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| Jan. 1. |
1151. Don John of Austria and the States of the Low
Countries. |
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Agreement between Don John and the deputies of the
States for their meeting at Louvain or Mechlin, and the
custody of the hostages for his safety, and for a guard of
3,000 men under M. de Hierges.—Marche-en-Famine, 1 Jan.
1577. Signed. |
|
Copy. Endd. Fr. P. 1. |
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1152. Copy of first portion of above. |
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Endd. Fr. P. 1. |
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1153. Another copy. |
|
Endd. Fr. P. 1. |
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1154. Copy of the latter part of the above. |
|
Endd. Fr. P. ⅓. |
|
1155. Copy of the above, and also of a short letter from Don
John to the States, agreeing to their conditions.—Marche-enFamine, 1 Jan. 1577. |
|
Endd. Fr. Pp. 2. |
| Jan. 1. |
1156. The Deputies of the States of Flanders to the States. |
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Inform them of the consent of Don John of Austria to meet
them at Louvain or Mechlin.—Marche-en-Famine, 1 Jan.
1577. |
|
Copy. Endd. Fr. Pp. 1½. |
| Jan. 2. |
1157. Don John of Austria to the Queen. |
|
Has received her letter of the 13th ult. by the bearer,
Sir Edward Horsey, in which she expresses her grief at the
troubles in the Low Countries, and willingness to assist in
their pacification. Has been sent thither for that purpose by
his brother, the King of Spain, and is going to Louvain or
Malines with the intention of ratifying and putting in execution the lately treaty concluded at Luxembourg.—Marche-enFamine, 2 Jan. 1577. Signed. |
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Add. Endd., with seal. Fr. Broadside. |
| Jan. 2. |
1158. Dr. Wilson to Lord Burghley. |
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Is informed by M. Champagny that upon the Baron
D'Aubigny's coming out of France the 28 December the
States were in mind to receive French aid; unto which he
opposed himself, willing them to regard their vow of obedience
to the King, which they should hardly keep if the French
King's brother was received as protector of the country,
requiring them to seek help from the Queen of England.
Some answered that little hope was to be had from thenco
seeing the Prince of Orange found no more favour, whereunto
M. Champagny replied that the Prince severing himself from
others was taken for a rebel, and so the Queen aiding him
might be thought to maintain rebellion, a perilous example
for others to take advantage of, whereas they being now
altogether united and representing the whole State, cannot
be touched with any such crime, and therefore the Queen
may with good conscience help them in obtaining their just
demands; as so putting them in some hope of speedy help
they were somewhat satisfied for the time. M. D'Aubigny
came on the 30th December and told him of the French
King's brother's promptness to help the States, but that he
saw the wars were like to begin again. Wilson told him
that it would turn to great harm to this country, as the
Queen would take part with Don John against the Duke of
Alençon. He then asked if they might not take for their
present aid 2,000 Almains, 3,000 French, and as many
English without offence. He told him that the receiving of
Frenchmen would breed a jealousy and do more harm than
good, and also that neither the Queen Mother or her son
were apt instruments for the welfare of this country, and
that he would be sorry for Flanders to stand in need of
France, for that would be to commit the sheep to the government of the wolf, and bade him pray the States to live in
hope of England till they heard from M. Swevenghem. At
his last being at Lierre, in the middle of December, M. Gastel
or Gate, a Burgundian, told him that he had letters from
Don John to the Queen in favour of the Spaniards upon the
seas on their retiring homewards, and though he then asked
for Wilson's letters in his favour, yet when he met him in
Antwerp he would not so much as salute him. It were
good that great heed were taken of him, and that Guaras be
straitly examined as to the very cause of his coming.
Sends copies of letters from Monsieur and others. There is
no likelihood of accord here, as Don John stands upon an
answer which he is to receive from the King by the 10th
inst. at the furthest.—Brussels, 2 Jan. 1576. |
|
Endd. Pp. 3. |
| Jan. 2. |
1159. Dr. Wilson to Burghley. |
|
After writing his other letter, one M. Civil, a grave, wise
man and a councillor, came to him that the States would not
accept Monsieur's offer of 8,000 soldiers upon his own charges
but only to have soldiers out of France at their own charges,
and to choose their captains as they thought fit. The Spanish
Ambassador in France has made such earnest suit to the
King there that he has forbidden any of his subjects to pass
out of France in warlike manner in aid of the States.
Thirdly, the King's brother is in a manner prisoner. The
King would not assist Don John, as he had his hands
full at home, but there was some meaning of a marriage of
Monsieur with the King of Spain's daughter. Some he said
wished that Don John might have this match and live
amongst them and utterly forsake the Spaniards. The bruit
goes that he will assent to all things if it so please the King.
He uses marvellously courteous speech to them. He is sick
of the hemeroids. On Monday last the Spaniards at Antwerp
attacked fort St. Margaret with two galleys, but were beaten
off with loss. Amongst the prisoners was an ensign who
had 900 reals of gold on his person.—2 Jan. |
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Endd.: "An adjunct of my other letter." P. 1. |
| Jan. 3. |
1160. Declaration of the King of France and Others. |
|
1. The King of France, having attained his majority,
declares that he will preserve exercise of their religion to
those of the reformed Church, and use his utmost endeavours
to bring about a peace. He declares also his intention to live
and die in the profession of the Catholic faith. |
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2. The Queen Mother declares the joy she has to understand
of such resolution in her son, and that she will use all her
endeavours to aid him in his good intention. |
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3. Monsieur, being present, declares his intention to adhere
to the Catholic faith in which he was educated, and to
preserve the heritage and name "Most Christian" bequeathed
by the Kings his ancestors.—Blois, 3 January. |
|
Endd.: "Janvier, 1577." Fr. P. ¾. |
| Jan. 3. |
1161. Circular of the King of France to those of Paris
and other Cities. |
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Understanding within these last few days that some of
the pretended reformed religion have seized upon certain
fortified places in France, and being desirous to preserve quiet
in his realm, he orders them to guard the gates of their towns
with such force as they were wont to during the troubles,
so that there be no enterprise effected against them; but
those of the reformed religion that remain peaceably in their
houses shall be preserved under his protection and not
molested.—Blois, 3 January 1577. Signed. |
|
Endd. Copy. Fr. P. 1. |
| Jan. 3. |
1162. Sir A. Paulet to Lord Burghley. |
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Finding the state of things much altered since his letters
of the 16th of last month he would not fail to trouble him
with the bill enclosed. Has carried his Lordship's servant,
William Wade, with him to Blois, and now of late has sent
him to confer with some of his friends, besides his honest and
good discretion he has many other good parts in him.—St.
Die, 3 January 1576. Signed. |
|
Add., with seal. Endd. Pp. 1¼. |
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1163. Affairs in France. |
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Monsieur prays the Queen to forbear the money resting in
the hands of Casimir for some convenient time to be employed
to the behoof of himself and his associates. L'Isle, Maitre
d'Hotel to Monsieur, was messenger to this purpose. The
King has required Monsieur to join the league against those
of the religion. Hereunto he has assented and subscribed,
although with some difficulty, as some say. The league is
practised among the nobility throughout the realm. It is
resolved by the Estates there shall be no other religion than
the Roman, and that the ministers shall depart the realm
within a certain time. Messengers are sent to the King of
Navarre, the Prince of Condé, and M. Danville to inform
them thereof. Camillo Fera, sent to the Prince of Condé, is
a base fellow, noted with infamy, that can neither write nor
read, so as some think him to be sent rather in disdain than
otherwise. These hold the better part of the country on the
other side of the Loire besides Rohan and Laval in Brittany,
which stand firmly for the religion. Count Vantadour and
Viscount Turenne, in revenge of Pont St. Esprit, have seized
divers towns in Limousin and Perigueux, as Bryné la Galliarde
and others of good importance. Clairvaux arrived at the
Court of late, and was despatched the 1st to require Casimir
not to stir but for the service of "Minor" and to return with
an answer, but he is resolved not to come again because he
will be at his liberty to serve for the religion. He tells him
"Jordan" has lost his credit with both parties, and durst not
write to Casimir but by the Secretary of "Absinthium"; that
the Queen Mother will have but one religion; that the House
of Guise had dismounted her if she had not taken this course;
that there is no doubt of new civil wars; that Danville's wife
has been privately practised and has made great promises;
that they have great hope to win "Bonaventura"; that the
Protestants will stand to their defence till they may be
provided of foreign aid; that La Mole goes secretly to Spain to
renew the marriage between the daughter of Spain and
Monsieur, and had gone before if they had not wanted money;
and finally that Casimir will despatch a gentleman towards
"Bonifacius" very shortly. Casimir remains yet unpaid for
six months, and can get no money for the King has it not.
One Germany shall be sent from hence shortly in ambassage
to the Turk. The Secretary to the Pope arrived here the
29th of the last, who is said to require one only religion, and
to that purpose proffereth aid of men and money. The Duke
of Savoy is thought to look for a good hour and will not
fail to have his part in Provence and Dauphiny. The Chancellor and the Pope's Nuncio have spent one whole day in
Council, and thereupon the last of this present a messenger
is despatched to the Pope, "some good matter, I warrant
you." Some of the regiment of Bussy d'Amboise are gone
from him towards the King of Navarre, and in their way
are said to have spoiled an abbey and slain some of the
monks; whereupon those of Saumur-sur-Loire have taken
prisoners the minister of that town and all others of the
religion there. It is advertised the Turk makes very great
preparation by sea, and now the Venetian is afraid and the
Spaniard is afraid, and the French King is flattered on every
side. The new Count Palatine and his brother Casimir are
in good amity, neither has the Count altered religion where
the same had been established by his father, only he has
removed two ministers. It is thought the troubles of Naples
will break out on the next opportunity. It is said that
the Emperor shall marry the elder daughter of the house of
Spain, and the son of the King of Portugal the other daughter,
and that for the treaty thereof the King of Spain is now on
the confines of Portugal. |
|
Partly in cipher. Endd. Enclosure. Pp. 3⅓. |
| Jan. 5. |
1164. Don John of Austria to the Queen. |
|
Letter of credence for M. de Gastel, whom he sends to her
by way of France to announce his arrival in the Low Countries.—Marche-en-Famine, 5 Jan. 1577. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Fr. Broadside. |
| Jan. 6. |
1165. News from Spain. |
|
Henry N. declares before the Council of the town of
Brussels that he has lately returned to Antwerp with letters
from the King of Portugal to his factor in that town.
Deposes that being at Madrid about Dec. 18th he saw the
Duke of Alva, Albernois, and other officers, who boasted that
they would so ruin Antwerp and Brussels that not one stone
should remain on another; and it was further said that the
Duke of Alva should return to the Low Countries. There
was sent to Barcelona 88 mules laden with money. That
the Count de Buren was arrested on Dec. 10 and sent to a
strong castle near Medina del Campo. Declares that the intentions of Spain against the Low Countries are such that
neither ecclesiastics or laymen can hope for any tolerable
treatment, for they commonly say there that they should like
to cut open the bellies of the women and thrust the men's
heads in them, and smother them with the blood, and that
they would compel the people to cultivate the land with
their nails. It is said that Count Charles has joined Don
John with 5,000 men. The King of Spain collects money
in all directions. The King does not approve of the reception of the Archduke Mathias. There is nothing new in
France.—6 Jan. 1577. |
|
Endd. Fr. Pp. 1¼. |
| Jan. 8. |
1166. Instructions for Edward Horsey. |
|
The Queen of England has given him charge to remind the
States of the Low Countries of the obedience that they owe
to the King of Spain, and to warn them from doing anything repugnant to their duty, and in return her Majesty
will always be ready to assist them in preserving their
liberties and privileges. This he has also told Don John at
Marche-en-Famine 25th and 29th Dec., and again at Brussels
8th Jan. 1577. |
|
Endd. Fr. P. ¼. |
| Jan. 9. |
1167. The States of the Low Countries. |
|
Undertaking by the prelates, noblemen, and representatives
of the States assembled at Brussels to stand by one another
in the preservation of the Catholic religion, and their liberties and privileges, and in the expulsion of the Spaniards. |
|
Copy. Endd.: "The renewing of a firm union of the
whole States, the 9th Jan." Fr. Pp. 1⅓. |
|
1168. Another copy.
Fr. Pp. 1½. |
| Jan. 10. |
1169. The States of the Low Countries to the Bishop of
Liege. |
|
The place of meeting between their envoys sent to treat
with Don John of Austria on the subject of the pacification of the Low Countries having been changed to the town
of Hoye, in the territories of the Bishop of Liege, they beg
that he will take the necessary steps for the safety of their
persons.—Brussels, 10 Jan. 1577. |
|
Copy. Endd. Fr. Pp. 2. |
| Jan. 11. |
1170. Dr. Wilson to Lord Burghley. |
|
Refers him to Mr. Horsey for news. Is sorry to see such
irresolution amongst the Flemings in their proceedings. The
only means to bring things to a determinate end for the
benefit of the country is by the Prince of Orange, who,
being neglected, may offend, but being cherished may bring
common quietness. The Spaniards fear none more than his
authority and credit. He is in different terms than heretofore, being now united to the States, who are now as he is,
and the whole being joined together can never be charged
with that which particular members dividing themselves
from the whole body were like to feel by order of justice.
Without him the whole State will be put in hazard if
wars should follow, or he left out upon a pacification with
the rest of the States. Commends Mr. Horsey's plain speech
at the colloquy, without which war would have been denounced by this time, whereas now by good handling and
round dealing a common quietness may be procured. Is well
assured that Don John is more afraid to deal by force than
he was before Mr. Horsey's coming. Sends half a dozen
writings for him to consider upon. The Duke of Arschot
and the others shall deal with Don John at Hoye.—Brussels,
11 Jan. 1576. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd., with seal. P. 1. |
| Jan. 12. |
1171. Dr. Wilson to Walsingham. |
|
Excuses himself for not having written to him since 8th
ult., and now refers him to Mr. Horsey for news. Encloses
several papers. There is not yet any assured hope of peace.
There was lately meaning of a meeting at Hoye to know Don
John's resolute determination. Will straightly observe his
commission concerning the money brought by Swevenghem
and Windebank.—Bruges, 12 Jan. 1576. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd., with seal. P. 2/3. |
| Jan. 12. |
1172. The States of the Low Countries to Don John. |
|
1. Has received his letter of the 10th inst., concerning the
troops which have been sent at the request of the inhabitants
of Limburg for their protection against the outrages of the
Spaniards. The attack and slaughter of their people by the
Spaniards show how impossible it is to have peace whilst
they remain in the country. Their soldiers have crossed the
Meuse to protect the ancestral dominions of his Majesty, and
not with the intent to enterprise anything against his
Highness. |
|
2. Complain of the sack of the town of Utrecht by the
Spaniards garrisoning the citadel, from which they beg that
they may at once be withdrawn, as also from Antwerp and
other strong place which they now occupy.—Brussels, 12 Jan.
1577. |
|
Copy. Endd. Fr. Pp. 1¾. |
| Jan. 13. |
1173. Assurance given by Don John to the Council of
States. |
|
Promises that no injury shall be done to their deputies
sent to Hoye on their journey, or return by the Spaniards
or any of their adherents.—13 Jan. 1577. |
|
Copy. Endd. Fr. P. ½. |
| Jan. 13. |
1174. The Duke of Alençon to the States General. |
|
Complains of their delay and dissimulation in not sending
to him their resolution about the affairs on which they have
been treating, especially as he has already assembled forces
on their account, and desires them to make up their minds
at once as to the course which they will pursue. Is not
ignorant of their dealings with England, which he much mislikes. Has dismissed most of his forces, and has sent to
M. Bellangreville to inform them of certain other matters,
to whom he refers them.—Blois, 13 Jan. 1577. |
|
Copy. Endd. Fr. Pp. 1½. |
| Jan. 14. |
1175. Dr. Wilson to Lord Burghley. |
|
The Prince of Orange is more sought unto by the States
General than heretofore he has been, who counsels them to
stand firmly together and to enter into a league with the
Bishop of Liege. The Countess of Northumberland, lying at
Liege, has lately sent to Don John in favour of the Scottish
Queen. On Friday last Sir Francis Englefield and Owen,
who have been at Liege of long time, came to Don John, of
whose message and dealings he minds to send a secret fellow
to learn the certainty by a mean that the bearer knows, and
therefore requires letters of comfort written by Burghley
touching the favour that he shall receive at home if he deals
plainly with Wilson. M. de Villerval has been sent to Don
John for assurance of safe return for those of the Council of
State who are to go to Hoye. Count Barliamont and his two
sons are to be set at liberty presently, by consent of the States,
for the good service which Mons. de Hierges has done at
Utrecht in battering the castle there. The States General
mind to call the Prince of Orange amongst them. Amsterdam
is minded to yield to the States, and have sent commissioners
to Brussels. The Scots who lie at Bingen, near Maestricht,
were by the Spaniards disquieted with 1,500 horsemen, but
the Scots, being 1,600, unto whom Commendator Barnenstein
joined unawares his 300 reiters, repulsed the Spaniards to the
loss of 100 horsemen, and of the Scots not past 12 men slain
and very few hurt. M. de Merode, a man of great value in
Brabant, is sent to the garrison of Bois-le-Duc. Pater Tregosa,
chief of the Jesuits in Antwerp, is now with Don John, and
directs him more than any other. M. de Gastel, otherwise
Gate, went from Marche the 6th inst. by way of France, of
whom he has already given warning, and prays that good
watch may be had over him, for that which he fears "ab
aquilone," as Mr. Horsey can say more at large. Hamilton,
who escaped out of prison from Brussels, and with whom Don
John promised Mr. Horsey that he would not deal, has
received money of him to persuade the Scots to revolt by
whom he was delivered out of prison, and for whom, especially
for Balfour, the colonel, and some others he got pardon of the
Duke of Alva at the taking of Haarlem, with condition that
the said Baifour should then kill the Prince of Orange by one
means or other. This day the money came to Brussels, and
according to his charge he will do his service.—Brussels,
14 Jan. 1576. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Pp. 2. |
| Jan. 14. |
1176. Don John of Austria to the States General. |
|
Has received their letter by M. de Villerval, and is much
surprised at the alterations that they have made in certain
matters which had already been agreed upon; nevertheless he
is quite willing to meet their deputies at Hoye. As for
the assurance for their safety which they require from him,
he should have thought that his conduct would have shown
that it was unnecessary, but sends one formally drawn up
for their satisfaction.—Marche, 14 Jan. 1577. |
|
Copy. Endd. Fr. P. 1. |
| Jan. 14. |
1177. Henry Mason to William Winter. |
|
Complains of not having heard from him since his departure
on 6th Dec., but esteems that it does not proceed from
negligence, but by reason of his return and daily renewing of
his old acquaintance. Does not send him certain copies for
lack of sure conveyance. The irons are more than hot, and
now is the time for her Majesty to use her intentions and
vanquish her enemies. There is great extremity here for
want of money, and the States will consent not one penny
but upon condition of peace. On Monday last Zericksee was
succoured with 17 ships in spite of the bragging, vaunting
Spaniards. M. de Champagny is appointed with all speed to
come over into England. "Will send some good stuff to stuff
cushions to sit upon when my Lords of the Council shall sit
upon extraordinary affairs.—Antwerp, 14 Jan. 1576. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd.: "Henry Mason to the Earl of Hunsdon's cook."
Pp. 3. |
| Jan. 15. |
1178. M. de Swevenghem's Embassy. |
|
Had audience with the Queen of England Dec. 15, and
declared to her that on account of the tyranny of the
Spaniards the States had determined to drive them out of the
country, and for that purpose had made peace with the Prince
of Orange and the States of Holland and Zealand, and further
prayed the Queen to grant them her assistance in their just
quarrel, which would also be for the profit and assurance of
the neighbouring countries, and even England, against whom
the Spaniards would be certain to make war if they had the
absolute command of the Low Countries. The Queen answered
that she acknowledged the justice of their cause and the importance to England that the Low Countries should be
governed according to their ancient laws and privileges, and
that she was determined to assist them with all her power,
provided they preserved their obedience to the King of Spain
and observed such religion as seemed fit to that Prince. She
had for this purpose sent two of her gentlemen offering to
arrange matters for him, but had received answer that the
King had so managed that there was no necessity for the
intercession of other princes. When she asked Swevenghem
what assistance the States required, he replied that they
wanted about 300,000 angelots. The Queen also asked him
whether they had captains and soldiers and munitions and
artillery, and also "grey beards" to serve as councillors, and
wished them to employ Lazarus Swende, and finally said that
the matter was of such importance that she must take the
advice of her Council. This being done the Queen said she
would keep to her promise of assistance and would advance
200,000 angelets, but that she must first know what was Don
John's final answer. The ambassador not being contented
with this answer, solicited through others the Queen that she
would advance a sum of 40,000 angelets, which in the end
she agreed to do on condition that the money should be repaid
within six months, for which the principal towns should give
their assurances; that the States should not make any peace
without including her Majesty and her realm in the treaty;
that the rebels of England should be expelled from the Low
Countries, and that there should be free traffic with the Low
Countries, and also Holland and Zealand, as before the war.—
Brussels, 15 Jan. 1577. |
|
Endd. Fr. Pp. 2⅓. |
| Jan. 15. |
1179. Sir A. Paulet to Burghley. |
|
Is not ignorant that his resolution at home depend very
much on the doings abroad, and therefore it may seem meet
in this doubtful and dangerous time to give often advertisement even of those things which bear no show of great importance. If his commendation of Mr. Wade may stand him
in any stead, confesses that his honest and faithful dealing
has deserved it.—St. Die, 15 January 1576. Signed. |
|
Add., with seal. Endd. P. ⅓. |
|
1180. Occurrents in France. |
|
The deputies to the King of Navarre and M. Danville
departed from the Court the 6th and 7th of this present. The
deputies appointed to be sent to the Prince of Condé are not
yet gone. The sum of their instructions may appear by the
bill enclosed. It is not a copy of the original, which he could
not obtain, but the party that read it has set down the
substance as near as he could. These instructions were penned
by some of the Privy Council with sharp and bitter words,
denouncing war if they should refuse to unite themselves with
the King for the maintenance of the Romish religion, but the
Estates thought good to set them down in mild terms. The
deputies to Danville have in commission to signify to him
that if he will submit himself to the resolution of the Estates,
abandon the Protestants, and acknowledge the King to be his
sovereign, he shall continue in his government to come and go
without controlment; the King shall swear to the nobility to
perform it, and the nobility shall swear to Danville to be his
defence against the King. Danville shall be put in remembrance that Montmorency has 120,000 francs of yearly revenue
near to Paris, besides other great livings in other places; that
Montmorency is sickly, and that Danville is his next heir.
The King is said to have given Danville's wife 100,000 francs
towards the payment of her husband's debts, with assignation
for the sum to be received at Montpellier. The deputies sent
to the King of Navarre and the Prince of Condé are to declare
that, notwithstanding the resolution of the Estates to have
only the Romish religion, yet the King of his mere goodness is
content to give liberty of conscience to all his subjects, so as all
they who are or have been ministers or preachers depart the
realm under pain of death, and that no children shall be
instructed in other religion than the Romish, and if the King
of Navarre and the Prince of Condé shall refuse to condescend
hereunto, the Estates are resolved to deprive them of the
succession to this Crown. Biron is gone to the King of Navarre
rather to discover his forces, sound his devices, and to corrupt
such as are about him than for any great hope they have to
reclaim him. He has to treat with him about a marriage
between Monsieur and his sister. The Duke of Montpensier
and the Prince Dauphin are departed to their house called
Champagny, in Poitou; the Duke goes thence to the King of
Navarre to persuade him to conform himself to the King's
pleasure. Thinks it assuredly true both of them have utterly
refused to subscribe to the league, though otherwise very
earnest Papists. Besides old grudges there have arisen new
quarrels between the Prince Dauphin and the Duke of Guise.
The King of Navarre could not be ignorant these deputies
were coming towards him, and yet his letters were brought to
the King the 10th, in which he signified that he and 800 of
the nobility of Guienne have resolved to defend the Edict, and
upon this resolution have taken divers towns in Guienne, and
has sent his sister into Bearn. Hereupon the King has
despatched letters of association in the form of letters patent
to all his provinces, by which he declares he is resolved to
have but one religion, and in this quarrel will employ all the
means God has given him, requiring his subjects to give him
their willing and dutiful assistance, and in case of "refuse"
declares them rebels, threatening to constrain them. Every
province is rated at a certain number of horse and footmen.
M. de Rochefoucault is departed from the Court evil content,
and is at Rochelle with the Prince of Condé; his uncle, the
abbot of Mormamtyer, has sent to recall him, but he will not
hear on that side. La Noüe is departed the 4th towards the
Prince of Condé very well accompanied. The Pope's secretary
is come to excuse the Pope towards the King for his allowance
of the election of the Vaivode to the kingdom of Poland, and
to offer him 40,000 crowns towards the charge of his war
against the Huguenots. The Cardinal of Este departed from
Paris towards Rome the beginning of November, and was on
the confines of Italy when he received commandment to return
to the Court of France, there to blow the coals to this quarrel
of religion, and with this intent is arrived at Blois the 12th of
this present. It is said divers of the States of Italy contribute
to this war. The King procures three armies, one for Guienne,
under his own conduct, one for Dauphiny, to be led by Monsieur, the third in Champagne and Burgundy, under the charge
of the Duke of Guise, to impeach the entry of strangers. The
King of Navarre has declared himself protector of the religion,
and professes it in open arms. Those of the religion in the
town of Bordeaux, to the number of 1,300, are imprisoned. |
|
Endd. Enclosure. Pp. 4½. |
| 1576. Jan. 6. |
1181. Instructions to M. de Biron sent from the King of
France to the King of Navarre. |
|
He is to tell him of the King's great affection for him, and
to assure him that he will do all that is reasonable to content
him. He is also to say that, principally at the request of the
Prince of Condé, the King of Navarre, and others of the
reformed religion, he called together the three Estates of the
realm so as they might discuss the measures necessary for the
tranquillity of the realm, but that those of Guienne, Languedoc,
Provence, and Dauphiny sent deputies thereto to protest as to
the nullity of the proceedings, and other deputies of the
religion sent to the King asking him to forbid the Estates
making mention of religion or of the entertainment of the
Edict. He is to show the King of Navarre what little reason
there was for this protestation, and what good hope there was
of contentment and appeasing of quarrels had both Catholics
and Protestants been of accord in the Estates. Before the
Estates come to an end the King thinks it well to send to the
King of Navarre and others of the religion to understand of
such requests as they may make, so that he may be the better
able to order what will tend to that he so much desires, his
subjects in peace, and his kingdom revived in its ancient
splendour. |
|
Endd. Fr. Enclosure. Pp. 22/3. |
| Jan. 15. |
1182. Sir A. Paulet to Walsingham. |
|
1. The occurrents tend to troubles on every side. The third
article of the instructions of M. Biron may seem worthy to
be observed, which has served already to abuse Monsieur,
and now shall serve to abuse others. Is informed that a hard
sentence is pronounced against them of the religion in Bordeaux. The Protestants were never stronger of their own
power, and some think that the King will be deceived of his expectation, and that his subjects will strain courtesy to bear this
heavy burden. The Duke d'Uzes departed towards Champagne
the 13th. Is desired many ways to recommend the cause of
the Protestants, they want nothing but money, a penny
spared at this time might perchance save a pound. The drift
of the Estates shows plainly that religion is the only quarrel.
Mr. Jacomo has thought himself to be in some peril of late,
and within these few days has been heartily afraid. But
seeing that this ticklish time requires diligence and boldness,
and that faithful services will now be seen, he has resolved
to cast all fear behind him, and see the end of this tragedy.
He will deserve a double fee.—St. Die, 15 January 1576.
Signed. |
|
2. P.S.—Two towns in Bordeaux and Dauphiny are said to
be taken by the Protestants. |
|
Partly in cipher. Add., with seal. Endd. Pp. 1½. |
