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| May 1. |
1413. Wilson to the Queen. |
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1. Gives a detailed account of his audience with Don John of
Austria at Louvain on the 20th April. Don John complained
that she had sent ships, munitions, and money to the Prince
of Orange, to aid him against the King of Spain. His speech
was in French, with often repetition, as his manner is.
Wilson made answer in French, being so required by Don
John, understanding him very well, and assuring himself in
his own opinion that his French was as good as Don John's,
that he had no knowledge of any such matter, but that the
same must proceed from some wrong information, being well
assured that lewd rebels have told him strange tales, and
some have sent unto him like messages out of England; it
might be that merchants who care for nothing more than
gain might trade, but that was no cause to charge the
Queen and her Council therewith. He would write all he
had conceived from Don John's mouth into England, and
after visiting the schools of learning, would once again seek
to speak with him before his return to Brussels. |
|
2. On the 25th Wilson required new audience, in which,
after Don John had repeated his complaint of the aid to the
Prince of Orange, Wilson told him there was great cause for
the Queen to be jealous of her State, seeing her rebels relieved and cherished. Then Don John said he had sent
Thomas Stukeley away, whose humour if he had followed,
the Queen would not have been at rest at this day. Wilson
told him the King would have had the worst, for Stukeley
was a vain man, of no credit or estimation, and that the
treasure of the Indians would not serve his prodigal expenditure; but also he had to say to him of the young Hamilton,
who being imprisoned at Brussels was the other day enlarged by his commandment, praying he might have the
same Scottish man delivered to him, because he had used
strange speeches, not only of the Queen, but of Don John, as
that the Queen of Scots had often written letters to him,
and he to her again, and that there was an intention to make
a tumult in England by the help of some noblemen there,
and so upon her enlargement he to marry with her, and
thereupon to claim the Crown of England in her right, and
therefore desired to have this fellow to have him examined
in England and Scotland also. Don John upon this speech
somewhat changed countenance, and said, "It is like that I
should seek her who is a prisoner and hath nothing, and I
myself as void of living as she herself is, saving only that which
I have in gift from the King my brother as pension. I
would not have anybody to be thus abused, nor to think
me so void of judgment, for though I be young, yet I have
some experience of the world, and hope to make my bargain better than so." Wilson then again desired to have
Hamilton, that he might be punished for raising such a
bruit; but Don John answered he might not deliver him,
being but a vain simple fellow, but if he would speak with
him he should be sent. Hamilton came to Wilson the same
day and denied all things, and said he would not refuse to
go to England so that he might go and come safe. Wilson
promised him all the assurance he could give him, but fears
he will not be so ready to go. These speeches of Hamilton
he understood by one Phillippes, an Englishman, that was
lately prisoner with him at Middleburg, who heard him speak
so much as he has said. This is true. Escovedo said he
had express commandment from Don John to deal for the
enlargement of Hamilton, because the Scottish Queen had
written letters to him long before, when she understood of
the Hamilton's first trouble in Brussels; Guerras has written
to Don John in the Scottish Queen's name to be good to the
Earl of Westmoreland and to the Hamiltons; and Don John
said to Wilson that he would make M. de Heze, the Governor
of Brussels, repent his rash act of imprisoning this Hamilton
without making him privy of it. |
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3. Don John told Wilson by the 27th the Spaniards should
be clean out of Maestricht, and that the town should be
thereupon rendered unto the Estates' hands. The Prince
of Orange has had three fits of tertian ague; Doctor Leoninus is sent to him with letters from Don John, whom if
he can win to yield, the Duke of Arschot shall be sent
thereupon to make a full end of all things. Some say he
will not come to any agreement till his son the Count Buren
be delivered to his own hands and possession, because he
was taken out of Louvain against the liberties of the University and country, besides the Edict of Pacification accords to his deliverance who is said to be sent for into Spain,
and that before the end of May he will be in this country.
The Prince should be at Haarlem this May-day.—Brussels,
May-day 1877. Signed. |
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Add. Endd. Pp. 52/3. |
| May 1. |
1414. Wilson to Burghley. |
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1. The Spaniards are clean gone out of Maestricht, and M. de
Bercelly, a very young gentleman that hardly and strangely
escaped out of Antwerp after the massacre, is entered therein
for the Estates with three companies. Reports his audience
with Don John. Don John gives marvellous tokens of his
contentment, yielding in all things, because he would get
credit. He offers so much to stoop to the Prince as makes
him doubt some great matter will ensue, either in this country
or in England, or in both. This day he comes in with all
solemnity than can be devised, and yet before he be received
in his government the States desire observation of certain
articles. Sends an oration made by them of Dantzic to the
States of Poland, whereby he may see that even the quarrel
of Dantzic against their King is for the maintenance of their
liberties. The Prince goes to Haarlem to take order for the
government of the town, and also to win Amsterdam if it
be possible. There is a meaning here that one shall be sent
into England as ambassador resident very shortly.—Brussels,
1 May 1577. Signed. |
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2. P.S. Cannot get an order for their merchants' releasement
of the new imposts, although he has been twice with the
States General and the Council of State. They are driven
to great necessity for want of money, and therefore grieved
he should so importune them in this time of their great
need. |
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Add. Endd. Pp. 1¾. |
| April 30. |
1415. Don John of Austria. |
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A copy of certain resolutions made by the State General
of the Low Countries with regard to Don John of Austria.
They agree to receive him with all honour on his entry into
the city on the first of May, but cannot, according to the
articles of the treaty, receive him as Governor till the last
of the Spaniards shall have gone beyond Luxembourg. When
he shall be received as Governor, they will require of him
an oath to fully observe the laws and customs, require him
to summon the Estates to deliberate upon the affairs of the
kingdom, and ask him to keep himself free from favorites,
that he may the better be able to govern the country. |
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Endd. Fr. Pp. 12/3. Enclosure. |
| May 1. |
1416. Wilson to Walsingham. |
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1. Don John told him on the 25th April that he had given
order to Doctor Leoninus to offer any place of meeting the
Prince might name, and that he would put his life in hazard
for the common weal of this country, and if the King, his
brother, would not agree to the Edict of Pacification, he would
join with the Estates and bear arms himself against him.
Will never the more trust Don John, nay, mistrusts him the
more, and gathers that he minds by such speech to "trumpe"
the Prince, or else he bears a false heart to the King his
brother, and surely of such speech no man can ground any
assured goodness; truth being the daughter of time will in
the end be discovered. To suffer a private person as Guerras
is to deal so scandalously as he does, when ambassadors
cannot be suffered to deal plainly and truly, passes greatly
his understanding. Has declared to M. de Heze what Don
John said of him, and some of Don John's friends are angry
with him for it, but cares not, let Don John take heed what
he speaks in hurt of those who bear so good heart to the
Queen as that gentleman does. Is about a practice to get a
Scot into England, with letters from Don John to the Scottish
Queen; Colonel Balfour has promised to work this feat by
one Henry Kesone, an old servant of the Scottish Queen, and
in favour with Don John.—This May-day, from Brussels,
1577. Signed. |
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2. P.S.—Don John thinks much that he has no greater style
given him by the Queen, but only "A mon cousin," which he
hears was the cause he made answer thereafter. |
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Add. Endd. Pp. 3. |
| April 20. |
1417. Don John to the Count Lalain and M. de Heze. |
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Understands from their letter that one Hamilton, a Scottishman, has been imprisoned, and fears that if the same come
to the hearing of the Spanish soldiers they will do the like
by such as come to them on the part of the Estates. Desires
therefore that he be sent to Louvain at once, and order shall
be given that he shall not come again into Brussels.—Louvain,
20 April 1577. Signed. |
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Copy. Endd. Fr. P. ¾. Enclosure. |
| April 30. |
1418. Copy of the enclosure to Wilson's letter to Burghley of the
1st May, relating to the reception of Don John of Austria
into Brussels, and other matters. |
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Endd. Fr. P. 1. Enclosure. |
| April 29. |
1419. Instructions given by the Estates to the Deputies sent
by them to Don John of Austria. |
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To require him to come to Brussels for the more convenient
correspondence with the Estates till such time after the
departure of the Spaniards as he can be received as Governor,
to cause all foreign soldiers to quit the country, to continue
the present assembly of the Estates, to allow the present
army of the Estates to be kept on foot, and to agree to such
order as the Estates shall make for their maintenance; and
further to that end to permit the particular assemblies of the
provinces to be held as they may deem convenient, and to
restore all the ancient privileges and franchises of the country,
as is agreed on in the pacification, without causing each place
to seek its own particular restitution.—Brussels, 29 April
1577. |
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Copy. Endd. Fr. Pp. 2. Enclosure. |
| May 1. |
1420. Ludwig, Count Palatine, to Queen Elizabeth. |
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Has received from Philip Sidney her letters dated from
Hampton Court, on the 7th February, and thanks her for her
goodwill. Expresses his great grief at the death of his relative
the late Emperor.—In Castro Novo [Neustadt], 1 May 1577.
Signed. |
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Add. Endd. Lat. Pp. 12/3. |
| May 5. |
1421. Lord Scrope to Walsingham. |
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1. Has this day received a letter from the Regent of Scotland, whereby he signifies that Lord Maxwell is determined
to give up his office, and that by the advice of the noblemen
and gentlemen of that Border he will choose another, for which
purpose he has appointed them to be with him at Edinburgh
the 18th of the month. |
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2. Albeit upon the bruits of change of officers the wicked
Borderers have ever been emboldened to do evil, yet will he
on his part give strict commandment to the contrary, and do
his diligence that the good peace may be continued.—Carlisle,
5 May 1577. Signed. |
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Add. Endd. P. ¾. |
| May 2. |
1422. The Regent of Scotland to Lord Scrope. |
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Informs him that Lord Maxwell is deliberate to demit his
office of Warden of the West Marches, though he cannot well
consider upon what motion or just occasion it proceeds, and
that he has summoned the noblemen and gentlemen of the
Border to Edinburgh the 18th to help him choose another.—
Holyrood House, 2 May 1577. Signed. |
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Copy. P. 1. Enclosure. |
| May 6. |
1423. Wilson to Walsingham. |
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This bearer, Mr. Asheby, is of himself instead of a large
packet. He is able to declare of the receiving of Don John
with great solemnity, and also of his speedy admission to the
government within three days after, and of the general procession to give God thanks for common quietness, many saying "fuit homo missus a Deo cui nomen erat Johannes.—
Brussels, 6 May 1577. Signed. |
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Add. Endd. P. ⅓. |
| May 8. |
1424. Wilson to Walsingham. |
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The pomp was great on May-day, the people being well
disposed to bid Don John welcome, trusting him now more
than they mistrusted him before. On Saturday he had
his oath given him, and was established governor. Upon
Sunday there was a general procession, Don John bearing
a torch bare-headed after the sacrament, the Bishop of Liege
on one side of him and the Pope's Nuncio on the other. So
many torches carried before the sacrament that their great
light caused darkness with the smoke, especially to those
that stood in windows as lookers on. On Monday a post
came with King Philip's ratification, with assurance of money
to the value of 400,000 crowns. Don John's love in outward
appearance is answerable to the State's affection, he and they
striving who can love best. All is well if there be good faith
everywhere. For his part did never mislike love, which
being unfeigned is a Christian's true badge. Dissimulation is
odious and offensive, neither can there be a worse man than
he who speaks fair when he thinks foul. Whosoever he be
that goes from his nature and if a fierce cruel man will show
himself suddenly sweet and mild will when he comes to his
nature again be ten times worse than ever he was before.
Nero and Caracalla are especial examples of such natures.
Is persuaded that an earnest Papist having authority and
loving chiefly the glory of this world will use more cruelty
for matters of religion than ever any tyrant did for any civil
worldly cause. There is a meaning now to win the Prince
by all the sweetest devices that may be, and certain shall be
sent in commission very shortly. Hears that the four Cantons
of the Catholic Switzers, Lucerne, Uri, Switz, and Unterwalden are in league with the Duke of Savoy. The King of
Portugal levies soldiers, and some say there is a mustering
about Milan. Minds in a day or two to see the Pope's
Nuncio, who has sent him word that if he will come he shall
be welcome. The Castle of Utrecht is rased, and earnest
mean is made to have Antwerp castle somewhat defaced, and
to be united to the town, but the clergy and others count
Antwerp a frontier town, so long as the Prince of Orange
holds out. Has been to Don John for the merchants to be
free from the imposts, and had answer that he should have
speedily what he could in reason desire. Must say this
much, he is so courteous that he desires him to come when
he will and as often as he will, although he has no matter
but only to devise and to talk of the world, to see and be
seen. The common speech here is that the Queen has been
always the Prince's chief succour, and this grounded opinion
will not be altered by any persuasion.—Brussels, 8 May
1577. Signed. |
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Add. Endd. Pp. 2. |
| May 8. |
1425. John Casimir's Answer to Sidney's Negotiation. |
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Thanks the Queen's Council, especially the Earl of Leicester,
for their goodwill towards himself and plans for the advancement of religion and the establishment of public quiet. Is
willing loyally to join the league proposed for these objects,
and promises to endeavour to induce the Landgrave and
others of his relations to join also. Has mentioned the names
of several great lords of whom he is sure, and will earnestly
urge others who have not yet made up their minds, as well as
some imperial cities and the Swiss. Desires to know how far
the Queen of England will join in the league, and promises to
contribute himself 100,000 dollars in ready money to be employed for the advancement of the common cause. He has
discoursed at length with Sidney about a general agreement
amongst the reformed churches who might draw up a formulary
which all could sign, for this purpose has decided to communicate with the churches in France, the Low Countries,
Switzerland and Poland, and also desires that the Queen of
England will help such a good work with her authority.—
Lauterburg, 8 May 1577. Signed. |
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Endd. Fr. Pp. 2½. |
| May 9. |
1426. Paulet to Burghley. |
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Has been forced to take physic these four or five days by
reason of a colic, and therefore prays him to supply these
short lines with the enclosed copy of his letter to the Secretary.
Will be ready to assist Mr. Spencer if he should come into
these parts. Is glad to hear he is delivered of that bad pest,
the gout. Sees they must follow the King to Poitou and
Guienne, where besides the extreme dearth of all things
necessary things will not be had for money.—Blois, 9 May
1577. Signed. |
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Add., with seal Endd. Pp.⅓. |
| May 9. |
1427. Paulet to Walsingham. |
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Copy of his letter of the same days. |
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Enclosure. Pp. 3½. |
| May 9. |
1428. Paulet to Walsingham. |
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The Almoner to the Queen Mother has informed him he
shall find his lodgings ready at Tours, and also signified to
him that La Charité was yielded to the King, who had
received the soldiers and inhabitants into his mercy, and had
licensed them to return to their houses upon promise to bear
arms no more against him; that the Duke of Maine had taken
Tonnay Charente and the Isles of Marennes, so as now he
trusted to see a good peace very shortly, whereof he knew the
Queen would be right glad to hear. Said he was glad the
King was so well affected to peace, and that the taste of his
power and pity at La Charité would serve him to good purpose towards his other subjects. Is credibly informed the
King had said very lately, that notwithstanding all these
victories, he is no less affected to make peace, but whereas in
time past he was forced to yield to such conditions as liked
them, he would now look that they shall yield to such as like
him. It may truly be said of the French, "In principio plus
quam viri, in fine minus quam feminæ." La Charité was
yielded the 2nd, after sustaining the battery only three hours.
D'Estandes, La Nocle, Myleron, son to Bricquemault, and the
other gentlemen departed with their horses and armour, but
with condition to wear their cloak if they were armed, and
the soldier with sword, dagger, and harquebuss, but carried
his harquebuss under his arm with the nose backwards. All
are sworn to bear no arms hereafter against the King. Forty
companies of those before La Charité follow the Duke of
Guise into Champagne; and 30 with 10 pieces of ordnance
and the powder which remained are sent to the Duke
of Maine, where he may have need of them and more too
before he win the Isles of Marennes, for cannot learn
that he has won them. Those of Tonnay Charente were
all put to the sword, which were not above 160 soldiers,
the captain named Lucas was also slain. The Duke of
Montpensier, Biron, and some others have full authority to
conclude peace, and some think the King would be glad if
it were concluded. The Queen Mother intends to make a
solemn and a sumptuous feast on Sunday, in her garden of
Chenonceau, in honour of this victory, where the banquet
shall be served by ladies apparelled in white satin. After the
feast the King takes his journey towards Poitou, if the matter
of Bussy d'Amboise do not let him, who it is thought will
utterly refuse to repair to the Duke of Maine with his forces.
Order is given to Matignon and Rambouillet to defeat him if
they can, or to force him to take some town for his succour.
Great store of powder is passed this way towards Poictiers. The
poor town of La Charité was sacked notwithstanding the composition, and many soldiers were slainby Martinengo's companies
who lay in wait for them to revenge his death. The matter
mentioned in his last letters touching the Queen of Scots is
confirmed, but agreed that the time does not yet serve for the
execution of it. Can be easily persuaded that some great and
dangerous things are in brewing, and holds himself in good
belief that all their doings that way shall not pass so cleanly,
but that some part will stick in his fingers. Some part of the
Englishmen are departed already towards the Low Countries,
and many others go shortly. Morgan, once secretary to the Earl
of Shrewsbury, is gone to Lisle and thence to Luxembourg to the
Countess of Northumberland. Liggons, once servant to the
Duke of Norfolk, is gone with the Ambassador of Scotland
to the Plombieres on the borders of Lorraine. Assures him the
Scots and Scottish English are better attended than they
were. George Ascott, that once served Mr. Dale, is now grown
to be a messenger in England, and when in Paris is continually
with the Ambassador of Scotland, it may seem good to cause
him to be examined.—Blois, 9 May 1577. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. by Burghley. Pp. 3⅓. |
| May 11. |
1429. Wilson to Walsingham. |
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May not cease to write during his abode here, although he
will spare charges, by the ordinary merchants' post, except
some great matter enforce him to the contrary. All things are
quiet here, there is nothing more minded nightly than pleasure,
the day's care is wholly bestowed to win the Prince of Orange,
unto whom were sent Leoninus and the Baron de Reussingen
the 9th with very large offers. They give it out they will
return with joyful news of agreement, yea, Don John looks
for no less; which preparative being received, then either the
Duke of Arschot, Count Lalain, M. Champagny, or others of
that metal, are to supply the rest, and then his Highness agreeing upon an apt place to have the glory of all. Yesterday he
sent for him and required him to put down so many as were
of his retinue, which were 22, saying he took this course
throughout the town for the avoiding of unnecessary strangers,
but hears it is for danger to his own person, understanding he
is warned out of England that certain are appointed by secret
means to take his life. Charged him then with suspicion
conceived against the Queen for aiding the Prince, and said
that the acts of fugitives and such as could not abide the face
of the law ought not to be laid to her, who were the excrement of their nation and not fit to live in any country; and
further, that the Scottish, Burgundian, and French with the
Prince were more than the English. Gave him then a copy of
the demands of the merchants, and hopes to have answer very
shortly. Has been with the Pope's Nuncio, and finds him of
his old acquaintance. He utterly denies there is any league
against those of the religion, and that he did not bring any
letter from the Pope to Stukeley, neither had he a roll of the
English Catholics, which two things notwithstanding Mr. Copley
told him as things of truth. But surely, as he can gather,
Copley did make those things of himself to win credit; he is
now at Louvain, because the States have no good liking of
him. If he could get him and the Nuncio together he would
charge him upon the sudden before his face, and prove one of
them a liar. They of Antwerp will not lend money except
the castle there be defaced.—Brussels, 11 May 1577. Signed. |
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Add. Endd. Pp. 2. |
| May 11. |
1430. The Merchants' Requests to Don John. |
|
They complain of the exactions of the officers of Bruges,
and request that all such be stopped, until matters are
properly settled by commissioners from both countries. |
|
Copy. Endd. Fr. P. ½. |
| May 13. |
1431. Edward Merry to Lord Burghley. |
|
It pleased him to appoint Mr. Fanshawe and Mr. Norton
to be bearers of the requests made by him in behalf of the
Mayor and coporation of Berwick, as also to confer with the
Customer there upon the same demands. All which is performed, and a brief of the opinion of the customer set down
in writing. His earnest affairs, standing much upon his losses
forces his return home, and if his Lordship have not convenient leisure shortly to order the same, there is left to attend
on him one Henry Merry for the corporation. Without
consideration of the requests they shall not be able any longer
to abide in the place.—13 May. |
|
Endd. P. 1. |
| May 13. |
1432. Petitions for the Relief of the Town of Berwick. |
|
1. That in their trades of merchandise, though their rates
of payment for customs and other things be not provided
for by the statutes, they may still enjoy the same favourable
usage as shall appear to have been used heretofore, the same
laws being in force; and the rather for that otherwise by
such difference of rates the whole trade of those parts will
be brought into the Scots' hands, who grow rich and strong
by sea and the men of Berwick poor and weak. |
|
2. That they may freely transport Scottish hides as they
have been wont to do, and that thereby may be understood,
as always has been, the hides of like value, namely, of the
growth of Scotland and between Coquet and Tweed, for that
they be all of one sort, and four dickers of them are not of
the value of one dicker English. |
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3. That as they were wont to do they may pay for the
same after the rates of Scotland, which is 8d. the dicker,
otherwise the Scots carrying cheaper shall eat away the
trade. |
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4. That for cloths, woolfels, shearlings, and marlings, they
may likewise continue their payments after the Scots' rate. |
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5. That timber board and spars out of Norway being
matter for the building of the town may be free of custom
as has been used. |
|
6. That for the victualling of the town, and that the same
commodity may not fall wholly into the hands of the Scots
who pay no impost, the merchants of Berwick who by
charter are discharged de omni umagio may be free of
imposts for so much wine as shall be spent within that town. |
|
7. That as heretofore such merchandise as is brought in
on their own adventure may be custom free. |
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8. That the ancient laws be put in execution, and that
carriage of goods and merchandise overland to and from
Scotland be restrained, but only through the towns of Berwick
and Carlisle, otherwise, besides the great loss to the frontier
towns, the Queen is much defrauded of her duties and the
realm of many good commodities. |
|
9. That the General Surveyor of Victuals may forbear intermeddling with trades of merchandise other than serves for
victual to the garrison, otherwise he having to spare great
sums of the Queen's stock may wire the whole traffic into
his own hands to the utter decay of the merchants there. |
|
The decay of the merchandise of Berwick for want of the
said liberties has brought the customs at Berwick almost to
nothing, and the merchants almost utterly decayed. |
|
Endd. P. 1. Enclosure. |
|
1433. Another copy of the above enclosure. |
|
Pp. 1⅓. |
| May 14. |
1434. Thomas Copley to Wilson. |
|
Would be right glad to repair to Brussels to speak with
him, but his Highness having advised his stay here for a
time he dare in no wise come till himself shall directly command him; and the less for that in a letter he received even
at this instant from Octavio Gonzaga he finds advice from
his Highness himself that he should with patience pass yet
a few days in this town. Is well assured he shall want neither
credit nor living wheresoever he serve the King and Don
John, be it in this country or elsewhere. Touching that
which he asserts that if he be not well persuaded of some
thing concerning him before he return into England his case
will go somewhat hard there, in good sooth if he be not
thoroughly persuaded of his loyalty and truth to his Prince
and country by what has already passed, know not how he
should give him assurance. Is bound to add that if he go
hence others finding the want of so true an Englishman to
stand both his country and countrymen in stead will miss
him and wish him here before he wishes himself here again;
it is in his hands to reserve to the Queen a true servant.—
Louvain, 14 May 1577. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Pp. 1½. |
| May 15. |
1435. Sir Robert Constable to Burghley. |
|
Think good to signify to him the honest and good dealing
of Captain William Selby, lately serving in Ireland, who has
made pay to all his soldiers lately serving under him and of
all things due to them, whereby he has won the hearts of
the country. He has showed himself a valiant gentleman
and as able to have the charge of horsemen as any in England.
—Berwick, 15 May 1577. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. P. 1. |
| May 19. |
1436. Sir John Smith and the Archbishop of Toledo. |
|
On the 19th May, Smith, hearing the Archbishop of Toledo
was in his lodgings with the Count de Andrada and two
priests, went to him, and after complaining of the difficulty he
had in obtaining access to him considering that he was the
Queen's Ambassador, demanded the release of all English subjects detained by the Inquisition, and compensation for the
injuries they had received. The Archbishop in a rage declared
that but for certain respects he would have a fellow like him
punished for daring to speak in such a shameless manner to
him as an example to all his nation. Smith answered that he
did not care for such a fellow as he was or his threats either.
The Archbishop told him to get out of his house. Smith said he
would complain to the King of the want of respect shown to
the Queen in his person, to which he was told that he might
complain to whom he liked so long as he left the place. |
|
Endd. Span. Pp. 2¼. |
| May 20. |
1437. William Landgrave of Hesse to Queen Elizabeth. |
|
As she has recalled her envoy, Philip Sidney, he received
her letter by Richard Alan, who also explained her intention
of renewing and strengthening with him the league which
existed between King Henry VIII. and the Landgrave Philip,
for which he gives her hearty thanks. Professes his zeal and
earnestness for the cause of religion, which he will further
with all his power as far as the laws of the Empire permit.—
Cassel, 20 May 1577. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Lat. Pp. 2⅓. |
| May 23. |
1438. Don John to the Council of Flanders. |
|
Desires them to issue orders to all magistrates to arrest and
exemplarily punish all those who go about subverting religion
by false doctrine, and by books, songs, or other means seek to
spread their errors and to corrupt the people, it being the intention of the King and of himself to suffer no other religion
than the Roman Catholic. Signed. |
|
Endd. Don John's letter and commandment for the
suppression of religion. Copy. Fr. Pp.1¼. |
| May 24. |
1439. Wilson to Walsingham. |
|
Found Don John so ready to satisfy his request that none
of the merchants of this country travelling to Moscovia should
molest their merchants using the same voyage, as he could not
desire more, but he said he would do well to write to the
Prince, because the greatest danger was under his government.
Whereupon he began to speak of the Prince, and Wilson told
him he should never have any fear the Queen would assist
him if no practice were used to the disturbance of her quietness and ease, and therefore to be assured by England is to
deserve well of all good offices. Don John said he had an intention to send very shortly an honourable ambassage into
England, most likely the Viscount of Ghent, but he could not
assure him of him, and that hereafter some sufficient man
should be appointed lieger. Has written to the Prince twice
for their merchants of Moscovia. On the 21st Don John
carried the prize and praise of the barriers above all others.
—Antwerp, 24 May 1577. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. P. 1. |
| May 28. |
1440. Wilson to Burghley. |
|
Don John is well liked in his government, only the malice
remains against the Spaniards and the Almain soldiers that
did take their parts, whom the people cannot abide to be
amongst them; and of late in Brussels and Antwerp there
has been some small stir. The castle at Antwerp is lately
strengthened with three companies of Walloons, more to keep
the burghers and Almains in more quietness. The Duke of
Arschot is returned two days past from the Prince, who
requires the performance of the pacification of Ghent and
the restitution of his son to Louvain according to the privileges of that University, and then he will enter into further
communication. Is well informed the Prince will not go
through with any matter of moment till the Queen shall be
first made acquainted therewith, and her pleasure fully known.
The Viscount of Ghent is appointed to come into England,
he is gone to Artois to set his things in order there, and immediately upon his short return make his undelayed voyage
to England. Yesterday Mr. Sidney went hence to Breda
towards Gertruidenberg where the Prince is now.—Antwerp,
28 May 1577. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. P. 1. |
| May 30. |
1441. William Landgrave of Hesse to Queen Elizabeth. |
|
As a daughter has been born to him at the same time as
her envoy Richard Alan arrived, has bestowed upon her the
Queen's name, hoping she will imitate her virtues and piety
—Cassel, 30 May 1577. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Lat. Pp. 2. |
| May 30. |
1442. Robert Petre to Burghley. |
|
There was a privy seal granted by the Queen the 9th May
1576 for the payment yearly to the Treasurer of Berwick of
1,400l. yearly for three years, whereof were 1,000l. for the
fortification there, and 400l. for the repair of the haven.
The money for two of the said three years shall be paid
when the order herein enclosed is signed by his Lordship.
—Westminster, 30 May 1577. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. P. ⅓. |
| May 31. |
1443. Sir Robert Constable to Burghley. |
|
The works are begun at the pier, and they have found hard
by them such a quarry of stone as the like has not been seen
for good. It lies so in order, as it had been laid by the
handiwork of man, and is so very hard that it is like marble,
both in colour and otherwise, and rises so abundantly that
they cannot wish to have it better. The greatest want they
have is of hard hewers, for the which they have sent into the
country. By this quarry they hope to save a great piece of
money in carriage. The Master of the Ordnance hears that
his Lordship has respited the allowance of his book for charges
and provisions in his office for the last year. Not only himself but the Gentleman Porter also thought he should be
charged to make them, and so he gave him warrant, for there
was neither in the town matches for the soldiers, nails, ropes,
timber, iron, spades, shovels, nor mattocks, which stand now
in very good stead towards furthering the works here. For
the cart horses, since there was a pennyworth in them, and
that they found the having of them to be necessary, and that
they would save the Queen a good sum yearly in carriage,
they thought good to have them. If the Queen have not
them she must have others, which will cost her 12d. a day,
and these stand her but in 10d. He understands also he disallows the 7l. per annum for cellerage in Newcastle; till
Michaelmas, when the storehouses in Newcastle are in readiness, he has no room, and therefore if he will not allow it he
must pay it himself. Doubts not without his pleasure first
known he will not be persuaded again to make provision to
such a sum, for here is even now a Hamburgh man that has
a last of corn powder, and prices it at 71l. the last, which is
worth here 100l., yet he will not buy it till his pleasure be
known, although they have great need of it. Craves his
pleasure at his leisure, the rather for satisfying of the gentleman, who, besides that he is unquiet in mind, something
blames him, affirming that it is a great piece of his wealth.—
Berwick, 31 May 1577. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Pp. 2¼. |
| May 31. |
1444. The Regent Morton to Lord Burghley. |
|
Requests his favour and furtherance for Adam Fowlartoun,
merchant of Edinburgh, who has been sent to obtain redress
for certain Scots who have been spoiled by the Queen's
subjects.—Holyrood House, 31 May 1577. Signed: James
Regent. |
|
Add. Endd. P. ½. |
| May. |
1445. Notes on the State of the Prince of Orange and
the Provinces of Holland and Zealand. |
|
1. The Prince of Orange has at present all Holland and
Zealand with the province of Utrecht under his government.
Concerning Amsterdam the case is altered, the Prince being
able to annoy and pleasure them, whereas they can neither
profit the Prince or much less hinder him. |
|
2. Gueldres, Friesland, and Groningenland are wholly bent
to follow the Prince if war be renewed, for they shall lose all
traffic unless they join themselves. |
|
3. Wherefore the Prince assures himself that the rest of the
Estates of the Low Countries will not be very hasty in
renewing war, especially now the Spaniards are departed out
of the country. |
|
4. Don John is not ignorant of the Prince's strength, and
Doctor Leoninus confessed that he knew four or five provinces
more would take his part than in the last war had done,
therefore Don John trusts either to win the Prince or to
deceive and circumvent him. He thinks the Prince is not
so hard to be won, and puts all the fault in his councillors,
wherein he is deceived. |
|
5. The Prince nourishes Don John's humour, and makes
him believe he shall find him tractable. He told Leoninus
that Don John either meant sincerely or used dissimulation.
If he dealt covertly, the effect would declare it and fall to his
dishonour. If he meant sincerely, then were he like to offend
the King. He said peradventure he went about, knowing
the King to be mortal, to establish his estate in the Low
Countries, and if he so were bent, he willed Leoninus to
declare that he would further his endeavours. Here he
desired to know what the Queen would think of him if he
went about to reduce the Low Countries in form of a kingdom, and made Don John the first King. He knew the
means how to compass it, and thought to bind the new King
to such conditions that she should take the profit of it, and
that by this means the King of Spain's authority should be
diminished and power separated. |
|
6. In the meantime he proposed these demands to Leoninus,
and willed him to declare them to Don John so that the
General Estates of the Low Countries may not be subject to
the Council of State, but rather that it shall be lawful for
them to deprive such of the Council of State as they may
think good and put in others, and that Don John would do
nothing without their advice; that all the Almain soldiers
he licensed and sent away; that the citadels and castles
which stand out on the borders of strange countries be razed,
as Utrecht, Antwerp, Valenciennes, Ghent, &c.; that the
General Estates may be assembled together in such manner
as was before Charles V.'s time, and that they may call themselves together as often as they shall think good; that
according to the pacification he be restored to all his
dignities and lands and his sons restored to him; that as
Barliamont and Dassonville are returned to the Council of
State, which is against the pacification, they be excluded
from thence; and, lastly, that his old company of 100 menat-arms as he had before the troubles be entertained for him,
and that as he had made debts of 1,800,000 florins for the
welfare of the country the General Estates discharge him
thereof. |
|
7. To these things Don John and the Estates have not
answered, but on the 18th May the Duke of Arschot and
Doctor Leoninus were appointed to go to him on the part of
Don John, and the Estates sent Count Lalain to him on the
16th. |
|
8. In the meantime he fortifies in Brabant, and makes
battering pieces, and buys powder and munition, and calls the
Estates of Holland, Zealand, and Utrecht together to provide
for them. |
|
9. These Estates have already promised to entertain 45
ensigns, and to stand to the defence of their religion; yea,
the Prince is assured Don John will permit Holland and
Zealand the use of the reformed religion, so that in other
things they show him all obedience. He understands very
well the subtleties of Don John, and provides duly for them.
Don John lacks but opportunity to break the pacification.
He wrote the Prince a fair letter on the 25th April, and
the same day called him oftentime rebel to Doctor Wilson. |
|
10. The Prince thinks the Estates will not easily enter
into war with him, but he assures himself that the King of
Spain will never rest till he have revenged himself on the
Hollanders and Zealanders, and because he will never permit
the reformed religion in these countries he will cause war to
to be renewed, and therefore he thinks it necessary for them
and good for England that they be linked together in
greater amity for their mutual defence and the assurance
of religion. |
|
11. All the havens of Holland and Zealand, which oftentimes have been shut to the Queen's subjects, and corn, hops,
harness, and armour, forbidden to be carried out of them
towards England, should by this means be at her devotion.
Whereas there are in Holland and Zealand many and great
ships and mariners, she should lack none of them in case
she should demand them. Neither the King of Spain or of
France is able to make war upon England, if Holland and
Zealand be in amity with it, but in case war should be made,
she should be assured of the goodwill and friendship of these
provinces. |
|
12. He would on the other part require her that she
would not permit the Spaniards to victual in her havens in
case they would come by sea against Holland or Zealand;
that she would maintain traffic with them, but not suffer it
to be maintained with them that in the Low Countries bear
out against them, and that if the war should endure long
time she would lend them 50,000l. by the year, the Estates of
both countries providing assurance for the repayment. |
|
13. This he proposes as well for the welfare of England as
of Holland and Zealand. |
|
14. Because he has of long time been a councillor to the
King of Spain and the Low Countries he has good occasion
to be well acquainted with the Spaniards' designs, which he
will now the bolder declare. |
|
15. Six years past after his victory against the Turk the
King of Spain was resolved to make sharp war upon England,
and at the same time to become master of the Rhine by the
surprise of Cologne, and for both these enterprises he lacked
neither man nor favour. The best friends the King had
wrote to the Prince of these matters, for that they thought
he was not so hot in religion, but would accommodate himself to their purpose; he said he had hindered both these
practices. |
|
16. The King of Spain has he says renewed of late the
league made at Bayonne with the French King. |
|
17. He declared it was wisely done that the Queen went
about to confederate with the German Princes, and he
would employ himself willingly for her to the making of a
further amity with them. Don John began to hearken to such
a motion to make a league with them, and it would be good
to prevent him. |
|
Endd. Pp. 4. |
|
1446. Another copy. |
|
Endd. Pp. 6¼. |
|
1447. Finances of the Low Countries. |
|
Report to Don John of Austria on the items of revenue
and expenditure in the Low Countries, which matters are
regulated by the Council of Finance, under his authority. |
|
Fr. Endd. Pp. 3. |
| May. |
1448. Paulet to the Queen. |
|
1. Marion, secretary to Danville, arrived at the Court the
17th, from whom he is advertised Danville is retired from
the Association of the Protestants; that their jealousies and
suspicions have forced him so to do; that they would not
allow him for their governor; that they had their particular
councils, which controlled his orders and resolutions; that he
has not capitulated with the King, but submitted himself
absolutely without condition, and yet doubts not the King
will have regard to his honour and safety; that if the King
leave him in his government he will not fail to do him all
faithful service; that Montpellier, Nismes, Aiguesmortes,
Ozais, Chartres, and Montauban hold for the Protestants; that
it is intended to destroy the harvest of corn and grass belonging to these towns, and thereby reduce them to extreme
necessity; that there is great dearth in Languedoc already;
that Danville will never forget the great favour and kindness she has always borne to his house. It is not to be
doubted the Duke of Savoy has capitulated for Danville, and
perchance more for his own profit and surety of his own
estate than for the commodity or safety of Danville. Bellegarde has been a great travailler in this practice, and is now
in Languedoc with Danville and Joyeuse. The regiment of
Grillon and one half of Martinengo's companies, amounting
in the whole to 2,000 men, are sent into Languedoc, and
Danville desires ten cannons for the better service of the
King, and order is taken to send them to him. Those of
Issoire in Auvergne look daily for the siege, having destroyed
all the villages near about them, thereby to annoy the enemy
as much as they may. Some think they are resolute to
abide all extremity, being much comforted by the late good
success of their neighbours of Ambert, who after two assaults
are delivered of their enemies. It is said the third part of
Auvergne holds for those of the religion, and that they have
six towns at their devotion, and yet the Papists are so incensed against the Protestants, as besides their own service
they offer to contribute very deeply to the maintenance of
the war. Monsieur departed towards Issoire the 21st. In
the Queen Mother's banquet of the 12th the King, Monsieur,
and all the other great Estates were served with ladies apparelled by two and two in sundry colours. Madame de
Retz representing the great Master, and four other ladies
supplying the places of the four maitres d'hotel with white
staves in their hands. This banquet was adorned with all
sorts of music and other delights, the musicians being also
apparelled in silk after the best fashion. |
|
2. Bussy d'Amboise is seised of Angers, and of the Pont
de Cé, and has at the least 4,000 soldiers at his commandment. He troubles all the Court, he troubles all their counsels
and resolutions. Villeroy and de Maundes, Chancellor to
Monsieur, have been sent to receive his final answer, and are
departed as wise as when they came to him. He says if he
were not diseased he would not fail to resort to the King, and
will send part of his forces into Auvergne to Monsieur. Few
can tell what the matter means, and no doubt it is a mystery
of great secrecy. Some think Bussy has secret intelligence with the King to betray those of Brittany, others that
he is leagued with the Protestants, the third that he is
directed by Monsieur, the last that he stands by himself as a
malcontent. Few seek for peace, and some do well know
that these troubles and diversions are the only stay and
pillar of their greatness. Young Lansac keeps the seas before
Rochelle with 10 or 12 ships, and some galleys are in rigging
at Nantes to come likewise thither. Two companies which
were at Marennes, or thereabouts, upon the approaching of
the Duke of Maine retired for their surety to Rochelle, where
because they belonged to the Prince of Condé, it being
doubted that the Prince by their help would be able to
command in the town, they of the town would not receive
them. |
|
3. Amongst the galleys sent with treasure from Spain to
Naples, it is said that one is sunk in which were 150,000
crowns. The Tartarians have invaded Poland of late with
great troops of horsemen, and having destroyed a great part
of the country returned to their own dominions before the
enemy could be prepared for defence. |
|
4. The King of Spain makes great preparations by sea,
and some of good judgment are of opinion that it is for Ireland, the Portugal makes like preparation, and it is said they
join in one enterprise. The Ambassador of Scotland will not
return from the baths in Lorraine, called the Plombieres, until
he has spoken with Don John. The two Hamiltons came
from Don John to the Duke of Guise at La Charité, and are
now said to be gone into Spain. These Spanish practices
tend to the trouble of her State, and the like is to be conceived of the preparations of La Roche in Brittany. Despatched
one of his servants to learn the truth of these doings, and
because the time for his return is expired long since fears
lest he be slain or imprisoned. England never had fewer
friends in the French Court than at this present, where none
that have made profession of religion dare once show their
faces, and therefore is driven to seek his acquaintance with
Papists. |
|
Copy. Endd. Pp. 3. |
