Elizabeth: December 1563, 21-30 | British History Online

Pages 636-653

Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 6, 1563. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1869.

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December 1563, 21-30



Dec. 21.	1523. Randolph to Cecil.
	1. The Queen's disease daily increases. Her pain is in her right side. Men judge it proceeds of melancholy. Upon Saturday she was out of bed, but took no great pleasure in company, nor to talk with any, he has forborne greatly to press her. All the Lords are assembled; whether she will make any of them privy to the matter he knows not. So far as safe he has communicated with the Lords of Murray, Argyll, and Lethington. Would he were able to persuade as good liking of the matter in her as he does in them. Three causes of the Lords assembling are patent. The Queen finds herself grieved with France for these three special causes, want of payment of her dowry, the depriving the Duke of Châtellerault of his duchy, and the bestowing of the captain's office of the guard upon a Frenchman, who was ever wont to be named of the prince of this realm. For these causes she is minded to send Mr. John Haye, Master of Requests, into France, if her Council finds it good.
	2. The second cause of their convention is to judge upon a controversy between the Earl of Rothes and the Master of Lindsay (now Lord Lindsay), whose father died within these four days. They contend who shall be sheriff of Fife in in- heritance, where neither of them has any right.
	3. The third cause is that the Queen finds herself grieved with a letter that Mr. Knox wrote unto his brethren, the preachers, to assist two honest men of the congregation, whom she would have had punished for troubling a priest that (she being in Argyll,) said Mass unto the rest of her household remaining in the abbey of Holyrood House.
	4. Some think the cause of the Queen's sickness is that she utterly despairs of the marriage of any of those she looked for, as well that neither they abroad are very hasty nor her subjects at home very willing those ways. This conceit some say has been in her head five weeks and more.
	5. The Queen's apothecary got one of her maidens, a Frenchwoman, with child. Thinking to have covered his fault with medicine, the child was slain. They are both in prison, and she is so much offended that it is thought they shall both die. Whether these things be so heavily taken that they can make her so sick as within these eight days men doubted her of life, he knows not.—Edinburgh, 21 Dec. 1563. Signed.
	6. P. S. — Asks him to have further inquisition made what is to become of Michelet, the Queen's musician, of whom there was never word heard of here since his first taking. Has been moved with message from the Queen to write thus. Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. Pp. 4.
Dec. 21.	1524. Henry Cobham to Challoner.
	Has no news to send him, but that he is glad of his revoke, and desires him to bring him a Spanish book or two at his return. Commendations to Mr. Parker and Mr. Huggins.— Windsor, 21 Dec. 1562. Signed. Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. by Challoner: Brought by Robert. Pp. 2.
Dec. 21.	1525. Robert Hanley to Challoner.
	The bearer hereof is Thomas Butler, despatched by "the nation" to him touching the ships that Don Alvaro De Bazan took at Gibraltar. The poor masters and men are very cruelly used in his galleys, for the writer speaks as one taken in them, but by the good help of his cousin, Laurence Turner, he is at liberty. His cousin would have gone upon this message but that he is evil at ease. Had a robbery out of his house of 400 ducats, and for the same was hanged a slave of his and another; he has recovered part of his money.— St. Mary's Port, 21 Dec. 1563. Signed: Robert Hanley, son to William Hanley, of Windsor. Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. by Challoner: From Caliz. Pp. 2.
Dec. 21.	1526. Challoner to William Phayre.
	He shall receive herewith a copy of a letter received this morning from Hugh Tipton, touching eight English ships arrested at Gibraltar, which he is to cause to be translated into Spanish, and fair written forth, for Challoner intends to speak with the King in it and other matters. He is to send word of the appointed time of his access by this bearer, and procure from Artus the copy as soon as possible.—21 Dec. 1563. Signed. Orig. Hol. Add.: To Phayre, at Monzon. Endd. Pp. 2.
Dec. 21.	1527. William Phayre to Challoner.
	Received his letter this morning and went to Santoya, who reminded the King of it. Artus has made account of his letters, which amount in all to 24½ reals. He has promised to get the copy of the conclusions from Trent. His lodging is prepared against this night, and so are the stables for his horses. Will translate this matter of the English ships. Yesternight the King sent a post to Cadiz about them. Has spoken to Santoya, who says that the King this day or tomorrow can in no wise give Challoner audience; after tomorrow Phayre is to repair thither again and he will appoint. —Monçon, 21 Dec. 1563. Signed. Orig. Hol. Add.: To Challoner, at Balbastro. Endd. by Challoner. Pp. 3.
Dec. 21.	1528. Challoner to Phayre.
	Complains of their dilatoriness in granting him an audience. —21 Dec. 1563. Signed. Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. by Phayre. Pp. 2.
Dec. 22.	1529. Randolph to Cecil.
	Since his last, Michelet arrived here convoyed by a servant of Jerningham's. He brought nothing that belonged either to the Queen or to himself, not so much as the apparel to his back, but such as Jerningham lent him money to buy it with. —Edinburgh, 22 Dec. 1563. Signed. Orig. Hol. Add. Endd.: For Michelet. Pp. 2.
Dec. 22.	1530. Smith to Throckmorton.
	To his [Throckmorton's] allegation for physicians, the Queen is content that he shall be at Bois de Vincennes, where they might come to him easily. Asks him what he would have him do more. Sees he must have patience. The tumult in the Court (whereof he wrote to him the 20th inst.) proved vain. Neither of the Pope's Nuncio, nor of the matters of Spain or Navarre is he able to write certainly.—Paris, 22 Dec. 1563. Copy.
Dec. 22.	1531. Antonio Bruschetto to Cecil.
	About twelve days ago sent letters of Sor. Gurone from Rome, and one of his own to Cecil, by Mr. Seris; now sends one from his son Sebastiano, whom he recommends as wellinformed and trustworthy. Asks for a reply.—Hackney, 22 Dec. 1563. Signed. Orig. Hol., with seal. Add. Endd. Ital. Pp. 2.
Dec. 22.	1532. Challoner to Phayre.
	Desires him to solicit his access, or at least to have answer to-morrow whether he shall repair thither on Christmas Day. —22 Dec. 1563. Signed. Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. by Phayre. Pp. 2.
Dec. 23.	1533. Throckmorton to Smith.
	Yesterday the Queen Mother sent her physician to see him, and offered counsel for his health. He said as he was not so sick as to keep his bed, he would inform the Queen of his well doing. Thanks him for his pain employed to De L'Aubespine for him. Had rather endure the extremity he suffers here than change for the worse. If the Queen will give him leave to lodge in some house in Paris he shall take it for some favour, otherwise he must suffer as he has done.—St. Germain, 23 Dec. 1563. Copy.
Dec. 23.	1534. [Gurone Bertano] to Cecil.
	Details respecting the conclusion of the Council. It has apparently increased to power of the Papacy. Arrangements are now being made for the despatch of cardinals to procure its acceptance in various realms. The prevalence of the Huguenots may perhaps make this more difficult in France. It is not impossible that the Queen may be asked by the Pope to accept it in England; at all events he might be induced to do so if she desired it.—Rome, 18 Dec. 1563. Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. Ital. Pp. 5.
Dec. 23.	1535. Robert Turaine to Challoner.
	Being licensed by the Queen to see Spain took passage in the Harry Sackford of Woodbridge, which was bound for Spain; and now for matters between them and a Frenchman they have been brought out of the straits into St. Mary's port, where they remain fast in chains with most cruel entreatment on board the galleys. The merchants have offered to be bound for 100 ducats so that he might go on shore, which could not be granted. He made a supplication to Don Alvaro Bazan, that he was the Queen's trumpeter, which was set no more by than a thing of no importance. Desires him to favour him in this miserable case.—Aboard the galleys of Don Alvaro Bazan, 23 Dec. 1563. Signed. Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. by Challoner: From Robert Toueraine, one of the Queen's trumpeters. Pp. 2.
Dec. 23.	1536. Phayre to Challoner.
	Yesternight he had not answer of Santoya, because the King was at the Parliament till almost 12 o'clock; this morning the King was long abed because of his watching overnight, so that it was 10 o'clock before he had answer, which is that if he will come to-day at 3 o'clock, or to-morrow at 2 o'clock, will send him word where he shall light to-morrow. Gamboa was with him yesternight, breaking his head with great talk about the news of the Council of Trent; to be rid of him he sent him to Ruy Gomez's house to know if the canonico was come or no that should go for England's Ambassador. Met him again this morning, and he told Phayre that he had seen him and delivered a letter for Challoner as touching the talk they had yesternight. This morning the said Ambassador was in the palace with the King, for Ruy Gomez went in with him.—Monçon, 23 Dec. 1563. Signed. Orig. Hol. Add.: To Challoner, at Balbastro, and endd. by him. Pp. 4.
Dec. 23.	1537. Challoner to Phayre.
	Has received his letter of this morning. By 9 o'clock tomorrow he will be at Monçon. Desires him to provide him only the common lighting place of other ambassadors, for he will return as soon as he has spoken with the King.—23 Dec. 1563. Signed. Orig. Hol. Add.: To Phayre, at Monçon, and endd. by him. Pp. 2.
Dec. 24.	1538. Smith to Throckmorton.
	Is willed now to proceed another way. It is in his instructions that he should impart the same secretly to him. For any respect therein touching himself none can do that better than Barnabé, who is privy to all the matter and came with it, and because he says it is the Queen's pleasure that he should thus do it, and that in haste. Has sent to demand an audience this day.—Christmas Eve, Paris, 1563. Copy.
[Dec. 25.]	1539. Charges at Berwick.
	The charges for the garrison, works, and fortifications there for the year and half ending Christmas 1563, are 25,405l. 10s., whereof 9,749l. 10s. was received from Owen Claydon and others, leaving due 15,671l. 10s. Pp. 3.
Dec. 25.	1540. Throckmorton to Smith.
	As Barnabé cannot be suffered to come to him, he remains as ignorant of all things as he was before his coming. If he send with his next despatch, prays him to let him know what he may write by him to his wife about his own matters, which are in a perilous case, and she in great perplexity. Lord Robert has written three or four words to him, and so has Mr. Secretary, and referred to Barnabé's report. Prays him to advertise him how he proceeds with the French.—Dec. 25. Copy.
A.D. 1563. Dec. 25.	1541. Challoner to the Queen.
	1. After the sealment of his other letters he thought it best to stay the bearer till he had spoken with the King. She may perceive how he is deferred answer through the King's great business about the matters of his Cortes, having daily (since Monday last) sat personally amongst them from his dinner till midnight. The rumour of the interdiction has been very " bremely " spread here, since the last news were brought by a gentleman of the Trentish Council now determined, as by a copy of a piece of a letter that Don Luis De Avila wrote from Milan she may perceive. Believes that no special sentence has been pronounced against them more than other Protestants.
	2. Encloses a copy of the letters and testimonial touching the arrest of the eight ships at Gibraltar, whereby she may perceive the rigorous behaviour of Don Alvaro Bazan, who aforetime gave the cruel strapado to other English, guiltless, and which he intends to aggravate to the King. Don Diego, the elect Ambassador to England is arrived, and lodges in Ruy Gomez's own lodging, whose kinsman he is. He is a comely tall priest, about fifty years of age, who has been used in divers like affairs.
	3. On Christmas Eve Challoner had audience with the King, and declared what information he had touching the arrest of the eight ships by Don Alvaro Bazan; reducing to his memory a former like cruelty used by Don Alvaro against other merchants in Challoner's predecessor's time. He also gave him Tipton's letters and the testimonial to peruse, and besought speedy remedy; alleging how the like cases had many times been seen, of the Emperor his father's vessels persecuting the French within the English ports without their punishing them, save only to restrain the stronger till the weaker could shift for themselves. Secondly, he asked whether the report was true that the Canonico should succeed in the Bishop of Aquila's place. The King answered that it was so. Of the time of his setting forward he is not certain, as the King said that he should repair to Toledo to put himself in order for his journey. Entered into speech of young Mr. Smith, seeing the vulgar voice afforded him greater titles than the truth, and informed the King of as much as he knew of him, of what house he was and what degree in the State; and that he had demanded at the Queen (before Challoner came forth of England) leave to pass the seas. The King said that he had been informed of such an one, but had not seen him.
	4. The sons of the King of the Romans are affirmed to have passed to Trent, to keep their Christmas at Milan, and so by next month are looked for at Barcelona.
	5. The occasion that the Trentish Council ended thus abruptly was caused through the Pope's late sickness, having had a great swelling in his throat, lest his death should have given rise to some schism among the fathers about the election of his successor. This is the fifth Christmas which in her service he has spent abroad.—Balbastro, Christmas Day, 1563. Hol. Draft. Endd. Pp. 7.
Dec. 25.	1542. Stephen De Sansust to Challoner.
	Has received his letter and one from Cuerton. Information respecting the English who have been imprisoned by the Corregidor of Guipuscoa.—St. Sebastian, 25 Dec. 1563. Signed. Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. by Challoner. Span. Pp.
Dec. 25.	1543. Thomas Parker to Challoner.
	Came to St. Sebastian on Friday, where he found four ships ready to depart for England, and trusts to get there within ten days. As for the ships that are here stayed, Mr. Haryes upon his coming hither was straight by the Corregidor put in prison and all his servants, his ships drawn up and their tops pulled down and his ordnance taken out. If Challoner does not for them, they are like to famish in prison. Divers say that they are not culpable. It is the ship that freighted over his servants at his coming to Spain. Begs him to see them delivered, and to let Fayer sue for their discharge. There is talk of peace between England and France. A couple of heretics brought up a saying that the King was slain in Saragossa, and great lamentation; the one was taken in Navarre, the other here. For joy that his Majesty was alive great triumph of bonfires and shot of artillery.—St. Sebastian, 25 Dec. Orig. Hol. Add.: To Challoner at Monzon, and endd. by him. Pp. 3.
Dec. 26.	1544. Throckmorton to Smith.
	Prays him order his courier, Barlow, to deliver his letters to his wife, if she be at the Court; if not, then to his cousin Middlemore. Also sends a letter to Mr. Secretary.—St. Germain, 26 Dec. 1563. Copy.
Dec. 26.	1545. George Gilpin to Lord Robert Dudley.
	Being last week at Brussels, a certain Almain, a colonel, called John Van den Haschenbarck, showed him a letter directed to the Queen, which he declared to be from Count Mansfeld, by whom he was recommended to her. Thinking he would require his [Gilpin's] advice, he enquires how he is to use himself in this cause. Finds him to be of a good house; he has served the King of Spain and received a pension for six years, which have now expired, and he is resolved not to serve him any longer. Informed him of the restraint in bringing over the Cloth Fleet; this week a certain edict, or placard, has been set forth whereb re- straint is made for bringing commodities from England, which edict he sends herewith, translated from Dutch into English. The King of Sweden has had an overthrow, but nothing so great as reported; being set upon suddenly in passing a bridge he was forced to flee with the loss of 4,000 men.—Antwerp, 26 Dec. 1563. Signed. Orig. Add. Endd. Pp. 3.
Dec. 27.	1546. Occurrences in France.
	1. Dec. 21. What he wrote on the 20th inst. by Mr. Forbes, the Scottish gentleman, of the trouble in the Court there was a mockery. The Constable that day went from the Court to Ecouen, and so to Chantilly, his house, where he minds to keep his Christmas. The Pope's Nuncio this day had audience, and has been twice before.
	2. Dec. 22. This morning while a priest was at Mass at St. Geneviève, a church not far from his lodging, a scholar took away his singing cake and gave him a blow. The people coming to take the scholar, he thrust one with a dagger into the arm. The street is in an uproar. About 9 or 10 a.m. he had his judgment, his right hand cut off at the church door, and then carried to Maubert, hanged, and then burned. All this was done before 3 p.m. He was about twenty years old and straight repented of that he had done. For the deprivation of the Cardinal Châtillon and other bishops, the Pope (as he learned by the Ambassador) will dissemble and not be rigorous. The Pope's Nuncio is the Queen's darling. It is agreed upon in the Council of Trent that King Philip, the Dukes of Savoy and Lorraine, and the Parliament of Paris should be appointed tutors to the French King till he comes to perfect age; and to keep the Roman religion, and to extirpate all other.
	3. Dec. 23. What he wrote of the debatement of the journey of Lorraine betwixt the Queen Mother and the Constable is confirmed.
	4. Dec. 24. The church lands were sold before the Nuncio's return from the Pope. For the Pope's excommunication of the Cardinal and bishops, they may not promulgate any such without the King's licence. Mme. De Guise still requires justice, and yet they cannot agree of the form nor of the judges.
	5. Dec. 25. An edict set forth concerning the further declaration of the edict of Orleans concerning religion.
	6. Dec. 27. On St. John Day a general procession, when the King and the Queen and four Cardinals went about the town to pacify God, or rather to please the Pope, for the fact done by the scholar, 22 Dec. The solemn Mass was at St. Genevieve where the King that day dined. The Spanish Ambassador begins to look more strangely of him than they were wont.
	7. A new book is come forth, an epistle of a cardinal to the Queen of Navarre for the change of religion there, and her answer to it. Orig. Endd. Pp. 4.
A.D. 1563. Dec. 27.	1547. Instructions for Dr. Dale.
	Instructions for Dr. Dale, sent from the Queen to the Duchess of Parma respecting the complaints against the English made by the subjects of the King of Spain in the Low Countries; during which he is to protest against a proclamation lately made against the importation of English cloths into Flanders. Corrected draft, in Cecil's hol. Endd. Pp. 11.
Dec. 27.	1548. Hugh Tipton to Challoner.
	1. Sent a post three days past to Alonso Truxillo, with a testimonial concerning the eight English ships taken by Don Alvaro De Bazan, which he ordered him to forward to Challoner. This day he received a letter from Truxillo, who writes that there is an information made against them, how that they were corsairs, and had robbed ships of the Indies. All the offence which they have done is that they fought with their enemies. In the meantime Don Alvaro keeps 240 Englishmen, masters and mariners, in chains, and feeds them with bread and water, with which ill entertainment certain of them are dead; and he spoils and destroys all in the ships. Has sent this post by Safra, and written to the Count De Feria, requesting his favourable letters for the King.—Seville, 27 Dec. 1563. Signed.
	2. P. S.—Has kept this till the 29th Dec., and sends it by an Englishman named Leonard Chilton. Truxillo has sent two Provisions; one for Don Alvaro, and the other for the Mayor of Gibraltar. They say that he has another Provision from Monçon, from the King and the Council, thanking him for what he has done, and committing all the matter to him. If they have not his speedy help 240 tall men and their ships are like to be cast way. One of them is a ship of Mr. Sewford's, a very trim ship, and so are all the rest. Challoner owes him 4,588 reals, which he desires him to pay to the bearer. Orig. Hol. Add.: To Challoner, at Monçon, and add. by him. Pp. 3.
Dec. 28.	1549. Sir Thomas Dacre to the Earl of Bedford.
	Can neither obtain pay for himself nor his men, notwithstanding he delivered to him the Queen's warrant, according to which he has served as governor and marshal since Lord Grey rode to the Court, which is a year and a quarter last Christmas; but has received no part of his entertainment from that time, nor any allowance for the 22l. which he disbursed for carrying letters to Mr. Randolph in Scotland, which were sent him from the Court, and for which Lord Grey had 40l. a year allowed him.—Berwick, 28 Dec. 1563. Signed. Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. Pp. 2.
Dec. 28.	1550. Thomas Browne and William Brode to the Earl of Bedford.
	Understand that there is a device for an alteration of this garrison, as Captain Pikman can declare; also that it is meant to cass the captains of fifty and their bands and to give them a yearly pension of 40 marks, not considering what injury they have received by their bands being reduced from one hundred to fifty. Ask for such a pension as may maintain them. Give an account of the services of the captains here.— Signed. Orig., in Browne's hol. Add. Endd. Pp. 6.
Dec. 28.	1551. Smith to Wilson.
	1. Takes it somewhat strange that he has not written to him. And his wife writes that she has not yet received the bracelets and rings he sent her by him.
	2. Perceives what some men have gone about now, as well against him as others. Loves no such dealing. They would sting him, and make Lord Robert the instrument.—Paris, 28 Dec. 1563. Copy. (fn. 1)
Dec. 28.	1552. Smith to Cecil.
	Sends a copy of his letter to Wilson (of 28 Dec.) which Cecil will know how to use.—Paris, Innocents Day. Signed. Orig., with armorial seal. Add. Endd. Pp. 2.
Dec. 28.	1553. Occurrences in France.
	1. Dec. 28.—For the sale of church lands the King has granted to the bishops, etc. one year of rachat. King Philip gathers men in Germany to come into Navarre. De Chantonnet bears as much blame as Throckmorton, and if there arise any strife betwixt the King and the King of Spain they lay the chief charge of it to him. The Cardinal of Lorraine is at Metz, and is looked to meet his mother at Joinville about the 11th of Jan., and after to visit the King here, The Papists of France hope that this summer, King Philip, the Cardinal of Lorraine, and the Dukes of Savoy and Lorraine, will bring to pass some great thing for remitting all again into the Pope's religion. M. D'Oysell is appointed to go ambassador to the Pope.
	2. Dec. 29.—The Parisians say they have three things to wonder at: the Constable's beads, the Chancellor's Mass, and Cardinal Châtillon's red cap. One is ever mumbling upon his beads, and his head ever occupied with other affairs; the other hears daily Mass, and is the chief Huguenot in France; the third wears a cardinal's cap and defies the Pope. They say otherwise, from the Admiral's toothpick, the Constable's beads, the Chancellor's Mass, and Châtillon's cap, "Libera nos Domine."
	3. Jan. 1, Friday.—At 6 a.m. upon the Pont St. Michel Captain Charry was slain, Capt. La Gorretta, and his lieutenant, by three others, who met them there and thrust their rapiers through them before they could draw their weapons. It was thought at first that the Admiral or D'Andelot, had done it; and a proclamation was made that he should have 500 crowns who could discover the doers.
	4. It is now in manner known that it was one Châtellier, a gentleman well learned and very great with the Admiral, that was in England while the Admiral was at Caen. As yet they are escaped. Charry was one of the best captains of the Guisians. He and the other captain were buried this day at the chief church called Notre Dame de Paris, with such solemnity and pomp of horsemen and footmen, and children mourning, drums, fifes, banners, etc. as though he had been an earl or duke. The Parisians and the Guisians take this matter heinously. The Admiral is in danger to be slain, if they can do it conveniently. He is in fear, and has great guard of gentlemen about him.
	5. 2 Jan.—This day about dinner-time came to the Court six captains, well appointed, who walked up and down in the Court all dinner while, and when the King and Queen were at dinner came up into the chamber (as men may easily do in this Court) where the King dined, viewed who were there and went down again, and so out of Court. At their departing they gave the porters a couple of crowns, and took horse, which were thereby, and went their ways. They were very well mounted, and thought to be privily armed. About 2 or 3 p.m. all men were commanded to go out of the hall and chamber, which were then very full. They were let go forth one by one, and at the door stood M. De Lansac, who asked every man whom he did not know his name. He had a paper in his hand, wherein were written five or six names. They all went out, and he found not them he sought. Some think the six men mentioned above were appointed to have slain the Admiral, for they were of Charry's band, and the Admiral was advertised thereof by letter. The death of this Charry is imputed to the Admiral and D'Andelot, for it is said Châtellier was favoured of the Admiral, and commonly every night, and the night before he slew Charrie, had laid in the Admiral's chamber.
	6. 3 Jan.—The Cardinal of Lorraine is come to Joinville, to bring the decrees of the Council of Trent hither that the King here should accept them. Yesterday three ensigns of the Swiss, which have been all this while kept at St. Cloud for guard to the King, passed in order of battle through La Rue St. Honoré, and all mustered, paid, and discharged. The Queen sometimes says that Throckmorton and the Spanish Ambassador were a good marriage together. An answer of the King here is marvellously commended. The Parliament of Toulouse and Council of Languedoc had sent to him one to declare that if it pleased him they would through all Languedoc, upon their own charge, destroy all the Huguenots. He had no sooner ended, and the Queen arisen to answer him than the King stepped up, and before his mother could speak, said, What! had he not made an edict to appease those matters? and have they not permitted that liberty to them and willed no man to trouble them? The Queen hearing this with tears said that they heard what the King had said, and she prayed them to mark it.
	7. 5 Jan.—Repeats what he wrote to Cecil, 15th Jan., of the accord made by the King betwixt the Guises and them of Châtillon.
	8. 7 Jan.—One Forluck of Lyons (who is M. d'Hôtel to the Prince of Condé) and two Italians have taken to farm the advantage of the edict for the abreviation of processes. Philip Strozzi, Marshal Strozzi's son, has Captain Charry's place. When he received his oath the Queen told him that he must now go to Mass, and be of that religion which the King is. He answered he had served the King truly, and ever would, and that oath he would most willingly take; but he had made another to God not to forsake his true religion, which he could not break to have all the offices in the world. To this she made no answer, but stood as amazed. Within a while it passed away, and he was admitted and enjoys the office.
	9. 8 Jan.—This day a cry was made that whosoever could take Châtellier should have 1,000 crowns. He has written another letter to the Queen, justifying his deed.
	10. 9 Jan.—This day De Mauvissiere came to the Court out of England.
	11. 10 Jan.—The Prince of Condé and the Duke De Nemours are good companions at tennis, dancing, and all pastimes. "Let us not talk of religion," says one to another, "let us be merry and good fellows, and one not to trouble or search the other's conscience."
	12. 11 Jan.—The Cardinal of Lorraine was on New Year's Day at Nancy with the Duke of Lorraine, from thence he went to Joinville. He came but with his own train, not one hundred horse, without any men-at-arms.
	13. 13 Jan.—Arms were again granted to the Parisians, except arquebuses and pistolets, so that they answer to the King if anything be contrary to his edicts. An archbishop and two bishops of Spain arrived here from the Council of Trent; and the 16th the Ambassador brought them to the Court to see the King and Queen. Two Irish bishops came hither from the Council and were entertained at the Court, and are passed by Bretagne into Ireland. Sent their names by Mr. Jones. About a month's time the Cardinal of Lorraine is looked for here, with the Duke D'Aumale and a great company, at whose coming, or shortly after, the chief of each faction in religion look that one or the other shall yield for altogether and be trodden under foot. The Papists say the edict of the peace of Orleans was but provisional, with a Donec, which is now fulfilled; because the General Council has taken order that all shall be done in the church as was afore, without any innovation by respect of the King of Spain.
	14. 17 Jan.—The King on Monday goes to St. Maure, thence to Fontainebleau, and thence either into Lorraine or Lyons, and comes not to Paris. Endd. Pp. 10.
Dec. 28.	1554. The Duke of Wurtemberg to Cecil.
	Has given the bearer certain secret charges of great importance to communicate to the Queen, and hopes that she may thereby be induced to turn her mind towards matrimony. —Stutgard, 28 Dec. 1563. Signed. Orig. Add. Endd. Lat. Pp. 2.
Dec. 29.	1555. Supplication of John Baron.
	Having received the supplication of John Baron, minister of the kirk of Cawston, that his wife had departed from his house in Edinburgh, the General Assembly direct that letters be addressed to the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, in their name, desiring that she may be cited to appear before the Superintendent of Lothian.—29 Dec. 1563. Extracted from the Register of General Assembly, and signed by John Gray. Copy. Endd. Broadside.
Dec. 30.	1556. Soldiers at Berwick.
	Names of fourteen captains, with the numbers of soldiers serving under them; total 1,050. A calculation of expense partly in Cecil's hand. Endd. Pp. 2.
Dec. 30.	1557. Smith to Cecil.
	The Cardinal of Lorraine is looked before the 12th to be at Joinville, and from thence to the Court. Here is still talk of a meeting at Nice; and a new conjuration of the Pope and certain princes of Italy for reducing France wholly to the obedience of the Pope is more and more either discovered or for some practice bruited. King Philip's Ambassador is neither liked here nor he pleased with them. Navarre is the matter. They fear that he will invade the poor Queen's country.—Paris, 30 Dec. 1563. Signed. Orig. Add. Endd. Pp. 2.
Dec. 30.	1558. Antonio Rota to Challoner.
	The bearer is sent by Sir Guido Bentivoglio to present his compliments and the accompanying letter addressed to Challoner by the Duke, his master. Regrets that he could not bring it himself.—Monçon, 30 Dec. 1563. Signed. Orig. Hol., with seal. Add.: To Challoner, at Balbastro. Endd. Ital. Pp. 2.
Dec. 31.	1559. Randolph to Cecil.
	1. Divers times since his last he has been to the Court, twice in the Queen's sight, but she both times lying in bed conferring with the Council. Upon Sunday the 26th inst. had warning to come to the Court. At his coming he found in her chamber, besides ladies and gentlewomen, many of her Council, herself in bed, talking with Murray and Lethington. Their purposes ended, she said to him that she longed to hear what answer he brought from his mistress. He said that she could in no point alter her former advice, which was that it could not be expedient for her country, nor fit for herself, to match in any of those houses where appearance is that dissension may grow and enmity to be nourished, as before time has been. And for her to appoint any one by name, or to judge who are fit or otherwise, she cannot; and further willed him not to proceed; saving that she thought that none fitter could be found than some nobleman of her realm, who should have special desire to unite the two countries in perpetual peace and concord. She assured him that the Queen is no better willing to continue amity than she is. Touching her marriage, she may conceive more than his mistress will signify; but how well the world would allow of it, that she knows not.
	2. Touching the declaration of her title, he declared as he was directed in his instructions. Of that matter she thought right well. She said he had some further matter to say unto her, she was sure. He answered that he had said as much as was committed to his charge, but if she would give him leave he would say his opinion, viz., that the Queen would that she should send some of her most trusty servants to confer with her hereupon, by whom she might assuredly understand her mind, and take resolution what is most expedient. Queen Mary said that as she had many more things to inquire of him than those they spoke of, of which they will talk more at leisure.
	3. Incontinent she called for the Earl of Argyll of many purposes. Knows this was one: Randolph (she said) would have her marry in England. He asked if the Queen of England were become a man? Who is there in that country (said she) to whom he would wish her? He said, To whom she could like best; and he wished there were so noble a man there as she could like. That would not please the Duke, said she. If it please God, and is good for her country, said he, what reck who were displeased? Could not perceive what her mind is. What he [Argyll] thinks of that matter himself, he has given a sufficient declaration. If Queen Mary purpose to send any noblemen unto the Queen, the writer will do what he can that Argyll may go. Knows already that he would gladly take that voyage. Since that time the Queen has kept her chamber, not very sick it appears by her face and speech, but as she said of a pain in her side.
	4. Upon Wednesday he was sent for to come before the Council, touching a ship of Dundee taken of late by a ship of the Queen's, of which Cecil shall hear further by letters from hence. Divers have been in hand with the writer to know whom in England the Queen will give in marriage to this Queen. To some he said it was not in her power to appoint; to others he wished that this Queen would stand at her appointment. There is no suspicion that anything is meant of Lord Robert, "but either for his brother or Lord Darlie." The Queen herself, he is assured, conceives further; and he believes that if it come unto her choice there is not one of these two she will take. Has learned that the beginning of this her sorrow was at the last coming of Camell into Scotland, who returned with La Croc's answer from the Cardinal, because he would not come with it himself; and that matter is not likely to take place. To-morrow (being New Year's Day) he is willed to be at the Court.—Edinburgh, Last of Dec. 1563. Signed.
	5. P. S.—The Lord Treasurer of Scotland, for getting a woman with child, must, on Sunday next, do open penance before the whole congregation, and Mr. Knox make the sermon. This the Lord of Murray willed him to write to him, for a note of their severity. The apothecary and the woman he got with child were both hanged this Friday. This has made much sorrow in their Court. Many evil fortunes they have had by their French folks, and yet he fears they love them over well.
	6. The Earl of Argyll desires Cecil to be a means for him unto the Queen, that he may have licence to buy three geldings for his own use. This is his first request.—Edinburgh, Last of Dec. 1563.
	7. When at Alnwick with Sir John Foster, the Earl of Bothwell desired to speak with the writer, which he refused not. His first beginning was to purge himself of any evil mind towards him. He would have had him been a suitor for him to this Queen. That he told him he might not meddle with, nor had not for any man done the like; and if he be suitor to his sovereign, as he is minded to be, he should not lack noblemen nor others in her realm that would move her for him. His purpose is that if he can get no favour here to sue the Queen that he may have liberty to leave her country. Little good he does where he is. What resort there is unto him and not long since at Norham secretly, trusts he hears it of others that know these matters better than he does. Orig., with armorial seal. Add. Endd. by Cecil. Pp. 6.
Dec. 31.	1560. The Queen to the Duke of Holstein.
	Perceives that he gives credit to the report that her garrisons were driven out of France, at which she is much surprised. The true case is that her troops, although suffering from the daily attacks and bombardment of the French, were not beaten, but suffered so much from the pestilence, that the Earl of Warwick agreed to conditions, by which he merely gave up the town, which was so plague-stricken that neither her troops or the French could live therein, bringing off with him the survivors. Cannot take the troops that he offers into her pay, as she has made arrangements with certain German princes. However if war should break out again, she will remember his offer.—Westminster, 31 Dec. 1563. Hol. Draft by Cecil. Endd. Lat. Pp. 4.
Dec. 31.	1561. English Ships in Spain.
	The Provanza made in Gibraltar, 31 December 1563, touching the seven English arrested there by Don Alvaro De Bazan; presented by Challoner to King Philip at Monzon. Notarial copy. Endd. by Challoner. Span. Pp. 15.
Dec.	1562. Occurrences in France.
	1. The Queen of Navarre shall come to this Court, and M. De Grammont be her lieutenant there. Twenty ensigns of footmen are sent into Provence. There are but 500 arquebusiers now here about the King. The Admiral goes to Normandy and D'Andelot to Picardy.
	2. The Queen, the Constable, and the Cardinals of Guise and Bourbon being together, the Queen motioned that she would go to see her daughter of Lorraine. The Constable asked if she would have the King with her? She said, "Yea." The Pope's Nuncio is returned to Paris. Orig. Endd. Pp. 2.
Dec.	1563. The Queen to Challoner.
	1. Has forborne to recall him for divers reasons. Thought that the King of Spain (seeing her cause in France declining) would have been a means of accord between them, being bound in respect of his ancient dominions of Burgundy otherwise to regard her than France. Sends letters to the King. He is to ground the cause of his revocation upon his great necessity to save his own life. Also that she daily finds many matters coming in question between his subjects and hers in the matters of intercourse since his Ambassador died, who not only complain to the Regent of the Low Countries but spread false reports of her subjects; wherefore she has sent one of her principal ministers to the Regent to declare her determination to observe the treaties betwixt her realm and the House of Burgundy. It is hard to have a good account made towards the King's subjects passing the narrow seas, for many times they are spoiled by the French, and yet complain of the English. Even when her own ships rescue them (as they have weekly done before Calais and Boulogne), they will never make any good report. Certain about Dun kirk continually lie in wait, and when any of her subjects take passage from thence, they are hired to give knowledge to the French in Calais to surprise them.
	2. It is true that London has been visited by the plague, which now has diminished and for the space of this month has not exceeded 200 a week. During the heat of the plague the English merchants forbore to transport any wares over the seas, and yet the merchants of Antwerp carried weekly both cloths, lead, leather, beer, and such like, during all which time no prohibition was made; but now when the death has ceased, and the English merchants have shipped a great number of cloths to pass to the mart at Barrow, the private malice of the merchants of the Low Countries has procured a prohibition until Candlemas next. If this be not speedily remedied they will be driven to provide somewhere else as good a vent for their merchandise.
	3. Desires to know whether the King would have her next Ambassador to be resident with him or with the Regent; if he can conveniently, he is so to deal with him that he may seem rather inclined to have one in the Low Countries.
	4. If he is asked whom the Queen will send to the Regent, he may doubtfully answer that he thinks it will be Mr. Lewis, the Judge of the Admiralty. Matters betwixt her and France remain still undetermined. They continue still Thockmorton as a prisoner. She means not to accord to anything that shall prejudice her interest to Calais, and so may he plainly say to the King.
	5. Having written thus far there came letters from her Ambassador in France, by which she sees their cavillations, a copy whereof shall be sent to him, which he shall impart to the King. Smith had commission to proceed to all those degrees specified in his letter, and for the very last was willed to offer a treaty with them apart. Touching her manner of proceeding, upon consideration of the insolent and unreasonable dealing of the French, she has resolved to take another course with them, and presently sends to her Ambassador to tell the French King, that seeing his mother and counsellors are not disposed to give ear to reasonable motives, she means not to meddle any more, but to provide for herself otherwise. Draft in Cecil's hol. Endd. Pp. 11.
[Dec.]	1564. Information of the Customer of Zealand.
	1. With respect to the complaint of the Queen that the English have been made to pay duty on merchandise brought from other countries besides England; it is answered that they are not entitled to do so by the treaty of intercourse.
	2. As to the second article, complaining that they are compelled to enter their ships in the toll of Zealand, under pain of confiscation of their goods, and a fine of fifty Lions d'or, notwithstanding that they are privileged; it is answered that by the regulations of the tonlieu, all ships without exception are obliged to do so. Copy. Endd. Fr. Pp. 3.
[Dec.]	1565. English Prisoners in France.
	Names of certain English prisoners on board the French gallies who were taken before Newhaven and Caudebec, and at the winning of Rouen. Endd. Pp. 3.
[Dec.]	1566. French Prisoners.
	List of French merchants and sailors detained at Dover, Sandwich, and Rye, with the ransom and expenses incurred for each of them. The ransoms vary from 5,000 crowns to six crowns. Endd. Fr. Pp. 2.