|
| April 5. |
1370. Wilson to Walsingham. |
|
Is fully persuaded the Spaniards will away out of all these
countries. They have in their power only Maestricht, where
they remain for the exchange of certain French money, refused
by them as counterfeit, and for the small portion of the first
pay not fully answered to the horsemen. Escovedo goes from
Antwerp in all haste possible to satisfy them that they may
forthwith begone, for so is the express commandment of Don
John. The interview betwixt Don John and the Prince was
offered without all doubt, and if the Prince would yield in
religion he shall have more than he will desire, by which he
gathers that a farther thing is meant than the only appeasing
of this country. Neither France nor Spain shall persuade
him to believe their words, except he see better deeds;
will never think that any perfect or assured amity will
be amongst any that are divided in religion. Would
rather be blamed for his free speech than that the Queen
should hereafter feel the smart for want of advertisement
given. Has had great speech with the Duke of Arschot,
Baron de Ruissinghen, and Vicomte of Ghent, and told them
there is no greater praise to get the Spaniards away than it
is to keep them out for ever, and said the Queen was as
pleased as themselves they were restored to their liberties
and privileges, they thanked him, and said they were all
marvellously bound to the Queen. Don John has given
special warning to the Estates that the castle of Antwerp be
well and safely looked to, for fear the Prince should make
some attempt that way, who is the only man Don John fears.
Cotton is dead. Lays wait for Haggerston, who lurks in
Brussels for his suit he has in Antwerp.—Brussels, 5 April
1577. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Pp. 2. |
| April 5. |
1371. Don John to the Estates at Brussels. |
|
Desires that Escovedo may be furnished with the money
for the payment of the Spaniards, which was agreed on in
the Articles of Pacification.—Louvain, 5 April 1577. Signed. |
|
Endd. Copy. Fr. P. 2/3. |
| April 6. |
1372. The Prince of Orange to Don John of Austria. |
|
Has understood from Doctor Leoninus his intention to
maintain the pacification of Ghent, and re-establish the ancient
privileges and liberties of the country. As he desires nothing
more than to see the King's subjects maintained in justice
and peace, he thanks him therefor, and more especially for
the restoration to him of his son, the Count de Buren, with
all his goods. Prays that the continuation of these things
may be worthy the commencement. Having spoken at length
with Doctor Leoninus, he leaves everything to his report, and
therefore ceases to trouble him.—Dortrecht, 6 April 1577. |
|
Endd. Copy. P. ¾. |
| April 6. |
1373. Don John to the Estates. |
|
The Abbé of Marolles having been with him touching the
release of certain prisoners who have now all been set at
liberty, he cannot let the opportunity afforded by his return
to pass without sending a line to say how pleased he is to do
everything he can to carry out the pacification.—Louvain,
6 April 1577. |
|
Endd. Fr. P. ½. |
| April 7. |
1374. Pacification in the Low Countries. |
|
Proclamation by the King of Spain to the clergy, nobles,
and others of Brabant, approving of and accepting the peace
entered into with them by Don John of Austria on the 22nd
February.—Madrid, 7 April 1577. Signed. |
|
Copy. Endd. Fr. P. 1. |
| April 9. |
1375. Letters to the King of Spain intercepted by La
Noüe. |
|
1. Extract from a letter of Don John of Austria to the King
of Spain of the 7th April. |
|
Fr. P. 2/3. |
|
2. Three letters from Escovedo to the King of Spain, dated
from Antwerp the 6th, 8th, and 9th of April, translated into
French from the Spanish cipher, and a further extract from
the letter of Don John to the King of Spain, dated at Louvain
the 7th April. |
|
Endd. Fr. P. 7. |
|
3. Another copy of Escovedo's three letters. |
|
Fr. Pp. 7. |
| April 9. |
1376. Secretary Escovedo to Philip II. |
|
Makes no great reckoning of occupying the places that lie
on the continent. It is the islands [Holland and Zealand]
that are to be shot at, and this he holds a matter more
difficult than that of England. If that were taken the other
could not hold out, and to do this mean forces would suffice.
Says not this to further the case of Don John. His Majesty
has no other remedy, as time has proved and every hour
shows.—Antwerp, 9 April 1577. Signed. |
|
Endd. Intercepted by La Noüe and sent to the Prince of
Orange. In cipher. P. 2/3. |
|
1377. Portion of above deciphered into Spanish and translated
into English. |
|
Endd. P. ½. |
|
1378. Decipher in Spanish of Escovedo's letter of the 9th
April. |
|
P. ½. |
|
1379. French translation of Escovedo's letter of the 9th April,
and extract from Don John's letter from Louvain of the
7th April. |
|
Endd. P. 1. |
|
[These documents were, Nos. 1375–9, most probably enclosures in the letter of Daniel Rogers to Walsingham of the
20th July, but are not so calendared, because Rogers makes
no mention of forwarding them, though he makes an abstract
of the principal points they contain.] |
| April 10. |
1380. M. de Ruissingen to Walsingham. |
|
Takes the opportunity of the coming over to England of
Mr. Asheby to send this line to assure him of his friendship.
Has communicated all matters of importance to the bearer,
from whom he will receive a full report.—Frankfort, 10
April 1577. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Ital. Pp. 2. |
| April 10. |
1381. Paulet to Walsingham. |
|
Encloses copy of his letter to the Earl of Leicester. Prays
him look not for Mr. Jacomo; indeed he cannot spare him
during these troubles. The bearer has somewhat to say
touching a cipher.—Blois, 10 April 1577. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. P. ½. |
|
1382. Paulet to the Earl of Leicester. |
|
The bruits of the doings in England are very great, though
divers and uncertain. The French will be too hard for them
when they shall be in quietness among themselves. They
will not be content with their own quarrels. They will
ground their doings upon the title of a third person, and
herein they will easily concur to set up any other that shall
concur with them in religion. They will be sure in this
quarrel to find many partisans. The Pope and the States of
Italy will be ready to come before they be called, and prays
they have not at home among them that expect this golden
day. He is not ignorant of the fit and apt remedy for these
dangerous mischiefs, and trusts to live so long to see them
applied, and much the rather by his Lordship's good mean. |
|
Copy. Enclosure. P. ½. |
| April 11. |
1383. Berwick. |
|
The default of the musters taken the 11th April 1577
before Sir Robert Constable, Knight Marshal at Berwick, and
having charge of the town, amounting in all to 34 men.
Signed by Sir Robert Constable and Mr. Thomas Barton. |
|
Endd. Pp. 2. |
| April 12. |
1384. Lord Scrope to Walsingham. |
|
Yesterday he and Lord Maxwell met at Burgh-on-the-Sand,
where they appointed that day month for the despatch of
all matters already filed and indented for to be delivered
between them. Pressed him he would also appoint some
other day for filing and delivering of other attempts, as well
before unanswered on both sides as well as for such attemptates as of late have been committed by some disordered
persons in this his office, and would be ready to do the
like if Lord Maxwell had any cause to complain. He
answered that he knew not of any one attemptate done
within his office since their last meeting in November last,
the like whereof in so long time has not been heard of, yet
could he not presently answer him, but would write to the
Regent and send him further answer. So it seems he stands
doubtful of his continuance in office by means of the causes
moved and brought before the Regent upon the particularities
between him and the Laird of Johnstone.—Carlisle, 12 April
1577. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. P. 1. |
| April 12. |
1385. Proclamation by the King of France. |
|
Commanding all gentlemen and others making profession
of arms to repair to his standard on the Feast of St. John
the Baptist to march against the Huguenots and those strangers
that they have introduced into the realm. Those above 60
years of age are to send a substitute. The holders of fiefs,
subject to ban and arriere ban, are to provide money according
to the value of their fiefs.—Blois, 12 April 1577. |
|
Copy. Fr. Pp. 2¼. |
| April 14. |
1386. Rudolph II. to Queen Elizabeth. |
|
Thanks her for her letters of condolence on the death of
his father the Emperor Maximilian, which he has received
by Philip Sidney, and hopes that the friendly relations
between the two crowns will be maintained.—Prague, 12 April
1577. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Lat. Pp. 1⅓. |
| April 16. |
1387. M. de Mauvissiere to M. de Thou, Premier President of the Court of Parliament of Paris. |
|
In favour of Antony Bourne, who desires to retire into
France to live there, and who is well affected to the service
of the King. Prays him to grant him his favour, more
especially as the gentleman is in some fear of molestation by
the English Ambassador.—London, 16 April 1577. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Fr. P. 1. |
| April 16. |
1388. M. de Mauvissiere to the Queen Mother of France. |
|
Prays her that Antony Bourne may live in France with
his goods. He is in displeasure with certain of the Council
in England, for which such of his friends as are like him
well disposed to the King of France have prayed him to
give him a passport and letters of recommendation.—London,
16 April 1577. Signed. |
|
Add.: Endd. "Mauvissiere to divers governors in favour
of Mr. Antony Bourne, who had stolen away another man's
wife, viz., the wife of Mr. Packington, and for that cause durst
not tarry in the realm." |
|
Fr. P. 1. |
| April 16. |
1389. Antony Bourne. |
|
Passport from M. de Mauvissiere, Ambassador in England
for the King of France for Antony Bourne, commanding all
persons to give passage to him, his train, arms and baggage
to whatsoever town in France he shall desire to go.—London,
16 April 1577. Signed with armorial seal. |
|
Endd. Fr. P. 1. |
| April 16. |
1390. M. de Mauvissiere to the Sieur de Cigougnes. |
|
A further letter of recommendation for the above Antony
Bourne.—London, 16 April 1577. |
|
Add. Endd. Fr. P. 1. |
| April 17. |
1391. M. de Mauvissiere to the Sieur de Carrouges. |
|
Prays him allow the bearer, Antony Bourne, to remain in
Rouen should he be so minded.—London, 17 April 1577.
Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Fr. P. 1. |
| April 18. |
1392. Berwick. |
|
The default of the musters taken the 18th of April 1577
before Sir Robert Constable, marshal in Berwick, and having
charge of the town, amounting to three men "absent," and 18
"passport unexpired." Signed by Sir Robert Constable and
Thomas Barton. |
|
Endd. Pp. 2. |
| April 18. |
1393. Wilson to Burghley. |
|
Did so well like his apt allegory in reading his letters that
he persuaded himself he was not sick at all, being so merrily
disposed. Perceives that although his heart be whole and
sound, yet his exterior members have been greatly vexed of
late by his ancient enemy the gout. Finds great good by
drinking Rhenish wine, which not only comforts his stomach
but keeps his body open and consumes the rheum so well as
he does not spit now almost at all, whereas being at home and
drinking Gascon wine his body was filled with excessive and
needless humours. He may see by Sir Thomas Gresham of
what health he is, who if he had drunk half so much Gascon
wine as he has Rhenish wine thinks he had not been half so
healthy as he is. The Spaniards have tarried hitherto for
want of their pay, but thinks they will all be clean gone
in three or four days, being paid all their due two days
past. The chiefest matter here is to devise to win the Prince
by one way or another, yea, it seems Don John will stoop
very low to have his purpose of him; fears that when other
practices fail something will be devised against his person.
Wishes good care were had in England to the Scottish
Queen's doings and the person of their Sovereign. Cannot
get Mr. Copley to be plain enough with him. It may be
somewhat long before he send another post, except some
great matter enforce him, being willed by Mr. Secretary to
avoid charge. Has dealt for the merchants for the release of
the new general imposts, but as yet has had no answer. The
merchants are very careless in their own causes.—Brussels,
18 April 1577. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Pp. 1¾. |
| April 18. |
1394. Advertisements from Brussels. |
|
The Pope's Nuncio spoke with Don John the 10th to avoid
the country of Huguenots. Elias Heywood the Jesuit came
from Antwerp to wait upon the Nuncio. The 11th, Count
Egmont, M. de Capres, and M. de Gondy were received into
Brussels with 16 ensigns of burgesses and three ensigns of
Walloons with great melody and shot. The 13th, Escovedo
went from Antwerp with a rest of money due to the Spaniards
to the value of 30,000 florins and their assurance of 300,000 to
be paid in Milan and Genoa. It is thought the Spaniards will
be all out of Maestricht this week, they having 500 waggons
for their carriages, and that Don John will make his entry
into Brussels next week, where they purpose to receive him
with great pomp and triumph. The 14th he caused at
Louvain the game of the popinjay, instituted by Duke Philip
of Burgundy, to be renewed, and coming himself thither did
shoot with his crossbow and strike down the popinjay at the
fifth shoot, so that he was the king of that game. He gave
to the Society of Crossbows 100 crowns to drink and be
merry, and since has banquetted all the best of the town with
exceeding familiarity to all men, getting credit marvellously.
He continues his purpose still to deal with the Prince, especially to bring him to yield to the Catholic religion. The
Count de Reus would have those soldiers in the castle of
Ghent that are for the Prince to be removed, but the townsmen will not agree thereunto, whereat the Count is marvellously offended, The townsmen of Antwerp offer to keep
watch and ward within the city, and require that the Almains
may be discharged, but they tarry there yet; the Almains
will not suffer any of the Prince's men to tarry within the
city. Count Bossu cannot be received as Governor of Friesland for that they of the province require M. de Villey. The
soldiers in the Estates' camp do mutiny daily for want of pay,
and die daily of famine, and others forsake the camp altogether and spoil secretly about Maestricht. The Spaniards
have spoiled and wasted about Maestricht 15 English miles
every way, living upon the country's charge until their going
away. The Prince fortifies in Holland and Zealand, and it is
feared here he will not yield to the obedience of Don John,
especially in religion. Don John has promised that the
Prince's son shall be in this country within two months. The
States of Holland and Zealand are assembled at Dort, whither
Longolius is sent to make some stir amongst them, and to
divide them if he cannot bring them to the obedience of
the King and the Catholic faith. There are some that are
so malicious set against the Prince, for fear of his greatness
like to ensue, and for fear of alteration in religion, that they
would be content to call the Spaniards again to withstand
him. The 16th the Provost Marshal of this country having
hanged a Dutchman and a Scottishman was set upon by the
Prince's soldiers and thrust through with a long pike and
17 of his men stricken dead. All the camp is in arms since
that time, and threaten that except they have their pay very
shortly they will all live by open spoil. |
|
Endd. Enclosure. Pp. 2. |
| April 18. |
1395. Wilson to [Walsingham]. |
|
1. The Spaniards remain still moventes quiden sed non promoventes. They are by nature more melancholy than other
nations, which humour being cold and dire causes them to be
slow in all their actions, and so to deal always with great
advisement and surely. It is thought they go into Italy and
not into France. The country about Maestricht has been
marvellously spoiled by them, who blame the Estates for
their long tarrying because they were no sooner paid. When
they are passed the Meuse the nobility will go to Louvain to
wait upon his Highness to be received here as Governor.
Sends an oration made by Albertus Leoninus, otherwise called
Longolius, for his long and high stature, a doctor of Louvain,
and a cunning champion for the Church and Don John. The
Prince has many enemies of the greater sort, the nobility
fearing his greatness and the clergy the alteration in religion,
as of late it was openly reported that the reformed doctrine
was openly preached at Haarlem upon Sunday was a fortnight.
It is said there are in Flanders a great number of the religion,
and Brussels has many also, besides there are divers in
Hainault and Artois, which causes the Pope's Nuncio to bestir
himself marvellously. Sent for Elias Heywood, but could not
get anything of him, so that he told him he did well to keep
his oath not to utter any secrets to heretics. He is but simple
and weak, and if he be crafty no doubt he is possessed. The
Bishop of Liege did of late, upon speech uttered against those
of the religion, say, "What do princes deal with a King of
Navarre, a Prince of Condé, or a Prince of Orange? Let them
first begin with the Queen of England, and when she is once
subdued all others will yield immediately after. This is the
best way and the surest way," which was assented to by all
parties. Many of the great sort are sorry the Spaniards are
gone, for fear the Prince will wax over great. It seems to
him the wars are now but in beginning. The French Ambassador has told him of a post that came from the Duke of Guise
to speak with Don John, and said his errand was either to
have the Spaniards aid the King, or else it was some matter
touching the Scottish Queen. Told him it touched his King
as much as their Queen, and that if Don John should match
that way by the Duke of Guise's means the houses of Valois
and Bourbon should be rooted out clean. He answered he
would be sorry to hear of any such marriage. Hears Dennis
and Twyne are continual waiters upon Vasseur, Don John's
secretary; has prayed Mr. Copley to understand their doings,
but he is so fearful and precise he cannot get anything particular out of him. One of the Hamiltons said to a countryman
of theirs that the Scottish Queen, being moved to devise with
others for her liberty, when any attempt shall be made to get
her out of prison, said she would not stir upon any such
practice except some nobleman of England should first take
arms upon him and make a commotion within the realm.
Cannot tell what to say to this world; here men say their
pleasure of the Queen for keeping her in prison; thinks it is
a gentle prison when she has such liberty to write from time
to time as she does, and what she list, with such allowance
and company as is about her. |
|
2. When he had written so far received his letters of the
12th, unto which he answers thus. Nothing of moment comes
from Mr. Copley. Minds on Saturday to go to Louvain to
Court, and will say somewhat to Don John, unto whom four
posts are lately come out of France, four from the Pope, and
two from the Emperor, and yet Mr. Copley is ignorant of all
things. Fears there is some great matter in hand against the
Prince. For the captains of the camp and the Almains, has
satisfied them with four letters and good words for this time,
being willed to do so by the Earl of Leicester. Now as he is
persuaded of the Spaniards departing, so does he verily believe
of some division among the Estates. The merchants will
neither give him instructions nor send any to Bruges to follow
their suit. This other day was informed by M. Swegenhem
that one Dr. Michael, an Italian well known to the English
merchants, had cured divers carnosities, and one especially of
the town yet living that had the disease 40 years together.
This physician is contented to come with him upon his return
if he be disposed to have him.—18 April 1577. Signed. |
|
Pp. 4. |
| March 30. |
1396. Speech of Dr. Leoninus to the Prince of Orange and the
Estates of Holland and Zealand. |
|
Assures them that the general Estates of the country intend
to keep fully the pacification of Ghent, and also the peace
made afterwards with Don John of Austria. They have had
and must daily sustain great and excessive charges for the
more assurance of their country's rest and welfare, and they
therefore request a contribution to the ease of these charges
and the advancement of the payment of the Scots and other
soldiers sent by the Prince and the Estates of Holland and
Zealand to their aid. And as it is conditioned in the pacification that all matters shall be restored to their former
state, the States request them to cease all licences and passports and all other like extraordinary charges made during
the troubles, to the end traffic might be enlarged and made
free, wherefore they also request that the ships of war lying
before Antwerp may be also called back, with the ship lying
upon the Meuse about Bois le Duc, that they do no harm to
the merchants, and the rather because Don John is ready to
fulfil the peace in all points. He has caused the Spaniards to
depart out of the country, and has consented to meet the
Prince at Middleburg to declare his good intention to him, and
he is content to make such further assurance as the Prince
might desire. He was contented to accommodate himself to
the restitution of the Count de Buren and to the restitution of
the goods of Burgundy and former Estates, and to come and
commune with him himself. Desires it will please them to
give such satisfaction as reason and the contents of the pacification require, and that they will send the mintmasters to
Brabant to agree with the mintmasters there to make the
coins and values of money equal to the welfare of the inhabitants generally. |
|
Copy. Endd.: "The translation of Doctor Leoninus' speech
out of Flemish into French uttered to the Prince and the
Estates of Holland and Zealand and delivered to me as his
own act this 6th May 1577" (sic). Fr. Enclosure. Pp. 6½. |
| March 30. |
1397. Another copy. |
|
Endd.: "30 March 1577." English. Enclosure. Pp. 2½. |
| April 18. |
1398. Thomas Copley to Dr. Wilson. |
|
1. Is very sorry he makes so light account of the advices he
has given him. It were an easy matter for him to forge such
as should answer his imagination, but then should he charge
his conscience with untruth, which he will never do to please
any man. It suffices him that what he says is true, and what
he (Wilson) will needs persuade himself are but mere imaginations proceeding of causeless fear which some man has put
in his head. Upon his life there is no danger or blow to
their country half so near as is imagined, but as any such
danger shall ripen he shall be sure by him to understand it,
having so vigilant an eye thereon as he has and means to
have, for though for the time he lives abroad he cannot cease
to be an Englishman, and to love that soil best where he has
most freehold, and that account he may boldly make of him
if it please him. Prays him not lightly, and upon only
imagination of that which is not in truth, to reject so loyal a
servant, but to continue to cherish him, so shall he reserve to
the Queen a true servant and to himself a most assured friend.
—Louvain, 14 April 1577. Signed. |
|
2. P.S.—Since writing hereof Mr. Rogers has been with
him, by whom he understands he still retains his good opinion,
which he prays him not to lightly lay aside. |
|
Add. Endd. Enclosure. P. 1. |
| April 20. |
1399. Wilson to Somers, one of the Clerks of the Signet. |
|
Sent to the Secretary a speech in Flemish used by Albertus
Leoninus. Prays him, desire it to be sent back to him, as the
party of whom he had it earnestly desired to have it returned.
—Brussels, 20 April 1577. Signed. |
|
Add., with seal. Endd. P. ⅓. |
| April 20. |
1400. Wilson to Summers. |
|
Is glad he is in the place of the Secretary now in the time
of his sickness, and if he were joined with him would think the
Queen had made a good choice. If St. Aldegonde had the
original letters in cipher he sent to the Secretary, instead of
the copies he made himself for him, he would easily explicate
all things. Has all the particular bonds, saving that of Middleburg. Has no answer yet from the Estates General for
the merchants' demands.—Brussels, 20 April 1577. Signed
|
|
Add., with seal. Endd. P. 1. |
| April 23. |
1401. The Prince of Orange to Davison. |
|
Thanks him for his good offices to the Queen and the Earl
of Leicester for him and his countrymen. Begs him to assist
the present bearer in the business he is charged with by him
in England.—Dortrecht, 23 April 1577. Signed. |
|
Add., Endd. Fr. P. 1. |
| April 24. |
1402. Jacques Taffin to Davison. |
|
1. Hopes in the matter they know of there will be such
result as all who love God shall desire. The Estates have not
yet settled on the matters of those of Ipswich, but believes
their determination will be such as will give contentment.
They have as yet no certainty of the departure of the Spaniards. The Duke of Arschot ought soon to come and meet the
Prince at Gertruidenburg, and Don John of Austria soon to
enter Brussels. The Almains are yet at Breda, Utrecht, and
Bois le Duc, and will not leave the country unless they be paid.
—Dortrecht, 24 April 1577. Signed. |
|
2. P.S.—Prays him to remember him to Thomson and
Killegrew. |
|
Add. Endd. Fr. P. 1. |
| April 24. |
1403. The Empress of Germany to Queen Elizabeth. |
|
Letter of credence for John Preiner Baron von Sterling who
is despatched to her about certain affairs of the Emperor.—
Prague, 24 April 1577. Signed: Maria. |
|
Add. Endd. Lat. Pp. 1⅓. |
| April 25. |
1404. Don John of Austria to the Prince of Orange. |
|
Has received his letters and the answer made by him and
the Estates upon the propositions made on his part by Doctor
Leoninus, wherein he has shown himself a true servant, and
they good vassals to the King of Spain. Does not doubt
that perfect repose will come to the country, and with it the
ancient prosperity of the country, and assures him and them
that he does all in his power to promote the same. Refers him
to the report of the Duke Arschot who is coming on his part
after the departure of the Spaniards to advise with him
on the present state of affairs.—Louvain, 25 April 1577.
Signed. |
|
Endd. Copy. Fr. Pp. 1½. |
| April 26. |
1405. William Cotton's Memorial to the King of Spain. |
|
Complains of the conduct of Octavian de Clerke, bailiff of
Nieuport in Flanders, who on pretence of searching for a
prisoner of his, one Thomas Clerk, an English captain, of
whose escape he is totally innocent, came to the ships
of war, of himself, of Sir Henry Carew, and other their
associates serving his Majesty in Flanders, and would have
boarded them, had not the sentinel called together the
soldiers and sailors of the ships. The bailiff would have
come again to the ships with the Almains in the garrison
and others had not the magistrates of the town appeased the
tumult. The bailiff then entered the house of the petitioner who was absent in Brussels, and calling them thieves
and pirates, took prisoners the officers, servants, and friends
of the petitioner as many as he could find, and seized
his account books and other writings important to his
Majesty's service. Prays him to order the liberty of those
who have been imprisoned and the restoration of the books,
and that the said bailiff be called upon to answer for his
conduct. |
|
Endd. Copy. Fr. Pp. 2½. |
| 1576. April 28. |
1406. Works at Berwick. |
|
Copy of warrant by the Lords of the Privy Council to
sheriffs, justices of the peace, headboroughs, and loving subjects
to whom in this case it may appertain, to impress artificers
and labourers for aiding in the Queen's work at Berwick,
they being paid their wage and victualled and for the providing of provisions of stone, timber, carriage, &c. for the
same, the officers at Berwick paying reasonably therefor. |
|
Endd. Pp. 2. |
| April 28. |
1407. Paulet to Walsingham. |
|
Commends the bearer, Mr. Sidney, who brings the Queen's
packet. Desires much to hear that he is returned to the
Court in good health.—Blois, 28 April 1577. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. P. ½. |
| April 28. |
1408. Paulet to Walsingham. |
|
1. The Queen Mother returned from Paris the 13th, and
came to her bed at Orleans that night, a great journey for
a woman of her years, and the next day hither. She is said
to have obtained of the Parisians 300,000 francs, whereof
100,000 are sent to Monsieur, 100,000 to the Duke of Maine,
and the other 100,000 serve for matters of household and
other idle expenses here, where the King was so engaged
he could not depart for want of money. She has been
utterly refused any money of the Parisians by way of
advancement for their fortifications, which amounting yearly
to 60,000 francs she desired to be advanced for eight years.
She threatened also to stay the rents of the town, which
would not be endured. The want of money here is miserable.
The 12th, the French and Scottish guard made open request
to the King to be paid their wages due for many months, or
else have licence to return to their houses. He was no
sooner delivered of these than the Colonel of the Swiss
assaulted him with the like suit, affirming that unless he
were paid he was commanded to return again into his
country with his whole company. Nine companies of footmen which have stayed long in Piedmont, and now commanded to serve at the siege of La Charité, have protested
they will not discharge one harquebuss unless they may be
satisfied for the time past, being unpaid it is said for 23
musters. Divers officers of the Court leave their ordinary
tables for want of money. Among other shifts the ordinance
against usurers is put in force, not as a medicine to take
away the same, but as a trap to catch rich men and a means
to get money. The device is also practised that the Greffiers
of the Courts of Parliament, which hold their offices by
certain yearly rent, shall pay a piece of money and be discharged of their rent. They live here as if they should
die the next morrow, the next year should care for itself.
Mr. Beaton, brother of the Archbishop of Glasgow, found the
Count at Amboise, where he stayed but one night, and being
demanded by one of his acquaintance why he tarried so little
time there, he said because the Ambassador of England
should not be jealous of his coming to the Court. He tells
him a long tale of a gentlewoman serving with the Queen of
Scots he seeks to marry, and that his coming into France is
to procure the consent of his brother, and to satisfy the
gentlewoman by some holy friar touching some foolish vow
she has made. Prays God that under pretence of this he
takes not occasion to treat the more boldly of some other
marriage. Caused him to sup with him and used him as
well as he could, and indeed the Archbishop his brother
seems to be very careful of his children in Paris, and invites
them often to his table. |
|
2. [Partly in cipher, undeciphered.] Has procured one to
sound the Secretary of the Duke of Guise, who told him that
there was a marriage concluded between Don John and the
Queen of Scots, and that Don John had promised the French
King he would marry her before he passed through France, the
Kings of France and Spain promising to employ all their forces
to bring the matter to full effect, and were resolved that peace
ensuing, as was then expected, to send some great personage
to require the deliverance of the Scottish Queen, and if she
were not rendered upon this demand, to attempt her deliverance by force with the help of such intelligence as they could
have in England. The Duke of Lorraine is said to be a great
practiser in this matter. One Haggerston is said to come
lately from Don John, to this purpose, as likewise Bodehalt not
long before. Thinks himself unhappy that the Ambassador
of Scotland is not now here having lighted on a Papist, one of
his pensioners, that takes upon him to govern the Secretary of
the said ambassador, and tells him that he told him six
months past that not long before the King of Spain had sent
30,000 pistollets to the Queen of Scots. There are many bad
Englishmen at Paris, whereof Browne, Liggins, and Demonceaux are the foremen, who have daily reference with the
Ambassador of Scotland, pretend to have great friends in
England, and promise many things for the delivery of the
Scottish Queen. There is among the rest one Watson a very
lewd man and pensioner of the said Queen. |
|
3. The King is credibly advertised Duke Casimir prepares
to invade the realm with great forces, and that the Swiss join
with him. He is expected at the end of June. The King is
much perplexed in this matter of the Swiss, being received
for truth that they are leagued against them. The King is
jealous of the Duke of Savoy by this occasion and also for the
troubles in Provence, which are thought to be nourished by
him. Cannot think that the Spaniards can be entreated
to take this journey in hand (to join with the King); they are
rich and laden with spoil, and here is nothing to be gotten but
stripes. Monsieur to flatter the Princes of Germany is said to
have desired in marriage the daughter of the Duke of Saxe
upon condition the Duke shall send 10,000 reiters and 6,000
lanzknechts for the service of the King to be defrayed by
the Duke till they have passed the Rhine. But the Germans
know them so well, all their fair words cannot deceive them.
It was expected Bussy d'Amboise should have repaired to La
Charité with his forces, but has now answered Monsieur that
he received the government at his hands and hitherunto has been
able to do him little service, but now having brought the
people to their due obedience, he trusts to yield him a good
account, and would remain there ready to obey his commandment. He is seised of Angers, Saumur, and Le Pont de Cé,
and spoils such other towns as refuse him such sums of money
as he requires. He has ransomed the town of Mons at 30,000
francs, and has spoiled the faubourgs of some other towns.
It may be feared lest there be some hidden treason towards
those of Brittany. The siege of La Charité goes slowly
forward. The cannon is not yet planted before the town, yet
some think they will leave by reason of the loss they have received there already, where many captains of name have been
hurt and slain, as Martinengo, Grillon, Drou, and others. 300
pioneers levied by the Duke of Nevers have been intercepted
by those of the town, and do them very good service. Is
informed there is intelligence between Monsieur and the
Prince of Orange, often messages between them, but is told
c'est tromper le pauvre Prince. The Duke of Montpensier
refused to go to the King of Navarre, being ready as he said to
do the King all faithful service but loth to betray his kinsman. The Queen Mother has not spared to ride to his house
of Champigny, from whence the Duke departed towards the
King of Navarre the 19th with large instructions. This is
the end of their cunning and treachery to seek that by
intreaty which being intreated they have so long refused.
The Queen Mother has established a Council at Paris which
shall reside there, whereof the Cardinal of Bourbon shall be
chief, which is taken for certain argument the King does not
intend to return thither of long time. Warty, a gentleman of
Picardy, is revolted from the Prince of Condé, his departure is
little lamented. The plague increases at Lyons. Is lodged so
far from the Court that his advertisement must be excused
if they be not such as he looks to receive.—Blois, 28 April
1577. Signed. |
|
4. P.S.—La Mole is returned of late out of Spain. It is
said he had in charge to solicit the King of Spain to join in a
league offensive and defensive with the French King and the
States of Italy against those of the religion. |
|
Add., with seal. Endd. Pp. 4. |
| April 28. |
1409. Paulet to Burghley. |
|
Copy of his letter to Walsingham of April 28th, except that
a different cipher is used in para. 2.—Blois, April 1577.
Signed. |
|
Add., with seal. Endd. Pp. 4¼. |
|
1410. Decipher of portions of the ciphered matter in the two
preceding letters. |
|
P. ⅓. |
| April. |
1411. The Queen to Doctor Thomas Wilson. |
|
1. Thinks it meet that he repair to Louvain to congratulate Don John on the peace, and to show him the advantage
to all that will come from a continuance of the same. For
herself she finds small occasion of joy at the entertaining of
her rebels, whereof he cannot plead ignorance, having warning of late by Horsey, or at the excluding of the said
Horsey from the treaty of peace at Hoye, when the ministers of other princes of less quality were admitted. With
what integrity she has proceeded during the time of the
civil troubles, the sending of so many legations, and also a
number of other friendly offices will sufficiently testify, even
so far that if just account were made of her proceeding, it
may seem to the world that he has as it were holden these
countries at her hands. It may be he will deny these mat
ters, it were meet then that before his repair he inform himself of the persons that have repaired to him, and the time
of their continuance; and for the second, the allegation
made by the Emperor's Ambassador was so naked and void
of probability, that she hopes he does not think her so void
of judgment as to accept it for good payment. |
|
2. After these compliments with Don John, he shall particularly persuade with such of the Estates as he knows to
be men of understanding, to stand upon their guard, especially till they see the country clean voided of the Spaniards,
as also to have a good eye to his preparations, and not to
overslack such necessary provisions as shall be behovable for
themselves. He may show them further that she finds it
strange the peace should be published before advertisement
received from the Prince of Orange of his allowance of the
same, and how fit it had been for them in a matter of so
great weight to have had the censure of a man of his care
and judgment. |
|
Draft, partly in the handwriting of Walsingham. Endd.
P. 2½. |
| April? |
1412. Cipher from M. Esquerdes. |
|
Desires his correspondent to inform the Queen that within
the last few days nine companies of infantry are come into
the Boulonnais, and are in garrison at Calais, Ardres, and
Boulogne. Under these circumstances he does not consider
it the time to reconnoitre Calais, for he could not go there
without exciting suspicion; the best time to go will be when
it is relieved from its extraordinary garrison, and when that
takes place she will be fully informed about it. When there
shall be some new stir among the Catholics and Protestants,
the Queen will find a great number of servants, and among
them the principal persons of Normandy. |
|
Cipher deciphered. Copy. Fr. Endd. Pp. 12/3. |
