BHO

Elizabeth: September 1561, 21-25

Pages 318-328

Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 4, 1561-1562. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1866.

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September 1561, 21-25

Sept. 21. 528. The Grand Master of Malta to the Queen.
Recommends the bearer, her subject, who has long and faithfully served in this poor island against the Turk, and who will inform her of the state of the Order.—Malta, 21 Sept. 1561. Signed: Jehan De Vallette.
Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Fr. Pp. 2.
Sept. 22. 529. The Consuls of Dantzic to the Queen.
Received her letter of the 6th of February on April 13 by William Dickonson, by which she informed them that Henry Saxey, an Englishman, in a suit with one William Hudson, also an Englishman, before the Chief Justice of England, had produced two documents purporting to be written by the Senate of Dantzic, having the seal of the state attached, which however the Judges strongly suspected to be forgeries. After close inspection, the writers have discovered that two of the deeds are fictitious, their seals having been cut off some other documents, and glued on to the parchment labels. Those purporting to issue out of the Spiritual Court, together with the letters attached, and the depositions, are all false. They have endeavoured to find out who wrote them, and have arrested a notary of the Spiritual Court named Nicholas Hapke, who, on being put to the question, confessed that he had written them at the direction of Valentine Ernest, formerly official of the Surrogate, and now dead; but he did not know how the seals were obtained, nor could they extract anything further from him. They also locked up for several weeks one Martin Van der Oye, who was a proctor in the Spiritual Court, but he steadily denied all knowledge of the matter. They have also found in the records of the Spiritual Court that the questions and the answers of the witnesses agree exactly with the account in the letters, and that Henry Saxey required to have the very things contained in the documents, but that William Hudson, who had lately been released from prison, opposed him. Beg that the truth may be extracted from Saxey by torture.—Dantzic, 22 Sept. 1561. Signed, by the Pro-consul and Consuls of the city of Dantzic.
Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Lat. Pp. 8.
Sept. 22. 530. Thomas Hedley to Randolph.
Perceives that Mr. Butside would fain have relief. Has travailed importunately to Sir Ralph Bagnall for his redemp tion, which had been practised long before if he had not been sworn Scottish, and rendered up his allegiance from England, which makes his taker discredit him, and advances not his suit here. Desires Randolph to charge him with the report of such bruits as are made of his revolt, which, if he can prove otherwise by testimonial from his taker, there shall be yet more done for his relief. In the meantime Randolph will do well to prove what Lord James and the Earl of Argyll will do for him by request. The father of the Earl of Argyll, upon his death-bed, told Hedley that Butside fell to his part of Sir Ralph Bagnall's ransom; and indeed at that time he was in his custody. If the present Earl will ask him to his custody it will be granted, and then the title may be disputed. But before anything be opened to James Macconnell, the man must be removed out of his clutches, or else the ransom will be greater than any friends or kin of Mr. Butside are able to perform. Desires to be made privy to anything broached in his favour, but first it is meet to know whether he be loosed from promise of allegiance to Scotland, and once assured thereof means may be found for Randolph to win heaven and him liberty, for it were a marvellous good deed to free him, if it may be done with safe conscience; or else better children weep than old folks. Has written somewhat which may be sent with Randolph's letters, but discretion must be used to keep the knowledge of their intent from his taker; for if he smell Randolph's favour to him, first punishment, then lack of liberty, with rising of the price, will follow. Sends Butside's letter again. His bows shall be sent by Corbet when he next comes.—Berwick, 22 Sept. 1561. Signed.
Orig. Hol. [?] Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 3.
Sept. 23.
Burgon, i. 401.
531. Gresham to Cecil.
1. Since he sent his last on the 16th inst. he has received letters (of the 24th ult.), from his doer at Hamburg, informing him that the King of Denmark and the Dukes of Holst and Brunswick have released the Queen's armour and munition. He has sought to despatch the same, but without effect. For the despatch thereof before winter he shipped in two ships the following:
2. In Martin Slyteman 740 corslets, 572 curriers, 555 morrions, which were the goods that were lost at Ditmarsh, and under the arrest of the King of Denmark and the Duke of Holst; and in the Christopher, of Ditmarsh, 42,000 weight of saltpetre and 720 long curriers. These amount to the sum of 4,000l., which he has assured at the rate of five per cent. As there can be ships got for London, the rest shall be shipped with all expedition.
3. It is said the King of Sweden should have arrived in England with a hundred sail. It is much spoken of here, that the Queen should suffer such a number to come into her realm, in case they should not part friends. Hopes Cecil will see that a payment of 20,000l. be made this next mart, which will do the Queen and realm a worthy service, considering all other Princes' credit is stopped. Also to take order with the Lord Treasurer that his bills of exchange may be paid, for preserving his name and credit, for up to the 15th inst. not a penny was paid. Requests him to use diligence in sending the bonds, and upon recovery of the old he intends to repair home.
4. Here is great talk of how the King of Navarre has sent to King Philip his Ambassador to restore such possessions as Philip keeps from his kingdom of Navarre; it is doubted some breach of war will follow. The King of Spain has delivered by exchange in Spain 300,000 ducats for paying such captains and noblemen as he is indebted to in Germany and other places, for their better entertainment. There has been great talk of an earthquake that lately took place at Naples, which has overthrown towns and castles, whereat many persons have perished. Sends his commendations to Lord Robert and the Lord Admiral.
5. On the 22nd inst. Mr. Heyden came from Brussels to this town, and departed this day for Bruges.—Antwerp, 23 Sept. 1561. Signed.
Orig. Hol., with seal. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 3.
Sept. 23. 532. Proces Verbal of Guillaume De Gadaigne.
Has received the King's letters under his seal concerning the book of Gabriel De Sacconay, whom, in obedience to the royal command, he has summoned, together with the printer Rouille, and ordered him to alter the offensive passages in his book. He has also commanded Rouille not to sell or export any copies until the alterations shall have been made, under pain of confiscation and corporal punishment, which commands they have both promised to obey. Signed: G. De Guadaygne, —Croppet.
Copy. Endd. Fr. Pp. 3.
[Sept. 24.] 533. The Viscount De Gruz to the Queen.
1. Has received Cecil's reply to his petition, to the effect that his services are not desired, and that the Queen will not take him into her protection, as she wishes to keep on good terms with the King of Spain, and because he has no letters of credence from the King and Queen of Navarre; but that nevertheless she would be glad of any information which may be of service to her affairs, if he will put it into writing. As she is unwilling to entertain him, he intends to set out for Germany.
2. He does not see how the King of Spain could take her acceptation of his services in bad part, as he is not his subject, nor is the Queen his slave; and his protection is a matter of small import, which the Queen might easily deny. With respect to the King and Queen of Navarre, he did not wish to bid them adieu on account of the danger, and because they had not kept their word with him, and had put his life in peril. Besides, he did not think that there was need of a letter, as he was resolved to keep faith with the person who extricated him from his difficulties. The said King and Queen of Navarre would be obliged to anyone who would do so, as it was through serving them that he had been obliged to fly the country and his estate. If, however, it was necessary, he could easily obtain such a letter in a fortnight.
3. Although the Queen will not accept his services, nevertheless he is willing to tell her what he thinks will benefit her affairs. With respect to the King of Sweden, he is negociating a marriage with the Queen of Scots through his Ambassador, M. De Varennes and D'Oysel, and though this King had entertained great love for the Queen of England, yet her delays, and the diligence which the Guises used to induce him to espouse their neice, had made him change his mind. Besides, the Queen Dowager, the King of Navarre, and the King of Spain were of opinion that Queen Elizabeth was married; and the Guises had so persuaded the ministers of the King of Sweden. The Queen of Scots and her party desire such a marriage, and the ruin of Elizabeth, who has no worse enemy than the said Queen, who is always encouraging the Irish against her. It is more than twelve years since the Viscount has been engaged in conveying over their envoys from Scotland to France. Although there was peace between the late Kings Edward and Henry, nevertheless within ten months after the Marquis of Norenthon [Northampton] brought over the Order [of the Garter], there were given to each of these envoys four crowns per diem. The said practice was also carried on by the Dowager of Scotland until her death, since which it has been renewed. There is no better plan for the Queen of Scots to satisfy her great hatred than by the practice of Ireland and her marriage with the King of Sweden, who would furnish her with horses and money, to avenge the contempt shown to himself, and to please Mary, who claims the crown of England. The King of Spain would be glad if matters would take this course, as he dreads above everything that the Queen should be friendly with the King of Navarre. The fact of his threatening that, unless she withdrew her forces from Scotland, he would meddle in the matter, shows how much he fears her aggrandizement.
4. There is nothing that can be more beneficial to England than for her to give free access to all refugees for religion, or other matters; and as great numbers in the Low Countries and France are spoiled of a great part of their wealth, she should command that when any of it is sent over it should be sent to the Guildhall of London, where six or eight per cent. should be deducted, and that she should be the heir of all aliens dying without heirs. As to the purchase of wool, no one should be allowed to change money except at the bank at Guildhall, which should be done at such a rate that the Queen might have the profit which the other banks now have. Besides making 100,000 or 200,000 crowns per annum, she would always be able to lay her hand on 700,000 or 800,000 crowns in the said bank.
5. She need not fear any interference by the Kings of France and Spain on behalf of their subjects, as their countries are divided in religion, and so troubled by the Turk and civil war that they dare not offend her. She has nothing to fear except the marriage of the Queen of Scots with the King of Sweden, who must be much annoyed at her refusing for four or five months a passport for a "particulier," who is not worth 300 crowns, when he has disbursed on her account 130,000 to no effect.
6. The King of France is fitting out sixteen ships and some galleys, as he says for the Cap de Mine, but it is thought that they are to assist the King of Sweden. Her Ambassador should have his eye on this, as there are more than 100,000 captains and soldiers in France and the Low Countries who desire war; and if this marriage takes place, the Duke of Guise will assuredly pass into Scotland with a good company.
7. With respect to the Earl of Hertford and Lady Catherine, the said Earl was in great favour with the King of Navarre, and when he was ordered to return to England many of the Council thought that he had better not do so; but the Ambassador and some of the hostages said that the Queen intended no evil to him or Lady Catherine, but on her own account desired to have him in England, in order that it might be decided by law that the Lady Catherine was his wife, whom be had married for his pleasure, and therefore that she [the Queen] might legally marry the Lord Robert for her's. They think that she will never marry anyone else, for the Ambassador and the hostages have informed them that there was never any promise of marriage between her and the King of Sweden, and that the King spread a report to the effect that, for the friendship he bore her, and the advantages that he would bring, she would be induced to marry him, and that if it were only to see her he would spend 1,000,000 of gold. The Spanish Ambassador in France, when the marriage of the King of Sweden with the Queen of England was one day mentioned, said that it would never come to pass, as he knew for certain that she had married an Englishman.
8. The Cardinal of Granvelle is in France for the hinderance of religion, to make promises on the part of his master, and to confer with the Cardinal of Lorraine and other great people in France. He will pass into the Low Countries by next Lent at the latest. Before Christmas there will be much bloodshed in France, for it is not twenty days since one of the most powerful and warlike men in France secretly told the King that if he would uphold the religion which he had sworn to do, 20,000 gentlemen would die for him. There are 20,000 persons in France of the families of the Cardinals, Bishops, and Abbés, of whom the most part are gentlemen, who have their living out of the Pope's dish, and know no art or trade, whom, being deprived of the said dish, it will be easy for the Pope's ministers to stir up to sedition. Such ministers as these have already been in the places where the Queen of Navarre has had preachers, and have comforted the Papists, and by their own confession have armed the people against the Gospellers.
9. The Pope's party in France is by far the strongest, as all the Cardinals, Bishops, and Abbés would rather sell their crosses and mitres than not defend their dish. They are rich, whilst their opponents have not got a crown; besides, they have the Duke of Guise and his house, the Dukes of Montpensier, Nemours, and Longueville, the Constable, (who has great influence, and can make the Parliament of Paris say what he likes), the Marshals St. André, Brissac, and De Termes, more than twenty-five Knights of the Order, and nearly the whole of the city of Paris. The Cardinal of Ferrara has come to help them, and the Cardinal of Lorraine has money, can manage affairs, and deceive anybody; and he is most vigilant in hindering the designs of the enemies of his house. There cannot be friendship between the house of Vendôme and the Guises, as each considers the increase of the other to be the diminution of its own grandeur. After their plans against the King of Navarre and the Prince of Condé they must always fear their vengeance; for twenty-three Knights of the Order, four Presidents, and seventeen Masters of Requests and Counsellors signed the death of the Prince, and had joined the King of Spain to their enterprize, who would have had part of the cake and overrun Navarre, thus opening a road for himself into France. It is also certain that all those who have joined the Duke of Guise in compassing the death of the Prince of Condé will remain united to him for their mutual preservation.
10. By a private understanding with the Pope, the Venetians, MM. De Savoy, Lorraine, and Guise, the Constable, M. De Nemours, all the French Bishops and Cardinals, the Sorbonne of Paris, which has chosen him as patron, and many others, both in Germany and Italy, the King of Spain designs to be made guardian of the King and his realm. They wish to excommunicate the King of Navarre and his wife, and the Prince of Condé, and their adherents; to declare them heretics and rebels, and to deprive them of their right to the succession to the crown. They think that if the succession should fall to the house of Navarre, they would change the religion, and deprive the Pope of his authority. The most part of Christendom think this must soon happen, as the King's constitution is so bad that he is not likely to live long, for he eats and sleeps very little. M. D'Orleans has a very bad cough, and the physicians fear that he has the disease of his late brother. M. D'Anjou has been ill for more than a year, and is dying from day to day. The Queen Mother, on account of certain predictions, makes much of the King of Navarre, and has promised her daughter to his son. She also expects to be able to influence him. he being of an easy nature. The Estates have decreed that she alone should have the management of her children, and the King of Navarre the government of the realm; and she has so managed him that he desires that it should remain with her. She has also induced the King of Spain to intimate that he will declare war against anyone who tries to diminish her authority, and would cause the Count Egmont to hold himself ready with the forces of the Low Countries to assist her. The King of Navarre, having no money and plenty of enemies, was obliged to yield, and was only able to expel his private enemies from the Court. He is upheld by the Queen Mother and her party. The Constable, who with his whole house had joined his party, could give him no other advice than that he should dissimulate. Though the Constable feared to offend the King of Spain, still he desired to be revenged on the house of Guise, who would have compassed his destruction if the King had lived forty days longer, and would have caused the Parliament to appoint the King of Navarre Governor, thinking that he would easily be able to manage him, and that he would be in as great authority as he was in the late King Henry's time. And having arranged all things for driving the Queen Mother from the government and the Guises from the Court, the King of Navarre's heart failed him, and he allowed himself to be persuaded by her, who promised him all that he wished, as she well knew that the Estates desired him and wished her and the Guises to retire. The Constable, doubting this reconciliation, and being unable to retain his position between the Queen and the King of Navarre, went over to the party of the Guises, thinking that they would prove the stronger in the end. The Queen counted it no small gain to obtain his help, as the King of Navarre, being deprived of his principal support, is obliged to yield in all things to them in order to maintain himself. He has joined himself to his enemies, who will play him some trick at the first opportunity. He is obliged to depend on the Queen, who desires to remain in the government, but who does not love him, and knows that he wishes to get rid of her.
11. The said Queen, knowing how the King of Spain can assist her, keeps herself balanced between the two, as the King of Navarre would not dare to do anything against the King of Spain whilst she remains in the government, he having no command over the finances, the cachet, or the offices and benefices. The King of Spain has a great design against France, and intends that this King shall be the last of his house, for he resolves to reign over one part, and to give the other to the Duke of Savoy. And in order that he may have no peer, and may command the whole of Europe, he has arranged with the Pope and his allies for 118 ensigns of Almaines, whom the Papists shall pay. The Pope has arranged with eight Italian colonels that they shall each raise six ensigns; the party in France will supply 25,000 men and 6,000 horse, and the King and the Duke of Savoy will levy the rest. The Pope has made the Duke of Savoy his lieutenant-general, and given him all that he can conquer from France. He is said to be about to seize the five places which the King of France has in Piedmont, and which he will not suffer to be revictualled. His envoy has demanded back these places, as by treaty they were to be restored in three years, and that time has nearly expired. The Constable and his house will join him, which will be of great assistance to him.
12. These are the principal things which the writer thinks will be of service to the Queen, whom he begs to afford him the means for retiring into Germany.
Orig. Endd. by Cecil. Fr. Pp. 16.
Sept. 24. 534. Narrative of the Viscount de Gruz.
1. The Viscount de Gruz, a gentleman of the family of Estouteville, has been employed in the service of Francis I. and Henry II. in many embassies and state affairs with the Emperor Charles, in the Scotch and German wars, negociations with the Grand Seignor, and also in the affairs of Italy and Germany; in which last country he lived for four years. On the death of King Henry he was recalled by the Cardinal of Lorraine, who would give him no recompense for his services of twelve or fourteen years, nor enable him to discharge his debts contracted in Germany in the King's service. He called him Lutheran, and ordered him to retire to his estates. On the death of King Francis, when the Guises went out of power, he returned to the Court, when the King of Navarre and the Queen Mother promised to employ him and to recompense him for his past services, ordering him to be ready to go into Sweden and Denmark to negociate in the matter in which the Rhinegrave had formerly been employed. He has had however to wait for the arrival of the Danish and Swedish Ambassadors, the latter of whom has been practising for Scotland. He has in the meantime obtained knowledge of the most secret state matters in France, and also of the intrigues of Spain with France; of the Pope with the King of Spain and the French; of the Germans with France, and of the French in England; of the affairs of the Earl of Hertford and the Lady Catherine, with the reports that the French Ambassador and the hostages sent into France; of the intrigues between Germany and France, and Scotland and Ireland; of the controversies of the Princes of France about religion and the government, and many other things which he will declare more fully, if it be her pleasure.
2. Six weeks ago, being in company with M. de Chantonay's wife at the Princess of Rochesurion's house, he complained that some money, jewels, and baggage had been taken from him in Flanders, where he was with the safe conduct of the late Queen of Hungary, for the purpose of treating for the ransom of the Duke of Bouillon, M. de Montmorency, and the Count de Villars, then prisoners at Ghent and Lille, for which he had commission from the late King Henry.
3. Four or five days afterwards the wife of the said Spanish Ambassador meeting him in the apartments of Madame de Mesieres, told him that her husband would most willingly speak with him, and aid him to recover his losses; that his effects had been placed in the charge of a privy counsellor, and that he would write to the Cardinal of Granvelle. Hereupon the said Viscount begged the Queen Mother and the Princess de Rochesurion to urge the Ambassador to do him justice; and having often visited him, the Ambassador thought he had found his opportunity. After pointing out how badly he had been used by the French, he offered him a large pension if he would enter into his master's service. The writer feigning to agree, and discoursing with him, learnt much about the designs of Spain on France, and their intrigues with the Pope and the Venetians, the Dukes of Savoy and Lorraine, and other great Lords, who were comprised in their holy league; of the designs of the Duke of Savoy touching the places in Piedmont, together with many things concerning the Kings of France and Navarre. The writer took post to the Queen of Navarre at Blois, to whom he declared the whole matter, as she was more discreet than her husband, who is easy to be overreached by anyone cleverer than himself. The writer also informed her of the reply which the Pope and the King of Spain would make to her husband touching his kingdom; and that the latter, instead of doing justice to him, meant nothing less than the total ruin of his family, and was plotting with the Pope to deprive him of his right to the succession to the French crown, and the like in regard to the Prince of Condé and his heir. (He will inform the Queen of England more fully on these points.) As the King of Spain (immediately upon the return of her husband's Ambassadors) intended to seize on all his lands in the Low Countries, the writer begged the Queen of Navarre to inform her husband into whose hands he was committing himself; but to do this with caution, as the life of the writer would not last three days if it was known that he had divulged these things. The Queen promised to observe all his instructions, and said that she was sorry that he had not seen her before she left her house, and desired him to advise her how she should act towards the Queen Mother. She declared to him her most secret affairs, even her husband's opinion of many persons whom he mistrusted; and amongst others, said that he would not trust the Admiral in matters touching the Constable on account of their relationship. She desired the writer to remain with her and accompany her to the Court.
4. On her approach to the Court the King of Navarre, the Prince of Condé, and the Admiral came to meet her in post, and she asked the writer if it were time for her to tell the King what he had informed her. He said that it was, and that he had prepared notes of all that passed between him and the Spanish Ambassador, and also of other information which concerned them. This he could not do without including the Queen Mother, the house of Guise, and the Constable. The King of Navarre and the Prince of Condé, having heard the communications of M. de Gruz, informed the Admiral of them, who viewing them with suspicion, advised them to communicate them to the Queen Mother. Thus the life of the writer has been put in great peril by the Spanish Ambassador having set an ambuscade for him, so that he has been compelled to fly in disguise.
5. He begs the Queen to take him into her service, and promises to conduct himself as a gentleman fearing God and having regard to his honour. Will be able to show her a plan of raising her revenue 200,000 crowns per annum without distressing her subjects.
Orig. with seal. Endd. by Cecil: 24 Sept. 1560. Fr. Pp. 9.
Sept. 16. & 24. 535. Sir Thomas Heneage to Throckmorton.
1. Has received his letters and news. What Throckmorton mislikes is a bruit from hence, which is but a compound of evil simples by some that see but the outside of things here. Seeks not to excuse the open evils of our Court. Such joy and sorrow of good and bad as Throckmorton tasted when he was nearer, the writer now feels. The King of Sweden with thirty-four sail embarked hitherward on the 25th ult., which they understand by one of the ships already arrived with horses, and was divided from him by a storm; whereupon he is hourly looked for. Certain ships have come to Hull and Norfolk, supposed to be of his fleet. There has been a shrewd fray with Shane O'Neale, wherein Jakes Wingfield has taken great lack by light guiding his band of horsemen, and Sir William Fitzwilliams has received great honour by giving charge only with twelve horses upon the whole Irish troop, saving thereby a band of footmen. Commendations to my Lady and her good brother.—London, 16 Sept.
2. P.S.—They are now credibly informed that the King of Sweden is thrown by the storm upon Norway; he has sent word that he will be here if the wind will suffer him, or else he will lie in the deep. "What spurreth him to do so few can aim, and many judge awry." The Marquis prayed him to write that he will send answer to Lady Throckmorton, and that he would deal privately with the Queen therein.— 24 Sept. Signed.
Orig. the P. S. in Heneage's hol. Add. Endd. Pp. 3.
Sept. 24. 536. John Bennett to Cecil.
1. According to Cecil's appointment Mr. Browne has perused all thing under his charge respecting the artificers and their doings. Has made up a book of all the charges of their wages, and other charges within his office of the ordnance, since the coming from the camp, which amounts to a great sum; howbeit all things being so far out of order, he could not charge the Queen with a smaller company of artificers, or for repairing all things in order. Now that all things are furnished in all places save Carlisle, he will discharge certain of his artificers. Has given a note to Mr. Browne of so many as he will discharge at Michaelmas, and of so many as shall remain. Begs that he will be a means for their payment, as they are driven to great poverty for want of their wages. Has lent them of his own money as much as his power will extend to. Is sending to London a ship with coals, wherein he sends two barrels of salmon for him, with certain paving stones; he may also have as many of his coals as he pleases to take.
2. P. S. Has not sent a man of his own, as a clerk of Mr. Browne's has occasion to come up to London, whom he has requested to wait on him for dispatch of his warrants and books. One hundred paving stones of sixteen and eighteen feet square will cost here 26s. 8d.; if Cecil likes these, he will provide him against next spring with as many as he pleases.—Berwick, 24 Sept. 1561. Signed.
Orig. with seal. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 4.
Sept. 24. 537. Petition of John Bennett.
John Bennett, gent., master of the ordnance within the north parts, petitions for the payment of the wages of sundry artificers, armourers, bowyers, fletchers, and others, for sixteen months, amounting to 477l. 6s. Also for sundry provisions, freights, hire of storehouses, &c., amounting with the wages to 606l. 8s. 7d. Signed.
Orig. Endd. Pp. 4.