|
| Jan. 16. |
1183. Charles, Count of Mansfeldt, to the States General. |
|
Their letter of 15 Nov. to the King of France, in which
they have promised to set at liberty the Count of Mansfeldt,
his father has caused him to wait, but seeing that he is still
detained in prison he now demands the fulfilment of their
promise, which if they accomplish he will consider himself
bound to employ his life and fortune in the service of his
country, otherwise he will be driven to use other means which
will not be quite so pleasant to procure the release of his
father.—Paris, 16 Jan. 1577. |
|
Copy. Endd. Fr. P. 1. |
| Jan. 16. |
1184. Council of State of the Low Countries. |
|
Notes of matters to be negotiated on with Don John for
the better assurance of pacification, consisting principally of
the withdrawal of the Spaniards, and the disbanding of
foreigners in the States' service; mutual delivery of prisoners
without ransom, and the preservation of the Catholic religion.
—Jan. 16 1577. |
|
Endd. Fr. Pp. 2¼. |
| Jan. 16. |
1185. Walsingham to Lord Burghley. |
|
Yesterday Mr. Horsey returned out of the Low Countries,
thinking at his taking leave of Don John that the peace had
been thoroughly accorded; but at his repair to Brussels he
found that the States utterly misliked of their Commissioners' proceedings with Don John, and had sundry long
consultations about the matter, but could grow to no
thorough resolution therein before his departure, only that
the Duke of Arschot and another should be sent to Don
John to let him know why the States misliked the articles.
Her Majesty has some meaning to return him thither again
to satisfy Don John touching the money sent to the States;
to offer to be a mediator for the peace; and, lastly, to inform
the States that whereas Swevenghem gives out that her
Majesty has a great misliking of the Prince of Orange, and
thereupon seeks to impeach that he may not be used by the
States, that the said misliking proceeded of some particular
injuries done unto her subjects by the Flushingers, that
notwithstanding she cannot but advise them to use his service
as the only man fit to be employed in so weighty a cause,
without whose assistance she cannot hope that their affairs
can take good success.—At the Court, 16 Jan. 1576. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Pp. 1½. |
| Jan. 17. |
1186. Reasons for the Arrest of M. de Ruissinghen. |
|
Consisting of the different matters on which he has given
the King of Spain and Don John advice prejudicial to the
interests of the Low Countries. |
|
Endd.: 17 Jan. 1577. Fr. Pp. 1¾. |
| Jan. 18. |
1187. The States of the Low Countries to the Queen. |
|
Were very glad to hear by the report of M. Swevenghem
the good affection that she bears to this country. Declare
their intention of remaining in the obedience of the King, and
upholding the religion which he shall think proper to be
observed in the Low Countries. Have sent messengers to the
Prince of Orange and the States of Holland and Zealand to
arrange about the renewal of the freedom of traffic.—Brussels,
18 Jan. 1577. Signed. |
|
Injured by damp. Add. Endd. Fr. Pp. 1¼. |
| Jan. 18. |
1188. Instructions for the Deputies of the States sent to
Don John. |
|
Gives a list of the deputies who are to go to Hoye to treat
with Don John, who are to assure him that they intend
nothing contrary to their duty to the King, and to require him
to give effect to the terms of the treaty made at Luxembourg.
They are to press for the immediate withdrawal of the
Spanish troops by land and not by sea, and the surrender of
the citadel of Antwerp and other strong places held by them,
and on their part the States will engage to withdraw all
foreigners in their pay and furnish the Spaniards with safe
conducts. They are, however, to refuse to entertain any proposal that the States should be responsible for the payment of
their wages, more especially as they have pillaged and destroyed
more than they amount to, and it would be more reasonable if
his Highness and the King should cause restitution to be made
for their robberies, and condign punishment to be inflicted
on the offenders. Any promise that may have been made
formerly by the States for the payment of the Spanish troops
has been forfeited by their outrages and crimes. If they find
that Don John is obstinate on the point of the payment of
the Spaniards, they may offer the sum of [50]000 crowns as a
sort of gratuity to be paid in the event of their departure
within 20 days of the accord. All prisoners are to be set at
liberty on either side. If his Highness wants fuller satisfaction
for the performance of their duty to the King and the maintenance of the Catholic religion they can show him a copy of
the Union of Brussels. If after all the deputies find that Don
John will not incline to these conditions, they are solemnly to
protest that the States are not responsible for the evils that
will ensue.—Brussels, 18 Jan. 1577. |
|
Copy. Endd. Fr. Pp. 6½. |
| Jan. 18. |
1189. M. de Villiers to Walsingham. |
|
Peace has been accorded between the deputies of the States
and Don John of Austria on condition that the Marquis de
Havre, Montigny, the Viscount of Ghent, and other noblemen
shall be given as hostages to the Bishop of Liege, and that
Don John shall have for his assurance the town of Louvain
and 3,000 soldiers as a guard, under the command of M. de
Hierges, when Don John has promised to send away the
Spaniards. They are endeavouring to induce the Prince of
Orange to come into Flanders. M. de Bossu has gone to besiege the citadel of Utrecht, and M. Merode to Bois-le-Duc to
reduce it to the devotion of the States. Don John has
declared that the peace with the Prince of Orange must not
be prejudicial to the Roman religion or the King's authority.
Some think that Don John means mischief, as he has his forces
ready, and the Spaniards and their partisans have made a
great muster. As the embarkation of troops is a long affair
he thinks that the Spaniards will seize the opportunity to
suddenly assail their enemies. Experience has shown that
these people are easily moved, but as easily put down, as they
care for nothing but merchandise. Complains of the delays
and irresolution of the States, which proceed from religious
hatreds, as they cannot receive Don John without advancing
papacy, nor the Prince of Orange without injuring it.
The King of France does all in his power to make them
accord with Don John. Thinks that when the Low Countries
are quieted that the league of Bayonne will be revived.—
London, 18 Jan. 1577. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Fr. Pp. 2. |
| Jan. 19. |
1190. Swevenghem to Walsingham. |
|
His arrival with Mr. Windebank and the money was most
opportune in preventing an outbreak of the unpaid soldiery.
Her Majesty's assistance was tanquam Japiter ex machinâ,
and more of service than double the entire sum promised
would have been in a month or two's time. Is setting out
with others towards Don John in order to obtain his
final reply.—Brussels, 19 Jan. 1577. Signed: Francis de
Halewyn. |
|
Add. Endd. Fr. Pp. 1¾. |
| Jan. 19. |
1191. Loan to the Estates of Flanders. |
|
Engagement to produce further security for the repayment
by the last day of July 1577, of the sum of 20,000li lent to
the States by the Queen of England.—Brussels, 19 Jan. 1577. |
|
Signed: Cornelius Wellemans. |
|
Copy. Endd. Lat. P. 2/3. |
| Jan. 19. |
1192. The Estates of the Low Countries to Don John. |
|
Desire that the Spanish troops may be at once sent out of
the Low Countries by land; and further, that their ringleaders
may be punished according to justice for their malpractises. |
|
Copy. Endd. 19 Jan. Fr. Pp. 52/3. |
| Jan. 22. |
1193. The Count Bossu to the States. |
|
Since his last letter M. d'Asneu has arrived with letters
from Don John to the governor of the citadel of Utrecht,
commanding him to deliver the place over to M. de Hierges.
The governor having shown the letters to his soldiers replied
that they were ready to obey, but wanted first to send a
messenger to Don John. The castle will have to be taken by
sap as they have not sufficient artillery to make a practicable
breach. Begs them to send him money for the pay of his
17 companies of Walloons, who are in a very mutinous condition. Has kept them quiet by promising that M. de Hierges
will shortly bring them their pay. If they are again disappointed the town and surrounding country will run great
danger of being plundered. Poverty and complaints are rife
on all sides.—Utrecht, 22 January 1577. Signed: Maximilien
de Bossu. |
|
Copy. Endd. Fr. Pp. 1¼. |
| Jan. 23. |
1194. Dr. Wilson to Lord Burghley and others. |
|
The 20,000li came safely to Brussels on the 14th inst., and
was laid in his house by Swevenghem's order, which has
greatly comforted all this country, and the Queen has reaped
great honour thereby. Two days afterwards being asked in
the name of the States to deliver the bullion to the Mint that
it might be coined, he said that it was lent to aid them, so
that they kept themselves dutiful and obedient to the King,
and desired to know whether they were at peace or war.
They told him that they were at war with the Spaniards, the
truce being ended without any hope of assured peace, being
in great want of money to pay their soldiers who cried for pay.
He desired them to make an act amongst themselves that they
were in actual war, which they did, and thereupon he delivered
the money to them. The deputies of the States are expected
soon to return from Hoye. If a peace is made he has given
a note to be inserted in the treaty for the true repayment of
her Majesty's money, and the cause of the lending inserted;
the English rebels and fugitives to be banished, and the entercourse to be continued. The money is to be repaid by the
last day of July next, for which he has a general bond of the
States, and a promise to have the bonds of six several towns.
—Brussels, 23 Jan. 1577. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Pp. 1⅓. |
| Jan. 19. |
1195. Memorial for the Duke of Arschot. |
|
Providing that the conditions mentioned in Wilson's letter
shall be inserted in any treaty of peace made with Don John
by the States.—19 Jan. 1577. |
|
Copy. Endd. Fr. P. 1. Enclosure. |
| Jan. 18. |
1196. Declaration by the States of the Low Countries. |
|
"Copy of a declaration by the States that they are at war
with the Spaniards at this present, the truce being ended and
without hopes of peace.—18 Jan. 1577." |
|
Endd. Lat. P. ½. Enclosure. |
| Jan. 23. |
1197. Speech of M. de Swevenghem before the States of the
Low Countries. |
|
At the commencement of last November he was sent to
them by the King of France to ask for, the liberation of the
Count of Mansfeldt, which they said should take place in a
short time. As notwithstanding the said Count is still in prison
the King has sent him again to remind them of their promises
and to require his release.—Brussels, 23 Jan. 1577. |
|
Endd. Fr. P. 1. |
| Jan. 23. |
1198. Protestation of the Prince of Condé. |
|
Has understood of the unjust and hateful resolution taken
by the perjured and corrupted Estates held at Blois, by which,
contrary to public faith and the solemn oath, the Edict of
Pacification sworn to by all the princes and published throughout the realm has been violated, the wicked counsellors of
the King, destroyers of the Crown, pensioners of Spain, authors
of the massacres having determined and decided to abolish
the reformed religion, and having excited the fury of the
leagues lately entered into in the kingdom to oppress those of
that religion who are men brave, learned, and rich, and to
impose on them the rigorous yoke of the most barbarous
tyranny, endeavouring also to ruin by arms and assassination
the greatest and most illustrious families of France, such as
those of Bourbon and Montmorency, and to deprive the better
and more faithful Catholics of the honours due to them,
seeking to give them to the most unworthy of their party.
Whence it is the most considerable persons of both religions,
offended by their injustice, disorders, and rapine, have taken
arms with him to oppose such as would include them in such
miseries, and would render the nobles tributary, despoil the
towns, and keep all the nation in perpetual hatred and division.
He and those with him have under the command and authority
of the King of Navarre undertaken the just defence of their
country, to resist the violence and cruelty that would be exercised against their lives, goods, and honours, he swearing
for himself on the word of a prince to spare nothing in his
power to restore the kingdom to its ancient splendour, give
liberty to the Estates, authority to Edicts, and relieve the
people from the great tributes imposed on them by the
Italians by delivering the country from its oppressors. "Deo
et victricibus armis." |
|
Copy. Endd. by Burghley. Fr. Pp. 2½. |
|
1199. Another copy.
Endd. Fr. Pp. 1½. |
|
1200. Another copy.
Endd. Fr. Pp. 2. |
| Jan. 24. |
1201. H. Gilpin to —. |
|
Has written several letters to him. The ship arrived at
Castel del Mare on the 13th Dec. in safety, but on the 25th
of the same month was brought to Naples by three galleys,
upon what occasion he cannot understand. The Master
Purser is in close prison. Five boys and six men of the ship
were examined on points of no importance, for they were
able not to charge them with anything. There was a report
that they were bound to the Turk's country with brass
ordnance, and bell metal and lead, which is all untrue and
false. Thinks they only go about to have the ship and
goods, which they should not have had whilst any of them
were alive but for the master's persuasions. Laments that
one man should be the occasion of losing such a noble ship,
and putting their lives in danger. Warned him of the
danger on Christmas eve, desiring him to depart presently
if he would save the ship. The "Jonas" of Mr. Gray's, that
Mr. Glascock freighted for Zante, is here and all her goods
discharged, and commission given to sell them by the Viceroy, as is thought for the King's account. Certain books
that were cast overboard when they were lying at Castel
del Mare have been found, and brought hither to their
confusion, so that they look every day to be fetched to the
Holy House. If their matters come to the Church, it will
be a long time before they shall understand anything. It
is reported here that the Pope bears the name of all this great
provision of wars for England and Ireland by the help of the
Kings of Spain, France, and Portugal for to have England
this year. Captain Stuckley is at Civita Vecchia with great
store of soldiers, and there is come from Sicily 12 galleys
full of soldiers who go with him. They will disembark at
Marseilles and take ship again at Bordeaux. The CaptainGeneral of the galleys of the King of Spain goes hence
for Spain. All these princes are linked together for the
spoil of England, and they say that all noblemen's places
and dignities be given and bought already, and the Queen of
Scots is to reign in England. There are two English ships
at Messina, and nothing said to them.—Naples, 14 Jan. 1577.
Signed. |
|
Pp. 4. |
| Jan. 24. |
1202. Dr. Wilson to Walsingham. |
|
Has received his letters by Mr. Churchyard and Mr. Horsey,
the Queen's Ambassador to Don John, to whom he has gone
to Hoye, where the Council and the States confer with Don
John for these four days and no longer, and so return either
with peace or war to Brussels. As for the marriage of
Monsieur with the King of Spain's daughter, he understands
from the ambassador in France that the Emperor should
marry the eldest and the King of Portugal the other, and
for the treaty thereof the King of Spain is said to be upon
the confines of Portugal and no mention made of Monsieur
at all. Sends a copy of a letter of the 22nd inst. from Monsieur
to the States, M. Baringvile, a French captain, who lost his
arm at Mons, is commanded to receive their answer. Notwithstanding this manner of writing it may fall out, because
there is little faith in France that after the abrogation of
the Edict and Monsieur to join with them in the league for
the maintenance of the Roman Catholic religion France may
join with Don John against all those of the religion, and
then he fears that the Duke of Guise will be the principal
instrument for his cousin-german's sake in England to match
her with Don John and so advance the House of Guise, and
so Monsieur may be sped in Spain. Encloses a number of
documents relating to Don John's dealings for other things
that are to be determined between Don John and the States,
Mr. Horsey is to make a full report. Great praise is given
to her Majesty for helping the States in this their extreme
need and danger. The Prince of Orange is generally here
so liked both of States and people, and in such necessity they
stand of his help, that it was agreed among the States the
22nd of this month if peace were not concluded at this present
assembly he should be called in as chief governor amongst
them for the wars, and it was propounded for the maintenance
of amity between the houses of Croye and Nassau that the
Duke's son should marry the Prince of Orange's daughter
and Count Buren with the Duke's daughter. For accord
here among the States there is great hope that the Prince
upon his coming will quiet all things, such is his wisdom,
authority, and credit; neither can his virtues be overshadowed
by M. Swevenghem's or any other's envy. There will be no
necessity to send over any man of quality to appease matters,
except it be to send a general over an English army in aid
of the States, which he wishes were the Earl of Leicester if
the Duke of Guise or other foreigners join with Don John.
The States have not yet any foreign forces, being strong
enough of themselves if the Prince join with them. The
States and the people of themselves have no liking for the
French, and he hopes that now the Prince of Orange has
done with them. The suspected nobility are M. Ruissinghem,
who was lately in prison, but released by the Duke of Arschot,
Count Barliamont and his two sons are much doubted, as
is also M. Champagny, who depends altogether upon the
church. Count Mansfeldt is not yet at liberty. Haarlem is
lately yielded to the States and the Prince governor thereof,
and there is great hope of Amsterdam also. Count Bossu
still batters Utrecht, some say he stays till it be known what
is accorded upon.—Brussels, 24 Jan. 1577. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. P. 2¾. |
| Jan. 25. |
1203. The States General to Count Charles of Mansfeld. |
|
Explain that the detention of his father was chiefly for
his own safety, but have this day set him at full liberty.
Have requested to have a gentleman appointed for his companion who shall answer for his actions; which, however, will
be employed in the service of the country.—Brussels, 25 Jan.
1577. |
|
Copy. Endd. Fr. P. 2/3. |
| Jan. 25. |
1204. The States General of Flanders to Henry III. |
|
In pursuance with his former request they procured the
enlargement of the Count of Mansfeldt and also of Count
Barliamont under certain guard because affairs were still
troubled. Have now set Count Mansfeldt at full liberty,
having withdrawn the guard from his lodgings.—Brussels,
25 Jan. 1577. |
|
Copy. Endd. Fr. P. 1. |
| [1577.] Jan. 27. |
1205. M. John Boischot to Walsingham. |
|
In behalf of Guillaume Humbles, a young man native of
Bruges, who has become responsible for an English merchant
who has absconded, that he will assist him in getting rid of
his liability.—Brussels, 27 Jan. 1567. Signed. |
|
Endd. Fr. P. 1. |
| Jan. 28. |
1206. Dr. Wilson to Lord Burghley. |
|
Has greatly busied himself these two days about the papers
of a lewd and most horrible varlet, William Cotton. Has
collected 20, which he sends. Also the catalogue of the
English Catholics as he has enrolled them, and also those
whom he is pleased to call heretics. Has kept others, but by
these few her Majesty may well understand what hearts they
bear, and that they seek only the setting up of the Scottish
Queen, and that they seek the way of Wingfield, Chatsworth,
and Sheffield, as may appear by the first leaf of the book of
Catholics. Mr. Copley has written to him from Hoye, but
has not satisfied him, as Mr. Bingham made him believe he
would. Cannot trust any of them, and mislikes greatly with
Sir Francis Englesfield, who writes so earnestly and often to
so very a varlet as Cotton is. Yesterday there was no certain
agreement at Hoye in the forenoon.—Brussels, 28 Jan. 1577.
Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Pp. 1. |
| Jan. 28. |
1207. Dr. Wilson to Walsingham. |
|
The States have given out their declaration upon Count
Barlaimont's enlargement, which he sends herewith. Count
Mansfeld was enlarged from his prison to his house on
Thursday, who, supping with the Marquis de Havre, said
that so long as the Spaniards tarried there the country was
subject to the prey of France, England, and Spain. The
French Ambassador invited Count Mansfield, the Marquis of
Havre, and Count Lalain to dinner on the 26th inst., and, as
is said, returns presently into France, being sent for for
matters which the King thinks good not to set forth in
writing. He fears the King and Queen Mother's displeasure,
as he has been so forward to advance the Duke of Alençon's
coming hither. The Duke has required the States that they
should not absolutely determine to call on the Prince of
Orange to be their governor in martial affairs until his return
[from Hoye]. Mons. Likerke, seneschal of Brussels, has
become greatly affectionated to Don John, and mislikes that
the Prince should have any supreme government amongst
them. The galley slaves in the royal galley at Antwerp,
amongst whom were 30 or 40 Englishmen, have taken courage,
and cast overboard their captain and five others, and escaped
to Bergen-op-zoom. Joachim Hopper is said to be lately dead
in Spain; a wise, stout, and learned Fleming, who deadly hated
the Duke of Alva for his tyranny and cruel dealing in the
Low Countries. The Spaniards, who were sent from Valenciennes and Ghent upon oath not to bear armour against the
States, are now in service with Don John. It is written out
of Spain that the Spaniards shall depart out of this country
by express order if there be no other remedy. Don John will
not yield to the punishment of any of the Spaniards who
have offended, and requires full payment of the Spaniards,
Italians, and Almains, and to have ships sufficiently furnished
with artillery and victuals. He will have none of a contrary
religion admitted to the assembly of the States; and that they
should assure him of one Catholic religion and due obedience
to the King, whereby Holland and Zealand would be wholly
excluded from this accord; besides he would have all the
castles at his own disposition, and to bestow the artillery
where it pleased him; he cannot abide to hear of the Count
Buren's revocation out of Spain; he is content that all
prisoners shall be set at liberty, but he cannot assure them to
go free without ransom. Don John has a promise from the
Duke of Brunswick of 6,000 horse and 8,000 foot, and also
looks for French soldiers from the Duke of Guise. The States
have also promises of help. Mr. Horsey has satisfied Don
John for the money sent to the States.—Brussels, 28 Jan.
1577. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Pp. 2¾. |
| Jan. 28. |
1208. The Prince of Condé. |
|
On Monday, the 28th January 1577, the deputies to the
Prince of Condé arrived at St. Jean d'Angeli, having heard
on the road that the Prince had gone thence from Rochelle.
Being conducted to him, they found him in company with
M. de Meru and other gentlemen. When the Bishop of
Autun began by presenting the letters of the Estates, the
Prince would not receive them or hear the Bishop, denying
the authority of the Estates as not being convoked in the
usual solemn manner, and as being merely the tools of others,
who desired the ruin of the State, and that he and the nobility
with him would spare nothing to subvert their designs. Upon
the Bishop again requesting to be heard, the Prince again
refused, adding that messengers had been sent through the
country to practise the elections of the deputies, and repeating
the great desire he had to see tranquillity in France. The
Bishop replied that he was much mistaken as to the mode of
the election of the Estates, requesting for the third time to
present the letters of the Estates, which the Prince again
refused, saying that if the Bishop had any command from the
King for him he would be glad to understand of it, to which
the Bishop replied that he had no authority except as deputy
for the Estates of the clergy, as was the Sieur de Montmorin
for the noblesse, and the President of Poictiers for the third
Estate. The Prince having thanked them the deputies
retired. |
|
Endd. Fr. Pp. 2½. |
| Jan. 30. |
1209. Monsieur de France. |
|
This 30th January Monsieur came into the assembly of the
deputies of the noblesse, and showed to them the state of
France, how that those of the new religion had taken up arms
and seized several places in Languedoc, and added that at the
request of the Estates the King had determined to have but
one religion in his kingdom. He asked them to join with
him in signing a promise to aid the King the utmost of their
power, which promise was accordingly signed by him, Emanuel
de Lorraine, Henry de Lorraine, Ludovic de Gonzagues, and
Charles de Lorraine. |
|
Endd. Fr. P. 2/3. |
| Jan. 30. |
1210. Walsingham to Regent Morton. |
|
Whereas William Dod, John Bigge, and Raffe Radford,
merchants of Westchester, were in the time of the late
Queen's government spoiled on the sea by one White, a
Scotsman, of goods to the value of 300li, desires that restitution may be made to them. |
|
Draft. Endd.: 30 Jan. 1576. P. 1. |
| Jan. 30. |
1211. Negotiations at Hoye. |
|
A detailed account of the proceedings of the deputies of
the States of Flanders with Don John for the purpose of
bringing about a pacification.—Brussels, 30 Jan. 1577. |
|
Endd. Fr. Pp. 21½. |
|
1212. English translation of the above. |
|
Endd. Pp. 17. |
| Jan. 31. |
1213. Paulet to the Queen. |
|
1. It were to be wished in this doubtful and dangerous
time, for the better resolution in her affairs at home, that she
were truly and fully advertised of all foreign doings; but
besides the deep dissimulations and the variable and uncertain
dealing of the French, is much hindered by occasion of lodging
in this blind village four leagues from the Court, and yet is
as narrowly observed as if he were lodged in the midst of the
Protestants, being no less beholden to them for their good
will and good opinion of him than he desires to be to Frenchmen of their religion. |
|
2. (In cipher.) A messenger in credit with Monsieur, in
conference with his secretary, said that Monsieur had suffered
himself to be governed by such as have brought him to the
Court, whereof many are very sorry, nevertheless he might
assure the ambassador from him that he is a good Prince,
"and I say again a good prince," and before three months
shall be expired he should see great alteration, when anything should fall out worthy of observation if he did not find
him he would send his servant to him. The Duke of Nevers
has said of late to his familiar friend that Monsieur has
brought himself between two stools, being hated of the one
side and not trusted of the other. |
|
3. Bussy d'Amboise makes himself strong in Angers, and
fortifies Pont de Cé on the Loire, refusing to come to Court,
grounding his quarrel upon the displeasure of the Queen
Mother towards him. He stands yet a neuter in outward
show; but it is thought these doings will not fall out to be for
the King's service, and this the rather because Verdin and
Clermont have had secret conference with him of late. He
had greatest authority about Monsieur till he was removed
by the Queen Mother at the coming of Monsieur to the
Court. |
|
4. (Partly in cipher.) Being in the field the 25th ult., with
Mr. Russell, Mr. Conysbe, and other English gentlemen, met
the Count St. Tynais with his hawks and spaniels, who having
discovered what he was, desired his company, and so he
followed him in his hawking. He told him he had a house
within three leagues, where he had greyhounds, hounds, and
hawks, and that if at any time he desired to hunt the boar
or hawk the partridge he would be glad of his company, concluding that he could not do anything more acceptable to
Monsieur whom he served, than to do him all the pleasure he
might. The concurrence of these things, though at first blush
they seem of very small importance, being considered with
the position that Monsieur is a malcontent (which is not
doubted by many of good judgment), may seem to infer
somewhat. |
|
5. The Emperor being at Lintz has discharged great
number of his servants and pensionaries, and some that have
served his father and grandfather 10, 20, and 25 years,
because they did not make open profession of the Romish
religion. He has no power to do great part, being thought
to be a poor Prince charged with six brethren and two sisters,
and not well reconciled to the Prince's electors. The Ambassador of Spain declared to him (Paulet) that the Estates
of the Low Countries might easily obtain all their demands,
saving the exercise of religion, wherein rather than the King
his master would abate one jot he would hazard his crown
and all that belongs to it. He was sufficiently taught herein
by the example of France, where if King Charles could not
dissuade his subjects dwelling, as it were, at his Court gates
from their religion without hazard of his realm, what might
the King of Spain expect from subjects divided from him by
so many countries; he would rather incur any other peril
than admit any religion but the Romish into his dominions.
The drift of the Estates now assembled sufficiently declares
the disposition of the French in this cause of religion. Thus
she sees how the Emperor, the Kings of Spain and France,
besides many other princes and potentates, have conspired
against God and his anointed. God grant them little power
to perform their bloody blasphemous devices, which will come
to pass if she use not those means God has given her. |
|
6. (Partly in cipher.) A gentleman is gone from the King
to the Duke of Savoy to pray him do his best endeavour to
persuade Danville to conform himself to the King's pleasure,
and, accompanied with the secretary of the Duke of Savoy, is
now gone to Danville. The Duke of Savoy is had in great
jealousy, and does well deserve it. |
|
7. The Grand Prieur, being at the dance the 20th of this
present, was heard to say, "unless you dance better I would
you had your money again that your dancing has cost you."
The King asked him what he had said of him? The Grand
Prieur answered he had said nothing. The King replied,
"Tu as mente, tu es un poltron, un vilain." Hereupon the
Grand Prieur departed from the Court evil content. La Mole
is departed towards Spain, as he is informed to give the King
to understand of this league with the provinces and towns of
his country for abolishing the reformed religion, to persuade
him to do the like in his dominions, and to agree upon mutual
succour in this quarrel. The King declared to the Estates the
20th his resolution to enter into war. He desired of the
clergy, besides 50,000 crowns granted by them and dispensed
and confirmed by the Pope long since, 200,000 francs, to be
paid monthly for the space of six months; of the third Estate
2,000,000 francs, to be likewise paid monthly by even portions
within six months; of the nobility, nothing besides their
personal service. With this help and other aids from other
princes he persuades them he shall be able to bring into the
field 40,000 horsemen and footmen, and within less space than
six months drive all his enemies out of the realm. Some
think he shall have a cold answer, and especially of the third
Estate. Conquet in Brittany is recovered by the Papists,
and the Protestants cut in pieces. The three Estates have
by one assent desired to have the only Romish religion, and
the banishment of the ministers. Great ordnance has been
sent from Paris, horsemen been assembled about Orleans, and
three companies of footmen departed from the Court the 25th
of this present with outward pretence to have gone to
Chatelherault, which has been seized by the Protestants, but
the true pretence was to have seized La Charité. It is
thought this war will be the ruin of France, and many means
are made to divert it, the house of Guise and their fautors
being the only procurers of the same. The provinces begin
to disavow the deputies, the deputies to disavow their
speakers, the country universally cannot abide to hear of war.
The King is known to be indebted more than 100,000,000
of francs. Some of the States of Italy, which have desired
nothing more than this war, fearing lest the destruction of
this realm will be the greatness of the Spaniard, persuade
peace with any condition whatsoever. But the King has
blown his trumpet so loud, and the Estates have so openly
discovered their secret affections, that now the Protestant sees
his only surety to consist in his own sword, and than he can
be no longer safe than whilst he is the stronger. Is advertised
the Protestants will accept no conditions of peace.—St. Die,
last of January 1576. Signed. |
|
Add., with seal. Endd. Pp. 5⅓. |
| Jan. 31. |
1214. Sir A. Paulet to Walsingham. |
|
1. He would do him a great pleasure to procure a bill for
him from Acerbo Vitelli, or some other Italian banker, for
1,000 or 2,000 crowns, for considering the state of things
here it behoves him to be provided of a good sum of money
against all events that may happen. For his discharge
herein it may please him to repose himself on his poor
honesty. Has used cipher in his letter to the Queen, and
although it shall be troublous to her, yet the peril shall
be as great in her letters as if they were addressed to him.
A friend of new acquaintance, a man of wisdom and honesty,
is repaired of late into Germany, whom he has accompanied
with one of his retinue with pretence to have sent him to
Paris for other business. Sends enclosed a note of such
money as he has disbursed for the Queen's services since his
arrival, wherein it may please him to consider that besides
other occasions of charge he has been driven to keep two or
three of his retinue continually at Blois. Will never ask
one penny more than he defrays in ready money, although
he might in equity and reason ask allowance for such as he
keeps uprising and downlying in his house only for the
Queen's service. This charge shall not seem to be very
great when compared with the allowance required by Dr.
Dale, amounting ordinarily for every two months to 80l.,
even when he lay at Paris. Is not ignorant he may not
measure his demands by other men's doings, and yet this
may serve to answer such as shall not be satisfied herein.
Is now wise enough to remember the Queen takes no delight
in fury neither in herself or in others, and therefore imputes
her good acceptation of the trifle to his good report; will not
fail to provide some toys according to his advice.—St. Die,
last of January 1576. Signed. |
|
2. P.S.—Besme, who is said to have slain the Admiral,
was taken at Rochelle, which the Duke of Guise took so much
to heart, that he seized the two or three sons of the Mayor
of Rochelle and sent them to his house on the borders of
Lorraine; but the Mayor was so friended by the King, that
his sons were delivered to him, and from that time hereunto
there has been some suspicion conceived of him. If he
receive any bill from him to any banker here, he will not
fail to return a bill for his discharge. Is given to understand the Court of Parliament of Paris rejects the league as
a matter prejudicial to the State and dishonourable to the
King. There is no leather to be had at Blois. |
|
Add., with seal. Endd. Pp. 3. |
| Jan. 31. |
1215. Sir A. Paulet to Walsingham. |
|
At the request of an English merchant pretending and
truly that those of La Charité had spoiled him of five carts
laden with woollen cloth, sent to M. Pinart for his help
therein. The merchant has now the King's letter and also
his passport.—St. Die, last of January 1576. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. P. 1. |
| Jan. 31. |
1216. The King of France to the City of Paris. |
|
Being desirous of re-establishing peace in his kingdom, and
to rid it of the disturbers who oppress it, he, by the advice of
his mother and brother, and of the principal nobles of the
kingdom, sends this letter to know of them what force of
horsemen and footmen they can put in the field for him, and
what means there are for their entertainment.—Blois, last of
January 1576. |
|
Endd. Copy. Fr. Pp. 1½. |
| Jan. 31. |
1217. M. Taffin to Mr. Tomson. |
|
Has shown Walsingham the letter of the Prince of Orange
touching the affairs of the merchants of Ipswich, and seeing
there is no great appearance of the first third being paid, is
going over to show the States the real importance of this
matter. After his departure it will be well (in case of nonpayment within a month or six weeks) to put an arrest on the
persons and ships of those of Holland and Zealand.—London,
31 Jan. 1576. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Fr. P. 1. |
| Jan. |
1218. Affairs of the Low Countries. |
|
A discourse on the state of affairs in the Low Countries,
showing that the King of Spain will never forgive the inhabitants for proclaiming his soldiers rebels and endeavouring to
expel them by force, as appears by letters from him to Rodas
and others; also that there is a fixed determination to
reduce them into utter subjection to the Spanish yoke. No
trust whatever can be placed in the promises of Don John
for withdrawing the Spaniards, in which case the country
would lie at his disposal. Under these circumstances the
States should insist on the withdrawal of the Spaniards and
the surrender of the fortresses held by them before receiving
Don John as their Governor, who should moreover be bound
down by good and strong conditions. |
|
Endd. Fr. Pp. 5¾. |
| Jan. |
1219. M. Champagny's Declaration. |
|
That he undertook the government of Antwerp most unwillingly at the express desire and command of the King of
Spain. That during his government he did all in his power
to restrain the excesses of the Spaniards in the citadel so
far as to incur their odium and hatred. That he was unable
to prevent the sack of the town owing to the treachery of
the Almain colonels of the only troops under his command,
who would not suffer the burghers to arm in their defence.
That he has not benefited by his offices, but on the other
hand has been put to great expenses. Although he has been
promised the command of a regiment of Walloons for a long
time he has not yet been appointed to one. Expresses his
willingness to serve the Council of State to the best of his
power. |
|
Endd. by Burghley: "January 1577." Fr. Pp. 5. |
| Jan. |
1220. "A Memoriall of Tayles and Subsydyes payable to ye
Fr. Kyng." |
|
1. It is calculated that there are 1,800,000 hearths contributable to tax in the kingdom, which would bring in a
revenue of 15,306,000 livres yearly, in lieu of all the charges,
subsidies, and impositions to be abolished by the King. The
rate would be from one sou for the lowest to 50 livres for
the highest. |
|
2. The 28th January.—The deputies of the third Estate of
France having heard from the Sieurs de Chatillon, de Borde,
and Porcet the request of the King for 2,000,000 livres payable in six months, by a plurality of voices and governments desire to show the King that in his letters summoning the Estates he made no mention of this subsidy, but
summoned them solely to hear the complaints of the people,
and to give him their advice; whence they request he will
not take it in bad part if they give him no answer therein,
having no power to so do, being assured that their provinces, being advised of the King's desire, will give him such
help as they can. |
|
3. A list of such taxes and subsidies as the people pay
and will be remitted if this new tax is introduced. The
list includes la grande taille (feudal aids), le taillon (a tax
towards paying the gendarmerie), a tax on the walled towns
for the pay of 5,000 soldiers, 800,000 livres raised on the
low country for munitions and artillery, all levies on the
people by way of assessed taxes (collecte cottisation), all taxes
on salt imposed since the time of Louis XII., all tolls granted
by the King to divers towns, all tolls on bridges and ways,
except such as are patrimonial of the Crown of France, of the
church and of private persons; all customs save on such merchandise as is taken out of the kingdom, all imposition on
merchandise by way of right of domain or otherwise, all dues
to the King on wine sold in bulk or by retail, such as droit de
vingtieme huitieme (the 28th pot or penny), les cinq sous pour
muid, and others; all taxes on cloth, wool, fustian, &c.; all
taxes on cloven-hoofed beasts (du pied fourché) and other
animals, and all rights of the Crown in fresh and salt fish,
corn, wheat, woods (as droit de bouche), spices, drugs, &c. |
|
Endd. by Burghley. Fr. Pp. 3¼. |
| Jan. |
1221. The Court of France. |
|
A list of the names of the Princes of the blood, officers of
State, captains of 100 gentlemen, captains of the guard, Counts,
Archbishops, Bishops, members of the Privy Council, and
other officers at Blois. |
|
Endd. by Burghley. Fr. Pp. 3. |
| Jan. |
1222. Taxation in France. |
|
Copy of letters patent addressed to the governors of provinces
in France or their lieutenants, by the King, detailing the
means he has taken to procure peace in his kingdom by
ordering an assembly of the Estates in which all grievances
could be discussed, and that because certain of the deputies
had instructions from their provinces to require that there
should be no other religion than the Romish, (as the best way
of preserving peace), those of the new religion have again taken
up arms, pillaged towns, and levied contributions. He is
obliged on this account to raise two large armies besides the
men that are already in each province, one to be under the
command of himself, and the other under his brother, the Duke
Anjou. His treasury is so exhausted by the bygone troubles
that he is unable to provide the money necessary for the
entertainment of the troops, and, therefore, he desires of those
of the towns, as better able to contribute than those living in
the open country, to grant him 1,200,000 livres tournois.
The officer to whom these letters come is to inform the mayor,
sheriff, or whoever has charge of the towns in his jurisdiction,
of the amount assigned for them to pay, and which sum is to
be levied on all without distinction, notwithstanding any
exemption that the persons or places may have enjoyed in
times past, and he enjoins him use all proper diligence to obtain speedy payment to the receivers of his revenues.—Done
at Blois—day of—1576, the third year of his reign. |
|
Parchment broadside. Fr. Endd.: 1577. |
| [Jan.] |
1223. Affairs in France. |
|
Copy of an address from certain of the united Catholics and
those of the reformed religion to the King of France, in which
they draw attention to the state of the country, and beg him
to believe that the only way to preserve peace is to order the
conservation of his Edict of May last. |
|
Fr. Pp. 3¼. |
| 1577? Jan. |
1224. Wars in France. |
|
Certain articles proposed in the assembly of Nancy in
January to be resolved on in the general assembly of March
next. The King of France shall be required to join more
openly and heartily with the Holy League, and to expel from
places and offices such as shall be named to him; to cause the
Holy Council of Trent to be published throughout his realm;
to establish the Holy Inquisition, it being provided that the
officers shall be strangers to the places they shall be appointed
to; to permit the ecclesiastics to redeem the property heretofore alienated from their churches; to place in the hands of
certain principal persons some places of importance; to defray
the cost of men-at-arms in Lorraine to prevent foreign invasion, and to this end sell immediately the goods of heretics
and their associates, and that those who are or who have been
held for heretics since 1560 shall be taxed at a third or at
least a fourth of their goods while the wars last, the other
Catholics at a tenth; that commissioners be appointed for
these matters; that the relations of heretics be compelled to
redeem their goods at a fifth under the just price; that the
first proceeds of such measures be applied to payment of the
debts incurred by certain principal persons heretofore, and the
remainder put by for the future; that no prisoner's life shall
be spared unless he give assurance to live a Catholic, and shall
pay according to the value of his goods if they are not sold,
and if they have been sold, that he renounce all claim to them,
and be obliged to serve three years or more without pay. |
|
Endd. Fr. P. 1. |
