
Sir Walter Willemeth [Mildmay] on the affair which he knows
of. They began the delivery [of the money] this afternoon. In
order to avoid all trouble with the searchers it will be as well
that they should be directed not to touch anything which he
avows to belong to himself. Will bear in mind the rebels
and fugitives contained in his note of yesterday.—London,
29, Dec. 1576. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd., with seal. Fr. P. 1. |
| Dec. 29. |
1093. Instructions for the Marquis de Havre and others sent
to Don John. |
|
They are to tell Don John that, having considered on the
proposition of M. de Ruissinghen, they do not consider it
proper to assemble or negotiate in the town of Hoey, as it
does not belong to the King of Spain, and it would not be
to their honour to transport themselves out of the realm, and
fresh mistrust would be occasioned by their so doing. They
are to point out that the only difficulty consists in the Spaniards,
whom he has authority to withdraw, and that they have
conceded the two points of religion and obedience to the
King's authority. They are to assure him of the safety of
his person, and urge him to entrust himself to the States.
They are to insist on the retreat of the Spaniards by land.
If after their remonstrances they find that Don John will not
listen to reason, they are to declare that the States consider
themselves discharged from all responsibility of the troubles
and inconveniences that may hereupon ensue.—Namur, 29
Dec. 1576. |
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Copy Endd. Seal. Fr. P. 22/3. |
| Dec 29. |
1094. Edward Horsey to Walsingham. |
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Encloses a letter to the Queen unsealed with such intelligence as there is here to be learnt. Knows none here but
Copley, who makes very earnest protestations of his loyalty
to her Majesty and his country. "This morning Rogers
being in his lodging saw Hamilton arrive that slew the
Regent of Scotland." When he has seen her Majestys letter,
begs him to set his (Horsey's) seal to it and deliver it. Sends
his seal by the bearer. Don John is but slenderly accompanied, nor can he learn that he has any great forces prepared.
If peace be not concluded within these few days he will
return home and send Bingham abroad to learn news.—
Marche-en-Famine. 29. Dec. 1576. Signed. |
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Add. Endd. P. 1 |
| Dec. 30. |
1095. The Privy Council to Dr Wilson. |
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M. Swevenghem having shown her Majesty a copy of the
requests sent by the States of the Low Countries to Don
John, which are much different from those which Wilson sent,
the one being no less dutiful and reasonable than the other
most arrogant and unseemly; she has graciously condescended in case Don John shall refuse to yield to the said
requests to lend them 100,000li for eight months. There has
been delivered to him 20,000li in bullion, which, however, he
is not to dispose of without Wilson's consent, which he is
not to give until he understands that the treaty of accord
between the States and Don John is quite broken off; or in
case the accord shall follow that it shall be agreed that the
Spaniards are to be paid by the States. He is to take care
to procure sufficient bonds for the repayment of the loan, and
if possible to have an article inserted in the treaty of accord
for the repayment of such sums of money as have been
borrowed from her Majesty "for the reducing of those countries
to the King's full obedience" and so shall he cause it to be
imparted to Don John for the avoiding of any unkindness.—
Hampton Court, 30 Dec. 1576. |
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Copy. Endd. Pp. 2. |
| Dec. 30. |
1096. Dr. Wilson to the Privy Council. |
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Received their letters of the 10th inst. on the 18th at
Antwerp, from whence he went to Brussels, and communicated
to him what he had in charge to say to the States, and found
him very glad to receive such news. Afterwards he went
to the Duke of Arschot, with whom were two or three of the
States General, to whom he declared her Majesty's sage, godly,
and courageous mind in this time of their great distress, and
how she meant to send a gentleman to Don John, and if he
should not be ready to satisfy their lawful requests, joined
with their true and faithful obedience to their natural King,
that then the Queen would employ all her force to do them
good. On Wilson giving the Duke a brief note of his message
he seemed revived that was before with fear and despair
greatly dismayed, and sent to the Town House to acquaint
such of the States as remained. Wilson told him that now
they must all join together as brethren and be all of one mind,
who said that they had all sworn to that end. On the next
day Mr. Horsey came to him, who after communicating with
M. Champagny and others took his journey from Brussels the
next day. In passing through Mechlin he found Count
Lalain, who was very glad to hear his news, and promised to
be at Namur himself to join with the States for his country's
welfare. Praises Mr. Horsey as a wise, honest, and valiant
man. Has dealt roundly with Rodas for the merchants' ships
and goods, whom, notwithstanding his promises, he will not
allow to leave Antwerp, who answered that Don John was
the let thereof, to whom he accordingly wrote. Encloses the
answers which he received from Don John and Rodas, together
with his own letters. Don John will in no ways yield to
their release by any means that Horsey can make, notwithstanding M. Champagny has written to him pointing out what
need he has to have a care to preserve the amity betwixt the
houses of England and Burgundy. Has sent all letters and
writings that he could get to Mr. Secretary.—Brussels,
30 Dec. 1576. Signed. |
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Add. Endd. Pp. 3. |
| Dec. 30. |
1097. Dr. Wilson to Walsingham. |
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Having told the Duke of Arschot and M. Champagny that
he had no commission to deal about money, M. de Swevenghem was sent to his lodgings to read him a piece of a letter
written by the Duke of Alençon to the States, but he could
by no means get a copy of the same. Afterwards Wilson
sought elsewhere, and found such writings and matters as
he made her Majesty and her Council acquainted with, but
what intention the French have he does not yet know
certainly. They are said to be upon the frontiers. M. Bonnivet continues his solicitation to the States that they would
accept Monsieur for their protector, and giving him towns for
his safety, he would aid them upon his own charges. All this
notwithstanding it may be that this is but a French practise
and a Spanish trick by the ambassador resident there. Howsoever it is his doings at no hand can be good for England.
Does not believe that the marriage betwixt him and his
sister's daughter is in hand. Is well informed that the
daughter of the King's first bed shall be heir to Brabant,
Hainault, and Gueldres, and so Monsieur in no right of his
wife should be lord of those countries. Thinks this is a
practise to divert his mind from dealing with the States, still
rather than the Prince [of Orange] should continue with the
free exercise of his faith, he thinks King Philip cares not
what Papist has it, such is his deadly malice against all who
are not of the Catholic Roman church. Can by no means
understand whether Don John had speech with the Queen
Mother at his passage through France. M. de Swevenghem
is overmuch bent against the Prince in favour of the House
of Croy, whereof the Duke's wife is his nigh kinswoman,
by whom he hopes to rise. Mr. Horsey, by his advice, has
dealt with St. Aldegonde, and declared that the Queen minds
well to the Prince, as he would perceive if he sent any one
to her, which St. Aldegonde promised to report. Gives a long
list of letters and copies, which he sends. Touching the
Regent's demand for Hamilton, he brake prison from Brussels
the 19th inst., and is at Marche-en-Famine waiting upon Don
John. On the 28th inst. Baron D'Aubigny came out of
France, and the next day dined with the French Ambassador.
—Brussels, 30 Dec. 1576. Signed. |
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Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 3½. |
