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| Nov. 2. |
500. Sir William Drury to Cecil. |
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Encloses certain letters. Captain Reade is in Yorkshire.—
Berwick, 2 Nov. 1569. |
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Imperfect. Add. Endd. P. ¼. |
| Nov. 3. |
501. Sir Henry Norris to the Queen. |
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The Admiral, fearing some mutiny of the reiters, showed
them certain letters out of England of two months' date,
which much satisfied them. This motion grew by Count
Mansfeld's lieutenant being taken prisoner in the battle, and
released upon his faith, who promised M. D'Anjou, that he
would divert the reiters from the Prince's service, but of
late he does not hear that this practice proceeds forwards.
The Admiral lies in garrison upon the river of Charente,
and has broken down all the bridges. The King arrived
at his camp, 24 October, where after many congratulations
between him and his brother, he saw the greatest part of his
army ranged in order of battle. The next morning he went
to St. Jean D'Angely, and shooting one volley of five cannon
and six smaller pieces, Piles, the captain, made some sign of
parley, but refused to surrender, whereupon the volleys were
redoubled, and battering for four days, a good part of the wall
was beaten down, but no sufficient breach made. There are
1,500 soldiers within the place, but they have no other artillery than falconets and muskets. The governor of the town,
upon Monsieur's approaching, minding to have rendered it up,
Captain Piles openly hanged him and cast his body into the
river. There has chanced no sortie save one on 21 October,
when issuing out at midnight, they entered the trenches and
slew to the number of twenty, and took in their retreat two
ensigns and all the arms they found in the Corps de gard.
M. D'Anjou took this reproach very grievously, degrading
therefore two captains of blood and arms, who were, however,
remitted to their former estates. Many men considering the
different difficulties. think that though the King take St. Jean
D'Angely, he can in nowise this winter besiege Rochelle, and
thereby another war in the spring is likely to ensue. The
Admiral having lost few of his cavalry, may in time recover
new infantry. The Counts Rhinegrave and Mansfeld lying at
point of death, and Bassompierre maimed of both arms, the
King's reiters being destitute of their leaders, make some
motion to depart home, whereupon the King has sent into
Germany to make a new levy. The 6,000 Swiss for the King
of long time talked of are not likely to be raised. M. Monluc
has refused to be under M. D'Anville's conduct, which emulation has not a little availed M. Montgomery with the viscounts.
Gives the different movements of troops on both sides. Has
procured the release of certain English ships stayed at Bordeaux. There is lately come to the Court an Italian captain
of a galley, who requests to have licence to take such of her
subjects as traffic at Rochelle.—Tours, 3 Nov. Signed. |
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Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 4. |
| Nov. 3. |
502. Sir Henry Norris to Cecil. |
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They have made great difficulty in granting a passport for
Mather to go to the camp. Their Majesties think they are
not well dealt with seeing their packet was taken forcibly
from their courrier. La Croix has brought hither word of
some trouble amongst the nobility in England, as the Duke of
Norfolk and others, whereat they much rejoice here. M.
D'Alençon lies at Paris sore sick of the small-pox. Thinks
he shall be able to give them to understand that things are
not in so desperate a state as some report them and others
wish them to be in. Has procured the release of six ships of
London stayed at Bordeaux and likewise certain Scotchmen.—
Tours, 3 Nov. Signed. |
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Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 1½. |
| Nov. 4. |
503. Antoyne Corran to Cecil. |
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Desires that he will intercede with the Bishop of London
to finish his process, when he assures him that his innocence
will appear.—London, 4 Nov. 1569. Signed. |
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Add. Endd.: "The Spanish preacher to my master.
Fr. P. ¾. |
| Nov. 4. |
504. The Vidame of Chartres to Cecil. |
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Complains of the conduct of a certain man [Thomas
Gardiner, farmer of wine duties], named Garnier, who is
reputed to be a papist, and begs Cecil to consider the loss that
he suffers from not being able to dispose of his wine. Commends to his favour an Italian named Messer Giovanni Baptista Agnelli as a man of honesty and industry. Perchance
his kindness may be returned by an ounce or so of powder
of transmutation. Could have wished that Agnello's book,
which he sends, had been written on cleaner paper, but that
of dusky hue bests suits the works "Vulcanicorum hominum."
Holborn, 4 Nov. 1569. Signed. |
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Add. Endd., with seal. Fr. and Lat. Pp. 3. |
| Nov. 7. |
505. The Regent Murray to Cecil. |
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Whereas he was willed to procure good proofs that he was
not the author or persuader of the marriage betwixt the
Queen of Scots and the Duke of Norfolk, he has at two
several times uttered his part and interest in that matter as
truly as he can. Has communicated with Lethington, who
constantly affirms that there was never any mention of the
said marriage betwixt the Duke and him in plain and direct
words, neither in conference or in letters. Lethington would
gladly go to England and answer all interrogations that can
be enquired of him; and if it be found that he has ever
trafficked with the Duke in any cause prejudicial to the Queen
will submit himself to her jurisdiction, and underlie his
punishment as an Englishman.—Edinburgh, 7 Nov. 1569.
Signed. |
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Add. Endd. P. ¾. |
| Nov. 9. |
506. Restitution of Goods arrested in England. |
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Articles proposed by the French deputies appointed to
arrange for the restitution of goods stayed in England, with
the replies of the Privy Council, drawn up in a tabular form
with the ratifications of the Council and the Deputies. —
London, 9 Nov. 1569. Signed. |
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Endd. Fr. Broadside. |
| Nov. 13. |
507. Sir William Drury to Cecil. |
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Has sent certain soldiers to Holy Island. Has stayed a
small vessel of Ipswich in the haven. Declares the loyalty
of himself and the rest of the garrison. Hears that there
have been means used to draw one of the Melvilles, who has
charge of certain soldiers who attend on the Regent, to
betray him. Hears that divers keys of the gates of Edinburgh are secretly made. The Regent has forbidden both the
numbers, and the forcible manner which was intended to have
been witness of Lethington's day of law. Lord and Lady
Lennox and their son have been summoned to "compere"
that day. Held a day of truce on the 8th inst. The Crosiers
and others of Liddlesdale, who would not come in to the
Regent, he fears will often these long nights visit them. Has
caused the Laird of Nuton [Kirk Newton] with the towns of
Wooler, Langston, Coupland, Milfield, and others to trench
and pare the banks of as many fords and comings in as may
offend. In the meantime a general watch nightly.—Berwick,
13 Oct. 1569. Signed. |
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Add. Endd. Pp. 2. |
| [Nov. 15.] |
508. Proclamation by the Earls of Northumberland
and Westmoreland. |
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Printed at length in the Calendar of Domestic Papers
Addenda, 1566–1579, p. 111. |
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Endd. P. 1. |
| Nov. 18. |
509. Advices. |
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News from Rome and Vienna, dated 18 Nov. 1569, of the
discovery of a society of sorcerers at Naples, the affairs of
France, movements of the Grand Turk, &c. |
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Endd Ital. Pp. 3½. |
| Nov. 19. |
510. The Regent Murray to Cecil. |
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Sends two letters written by the Bishop of Ross. Explains
how they came into his hands. Has been diligently travailing in the other matter moved by Mr. Carey.—Edinburgh,
19 Nov. 1569. Signed. |
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Add. Endd. P. 1. |
| Nov. 21. |
511. William Norris to Cecil. |
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His father has departed from Tours towards the camp, and
for that the country thereabouts is in great misery for want
of victuals, and by the infection of the air from the multitude
of sick and hurt men, who daily depart from the camp, his
mother has retired to Paris. They had a long and perilous
journey, and very narrowly escaped from certain Huguenot
horse, who had come from La Charité.—Paris, 21 Nov. 1569.
Signed. |
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Add., with seal. P. 1. |
| Nov. 21. |
512. The Vidame of Chartres to Cecil. |
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Desires him to procure letters of naturalisation for a foreign
woman and her family, who has had her husband executed
for religion, and has come over to England to avoid persecution.
—Holborn, 21 Nov. 1569. Signed. |
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Add. Endd., with seal. Fr. P. ½. |
| Nov. 22. |
513. The Regent Murray to Cecil. |
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Lethington's favourers and friends having assembled in
such numbers at his day of law, he has declared to them that
he will not proceed with the trial at that time. Has heard
of this commotion risen in the north parts of England against
the Queen's authority under pretence of the Papistical religion,
and has offered to the Marshal of Berwick to take such part
in Her Highness's cause and quarrel with the whole power of
this realm as he shall advertise.—Edinburgh, 22 Nov. 1569.
Signed. |
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Endd. by Cecil. Pp. 1½. |
| Nov. 24. |
514. The Queen of Navarre to the Princes of Navarre
and Condé. |
|
1. There is no doubt but that many of the gentlemen of their
party being wearied with the war would retire to their houses,
which they would more readily do if they saw any overture
of peace. She, therefore, informs them of what has passed
with M. de Losses, who has been with her. After excusing
himself for his attempt to seize the Princes, he begged her to
assist in establishing a good peace. She replied that it rested
entirely with the King, as they had only taken up arms in
order to enjoy the free exercise of their religion granted to
them by his edicts. It was answered that the King did not
wish to restrain the exercise of religion by the nobility in
their own houses privately, but that he was firmly determined
never to permit it publicly in France. The Queen said that
then it was useless to talk of peace as they were all determined to die rather than give up this freedom. De Losses
replied that there were many people of rank in their army
who would not give her that advice, and who would be content with reasonable terms. The Queen assured him that
even if they all consented that the signatures of Jeanne and
Henri would never be found attached to such a peace. |
|
2. She desired him to give her very humble commendations
to the King, the Queen Mother and Monsieur, and to beg the
King to take pity on his realm. |
|
3. M. Marmoustier has been sent with a similar message to
his brother, M. De la Roche. Assures them that if they abandon
the defence of the religion all the ruin and losses which they
are charged with causing will fall upon them and their posterity; and if any should be content to remain quietly in
their houses, all communications will be cut off between the
churches, and they will be one by one compelled to obey the
commands of the bishop of the diocese. It is for that purpose
that they advise that the Queen and the princes should reside
near the King, and that the Admiral should go into Germany
in order that they of the religion should have no one to
rally round. Knows there are certain in their army of so
strange a humour that they think that they put forth these
things merely for their private advantage. Asks if it is
probable that the King, thinking himself victorious over his
rebellious subjects, will give them good terms of peace. The
anxiety of the Cardinal of Lorraine for peace ought alone to
show them what is the design of their enemies. Shows the
inconvenience of making peace without including the Protestant princes of Germany, and warns them of the power of
the League, which persecutes Calvinist and Lutheran alike.
As the danger is common, so should be the defence, seeing
that the Papist Princes spare no pains to ruin them. It will
be time to talk of peace with the enemy when their forces
are more equal. Desires them to be very careful in receiving
deserters, and to order the captains of the cornets of cavalry
to see that none enter amongst their troops, whom they do
not know, as there is a plot to assassinate the Admiral. |
|
4. Has not heard from them for a long time.—Rochelle,
24 Nov. 1569. |
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Copy. Endd. Fr. Pp. 2¾. |
| Nov. 24. |
515. Advertisements from France. |
|
On the 24th Nov. 1569, the King and Queen Mother of
France sitting in council, the Sieur de la Personne, on behalf
of the princes and the nobility associated with them, expressed
their loyalty and desire for peace, and begged humbly that he
would send some one to negociate with them for that purpose.
The King having desired that this request might be put in
writing delivered his answer also in writing, to the effect that
he was willing to receive any one who might be sent to him
by them, and would grant them safe-conducts. List of the
councillors who were present. |
|
Endd. Fr. Pp. 2¼. |
| Nov. 25. |
516. Sir Henry Norris to the Queen. |
|
Sends a letter which he received from the French King,
declaring some miscontent, taxing her officers for not seeking
the recovery of his packet or the punishment of the offenders,
and likewise requiring him to desire her to make such demonstration towards the Queen of Scots as she deserves. Gives
an account of the progress of the siege of St. Jean d'Angely.
M. Piles accorded to deliver the town to the King if they
were not succoured in ten days, but afterwards refused to do
so without a general peace were made. Monluc having made
offer of surrender of his government of Guienne, the same is
offered to Marshal Cosse, the said offer growing upon emulation
between him and D'Anville, which greatly avails the Admiral's proceedings in those parts. The Admiral minds being
joined with the Viscounts to gather forces in Berry, which
are esteemed at 800 horse and 2,000 footmen. Those of the
religion are in hopes of succours from Germany. The King
is advertised that Her Majesty has made league with the
Princes Germans for six years continuance which causes him
to make a new levy for next spring. There has been some
earnest dealing for peace; the Count of Rochefoucault being
in Rochelle the Marshal De Cosse and M. De Cormere were sent
to speak with him; and since this secret treaty has been
continued by M. De Croc sent from the King to deal with
M. De Ranty on the behalf of the Queen of Navarre, to
which end M. De Losse, Captain of the Scotch Guard, has
been at Rochelle with the said Queen; whereupon the
Rochellois suspect lest the nobility make some accord to their
prejudice. Gives particulars of the surrender of certain
towns. The Count St. Fiore is returned into Italy having
left of 1,000 horsemen 300, and of 4,000 footmen only 400.
—Saumur, 25 Nov. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 2. |
|
517. Copy of the above with information of the arrival of
Thomas Fleming in France, and the intended succour of
Dumbarton. |
|
Draft. Endd. Pp. 22/3. |
| Nov. 25. |
518. Sir Henry Norris to Cecil. |
|
Sends similar information to that in his letter to the Queen
of this date. Thomas Fleming has brought letters to the
King from Lord Fleming. The order of arming two ships is
appointed to Martigues to go out of the coast of Britanny.
Fleming minds to repair to Scotland with ships, munitions,
victuals, and 200 men for Dumbarton.—Saumur, 25 Nov.
1569. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 1½. |
| Nov. 27. |
519. Proclamation by the Regent Murray. |
|
Warns all Scotchmen against in any way assisting the
authors and members of the present troubles and commotions
in England.—St. Andrew, 27 Nov. Signed. |
|
Copy. Endd. P. 1. |
| Nov. 30. |
520. The Cardinal of Chatillon to Cecil. |
|
The Privy Council having granted leave to Captain Sores
to refresh his ships in the Queen's ports, he desires that he
may not be annoyed by any of her officers.—Shene, 30 Nov.
1569. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd., with seal. Fr. P. ½. |
| [Nov.] |
521. Proclamation at Berwick. |
|
Warns the soldiers and inhabitants on pain of their
allegiance, that they do neither by word or fact, or countenance, speak or utter any misliking of the Queen's most royal
person or her most gracious proceedings, or to the favouring
or supporting of any traitorous, mutinous, or seditious fact or
practise against her Highness. Any person hearing or seeing
any party so offending, is to cause them to be apprehended.
No person is to depart out of the town and bounds without
the consent of the Deputy, as he will answer to the contrary
at his extreme peril. |
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Subscribed in Drury's hand: "God save the Quene." |
|
Pp. 1¼. |
