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April. |
81. League between England and France. |
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Agreement between the commissioners of England and
France for the renewal of the treaty of Blois. |
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Copy. Endd. Fr. P. 1. |
April 1. |
82. The Earl of Morton to Walsingham. |
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Thanks him for his letter of March 23 with the foreign
occurrents. Desires to understand whether there is any likelihood of any personage to be sent hither, or of any answer and
resolution at all to the matters hereto-before written by him,
seeing so long time has past without any certainty thereanent.
Finds good justice on all the frontiers saving in the Middle
March, under Sir John Forster, where the King's rebels and
outlaws are reset and entertained, to the great annoyance of
his good subjects, which dealings he wishes may be remedied.
Scotland is in good quiet. At the late convention there was
a reconciliation of all their differences, chiefly with the Duke's
sons, who are now as obedient as any others in the realm.
The occasion of controversy with the Earl of Argyle and his
lady is likewise removed. Certain persons nominated by the
Estates are in hand to draw their ecclesiastical policy, as also
a uniform and compendious order of the laws.—Dalkeith,
1 April 1575. Signed. |
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Add. Endd. Pp. 1¼. |
April 2. |
83. Suit of Charlotte de Bourbon. |
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To be a means to her Majesty to give order to her ambassador to solicit his business according to such remembrances as
he shall send him. |
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In the handwriting of Walsingham. P. 1/8. |
April 5. |
84. Madame Charlotte de Maille to Walsingham. |
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Thanks him for his kindness to her daughter, the Comtesse
de Montgomery. Prays him give her the 500 livres that she
sends for her, and which she regrets is not more.—Paris,
5 April 1575. Signed. |
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Add., with seal. Endd. Fr. P. 1. |
April 7. |
85. Requests of M. Boischot. |
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For answer to the King of Spain's letter, and to his demand
thereupon. For the execution of justice against Captain
Malme in the behalf of John Calvetti. |
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In the handwriting of Walsingham. Endd. P. ¼. |
April 8. |
86. The Commendator of Castile to Count Swartzenburg. |
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Has received his letter containing his opinion about this
proposed pacification, and is sure that it will be most pleasing
to the King to know of his good affection towards him. A
truce would not be convenient for the affairs of the King,
though one of two months might be treated for if in the
meanwhile they would cease the exercise of the religion in
Holland and Zealand, and its ministers would depart elsewhere. Hopes that his journey to the Emperor may be
prosperous, and thanks him in the King's name for the trouble
that he has undergone for the state.—Antwerp, 8 April 1575. |
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Copy of the signature and address. Endd. by Burghley.
Copy. Lat. P. 1. |
April 9. |
87. Requests of M. Boischot. |
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That the supplication sent to the Queen and the specification
joined thereunto may be set forward, and such order be taken
as by treaty and reason is meet. That whereas the Spanish
merchants have sustained loss by arresting and sale of their
goods under colour and pretence that the goods were belonging
to the Portugals, they may have reason done them without
delay. That the Queen may give him answer to those letters
he brought and to his requests at his first audience. |
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Endd. by Walsingham. P. ⅓. |
April 10. |
88. Comte de Meru to Lord Burghley. |
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Begs to be advertised of his state of health. Understands
that the affairs of them of the religion progress favourably
—10th April. Signed. |
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Add., with seal. Endd. Fr. P. ⅓. |
April 11. |
89. Dr. Dale to [Lord Burghley.] |
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1. The Viscount of Touraine follows Count Martinengo, who
has taken upon him to the King to seek out M. Danville
wheresoever he be, in revenge that he named this Count in
his protestation. This was one of the occasions that the
Viscount did stir to the aid of his uncle M. Danville. During
these Easter festivities, the King, the Guises and their followers
went from the Queen Mother's house where they lay to
St. Martin's. The Queen Mother remained almost deserted.
The Duchess of Guise is in hand for her children to have some
partage for Bretagne in the right of the Duchess' mother, the
Duchess of Ferrara, which is a great attempt. The Duke of
Ferrara her brother joins with her. His ambassador lately
fell out foully with the Queen Mother for the controversy
of precedence with the ambassador of Florence, and so that
party gathers stomach daily. The matter of the Queen being
with child is done, for she has been sick of a contrary
disease; she has a grief in her breast, which some say is like
to breed to cancer. Here is a miserable scarcity of money, the
King sends three several ambassadors with gages to the Pope,
the Venetians, and the Duke of Savoy for 200,000 crowns to
send into Poland. Marshal Bellegarde is fair to stay his
voyage into Poland till he can get money. The Queen Blanche
cannot depart for lack of money to pay her servants. All the
household is to pay for seven months, and many times tables
unserved. The Duke D'Uzes sends word he cannot keep that
country unless he have a pay very shortly. Pont St. Esprit
upon the Rhone was of late like to be taken by them of the
religion. The Duke D'Uzes has executed certain, but not
quenched the matter. The Chancellor has procured the
Parisians to make plain declaration that they are well contented to burden themselves for the relief of the King, but
they do join this declaration withal that Montmorency be not
delivered. "If he loved us not before," say they, "what will
he do now if he come to liberty, seeing the evil will we have
showed against him during his imprisonment."? The voyage
of Marquis D'Elbœuf into Poland is broken, and none goes
hither, but Bellegarde and Pibrac. Has nothing of Chiverny
for their matters, but messages from day to day of excuse with
fair words, by like they tarry to hear from La Chastre.—
Paris, 11th April 1575. Signed. |
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2. P.S.—There is a young man here who says that two
young scholars of late here, and now returned to England,
whose names are John and Thomas Francis, born at Wickham,
in Kent, did report that one Griffith, who is now here, son to
Mr. Griffith, clerk of the Chancery, should speak lewd words
against the Queen's title. Griffith understanding which, has
repaired to him to purge himself. The young man affirmed
he heard the two scholars make the said report, whereupon he
charged this Griffith upon his duty he owes the Queen, and
as he would avoid her displeasure to be forthcoming. |
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Pp. 1½. |
[April.] |
90. Deputies from them of the Religion. |
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The deputies are all come saving La Nocle. They have as yet
not entered into any treaty, but tarried his coming. He has
been sick and is looked for daily. They have officers of the
Court to attend upon them as it were, but indeed to watch
them. They are practised severally. They of Rochelle are
promised what they will have for themselves, the Prince of
Condé likewise for himself, they of the religion in like manner,
so they will sever themselves from Danville. The deputies
say they concluded upon their demands at Basle, from which
they have promised not to depart by any persuasion. The
effect whereof consists in, first, to have free exercise of religion;
secondly, restitution of such as either are imprisoned or absent
to their liberty, honours, goods, and estates, with a solemn
revocation of the sentences and executions passed against the
admiral and others at the time of the massacre; thirdly, to
have sufficient assurance for the observation of the premises.
They have appointed to give Dale advertisement from time to
time of their doings, thanking the Queen for the care she has
of them. |
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Enclosure P. 2/3. |
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91. Names of deputies. |
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Names of the deputies mentioned above sent from from
Languedoc, Rochelle, the Prince of Condé and Danville. |
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Fr. P. 2/3. Enclosure. |
April 11. |
92. Dr. Dale to [Lord Burghley.] |
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1. The Queen, the Guises and their mother the Duchess of
Nemours make themselves so strong against the Queen Mother
and Monsieur, that the Queen Mother begins to be desirous to
set her son in credit for her own sake, fearing she shall lack
assistance. Monsieur had a letter conveyed to him by one
unknown, to beware and to take heed to himself for there was
present matter in hand against him. The Duchess of Guise
fell down on her knees to the Queen Mother, exclaiming that
men were about to despatch the King, and the Guises her sons.
The Queen Mother perceived the fetch, and gives the more
countenance to her son. She is offended with the king of
Navarre, that he suffered himself to be abused by the Guises.
Hitherto the Queen Mother does well amongst them, and
takes upon her to bear the stroke openly, yet are there privy
dealings daily between the King and the Guises that she likes
not of. There was one found in the King's chamber with a
dag charged, what to make of it no man can tell, nor by
whom he was subornated. Hears they are sorry they slayed
Nat Wilks now Meru's man is escaped so clean. It may be an
encouraging to the King's officers to be the bolder with him
if he come in their walk another time. Has had conference
with him, that was with him at Lyons from the Prince of
Condé, and with the rest of the deputies.—Paris, 11th April
1575. Signed. |
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2. P.S.—The deputies from Danville begin to distrust La
Nocle; does all he can to persuade them to unity. |
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Pp. 1¾. |
April 13. |
93. Memorial for Sir William Melvil. |
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After he has delivered letters of credence from the Elector
Palatine and Duke John Casimir, he shall refer to Thomas
Wilkes' negotiation, and say that they are informed that it
will be necessary to ensure success to provide a second great
army to follow the first. This army should consist of 6,000
cavalry, 4,000 Swiss, and 5 or 6,000 arquebussiers, together
with artillery and munitions, which the Duke Casimir will
undertake to levy and lead into France to the aid of the
Prince of Conde. They will also engage not to make peace
until the town of Calais shall be delivered into the hands of
the Queen on the following conditions. Her Majesty to send to
Cologne 150,000 crowns in ready money. The Elector Palatine
to contribute 50,000 crowns. An agent from the Queen is to
accompany the Duke through the campaign. The Elector
promises to contribute his share of the money for which these
instructions shall serve as an assurance.—Heidelberg, 13 April
1575. |
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Copy. Fr. Pp. 2. |
April 13. |
94. Another copy.—Heidelberg, 13 April 1575.
Endd. Fr. Pp. 2. |
April 13. |
95. M. Henin to Walsingham. |
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Sends a letter from Mr. Stafford to his mother. There is
little hope of peace as the demands of both parties are so
opposed. They have made some "constitutions," and wish to
innovate some ordinances in the Franche Comte on the part
of his Excellency, but they will in no wise admit them or suffer
their ancient liberties and privileges should in any way be
meddled with or lessened, and say that they would rather die
than accept any new laws. They expect at Strasburg M. de
Pibrac, the Marquis D'Elbœuf, and the Marshal Bellegarde,
whom the King of France sends into Poland, where the Diet
commences on May 12. The deputies of Basle are gone to
the King. There is little appearance of peace for France.
M. Pinart passed through this town yesterday on his return
from Sweden. Refers him to Mr. Rogers for further news.
Report of the death or illness of the King of Spain. The
Earl of Westmoreland and the others are at Cambray. Brussels,
13 April 1575. Signed. |
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Add. Endd. with seal. Fr. P. 1. |
April 14. |
96. Louis de Boissot to Walsingham. |
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Has seen two of his letters, in one of which mention is made
that the Merchant Adventurers have received licence from
the Commendator to come with their vessels to Antwerp. As
they have to do with a crafty and artful enemy, they have
desired for their surety to know the conditions of the licence,
and in the meanwhile have allowed them twice to pass without interference, and have granted the merchants the space
of one month in which to inform them. As for the second
matter, about Mr. Southwick, he was allowed passports for
certain Spanish merchandise, as fruit and oil, but being
refused one for salt, he erased with a knife certain words and
inserted "gros saut," for which if he had belonged to this
country he would not have escaped exemplary punishment.
Trusts that neither the Queen or her Council will allow any
arrest to be made on these complaints or false reports. Middleburg, 14 April 1575. Signed. |
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Add. Endd. with seal. Fr. Pp. 12/3. |
April 17. |
97. The Prince of Orange to Walsingham. |
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Takes the opportunity of Mr. Roger's return to write and
desire him to continue his good offices with the Queen, above
all that she will not believe anything to their prejudice
without having heard their defence. The negotiations for
peace have not been successful, the principal difficulty being
on the question of religion.—Dortrecht, 17 April 1575.
Signed. |
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Add. Endd. Fr. P. 2/3. |
April 19. |
98. The Regent of Scotland to the Queen. |
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Thanks her for her gracious favour shown to John Seyton
his cousin who has lately repaired to her court where he is
in attendance upon the Earl of Leicester.—Dalkeith, 19 April
1575. Signed. |
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Add. Endd. P. ¼. |
April 19. |
99. Alexander Lynch to Lord Burghley. |
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Offers his services for collecting and forwarding such news
and advices as may come from abroad, and desires that he
may have a pension of 300 crowns annually for life.—
Antwerp, 19 April 1575. Signed: Alexandro Linzeo
Irlandez. |
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Add. Endd., with seal. Ital. P. 1. |
April 20 |
100. Advices. |
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1. Venice. The new Turk has got out with an armada of
600 vessels and more than 100,000 men, as is said for the
capture of Malta. |
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2. Milan. The Venetians doubting the intentions of the
Turks have sent 4,000 infantry to Candia and will send 4,000
more. At Genoa there is a great contest about the authority
of the magistracy. |
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3. Spain. Don John of Austria has had conferred on him
the title of Vicar General of all the King's dominions, and
certain noblemen have been appointed to assist him in his
office. Soldiers are being levied for Italy to serve under
more than 50 captains. The Estates have granted him an
augmentation of more than 3,500,000 ducats per annum.
It is reported that the Grandees and Estates of the West
Indies and the adjacent islands will present the King with
50,000,000 crowns in the course of six years, in return for
which certain privileges will be granted to them. |
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4. Vienna. The Emperor wishes to abdicate. From Paris
they write that the King of Spain and the Emperor want to
make a marriage between the King of Portugal and the
Dowager of France. |
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5. France. It is said that the French King wishes much
that the Duke of Ferrara shall be elected King of Poland.
The Muscovite has made a great inroad on the Duchy of
Lithuania and led away a multitude of captives. |
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6. The Spaniards will not willingly leave this country, and
the Protestants will not lay down their arms until they do
so, so that there is fear of great calamities and want to follow.
—In Antwerp, 20 April 1575. |
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Endd. Ital. Enclosure. Pp. 2⅓. |
April 19. |
101. Dr. Dale to Lord Burghley. |
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Has received a letter from the Prince of Condé by one Lisle
his secretary, who brought to him one Rhone a trusty man
of Monsieurs. This Rhone said he was commanded to excuse
his master to the Queen in that he had done nothing for the
liberty of himself or of other. He declared Monsieur would
have gone to Danville at Avignon but that he understood
Danville was not able to hold the field at that time and
feared to be beseiged in Beaucaire, a place of insufficient
strength; or else he would have gone to Genoa but he feared
he should linger there without help as the Prince of Condé
had done; notwithstanding he would not fail to seek some
opportunity when he might. He said Monsieur and the King
of Navarre had reconciled themselves together, and after the
Duke of Guise had broken it off again, and that the Queen
Mother travailed to reconcile them again. He thought the
King of Navarre had revealed nothing of weight, because his
handwriting was to all things that had passed. The Duchess
of Nemours holds in with the Queen Mother, and is always
at hand with her to know all her secrets; many think the
Queen Mother trusts her, but he takes it that she is at her
wits end among them, for she cannot be ignorant to what end
these things are done. The Prince of Condé would fain have
the Queen buy the unicorn horn of the Prince of Orange,
because there is an Almain who has it in gage who is content
to sell it to the furtherance of the Prince of Condé's cause.
Rhone is sent out of the way to Nancy to the general, but
he has appointed one to give intelligence from time to time.
Has received the Queen's letter and commission for taking
the King's oath. There is great expectation of the treaty of
this peace.—Paris, 19 April. Signed. |
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Add., with seal. Endd. Pp. 2⅓. |
April 20. |
102. Occurrents in France. |
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The Viscount of Touraine is up in arms against the King
and sore vexes Auvergne. Danville and Montbrun hold on
in Languedoc, Provence, and Dauphiny and give the Papists
their handful. The Rochellois are still in Court about a peace.
Legates from the Prince of Condé and Danville have to meet,
and then all shall be content and a general peace granted by
the King, who by reason of his want of money to maintain
his knighthood and himself will be brought into very hard
conditions. A match, they say, is making between the King
of Portugal and the Queen Dowager. Montpensier, the
Prince Dauphin, and the Cardinal of Bourbon are known to
be of the Malcontents for divers injuries offered them by the
King and the Duke of Guise. |
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Endd. P. 2/3. |
April 23. |
103. Boischot's Request for delivery of Two Ships. |
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Whereas two ships of the Low Countries, laden with merchandise belonging to the King his master's subjects, coming
from Lisbon, are arrested by one Pope, a serjeant of the Admiralty, and remain stayed to their great charge and expenses, prays him write to Lord Cobham to take order that
the ships be without further stay despatched, and let go on
their journey. |
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Endd. P. 1/6. |
April 24. |
104. Advices from John Dymock. |
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1. On the 9th February there arrived a gentleman from the
Prince of Orange, who had audience on the 13th. It is
reported that he is come to give the King [of Sweden]
knowledge of the offers made by the Prince to the King of
Spain and his viceroy. |
|
2. On the 16th inst. there arrived M. Pinart, ambassador
from the French King. It is thought that he comes for
matters of Poland, and for the marriage of the Lady Elizabeth, this King's sister. There is also an ambassador of
Russland looked for to conclude peace between this King and
the Russ. |
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Endd.: 24 April. P. 1. |
April 25. |
105. Deputies of the Low Countries to the Queen. |
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Desire that the restrictions as to the export of pelts imposed upon the inhabitants of the Low Countries may be
removed. |
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Endd.: 25 April 1575. Copy. Fr. P. 1. |
April 25. |
106. League in Languedoc. |
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Henry de Montmorency, Sieur de Danville, Governor and
Lieutenant-General of the King in Languedoc, understanding
the ruin of the King, his country, and his subjects, that
must eventuate by the tyranny and violence introduced by
the evil advice of counsellors about the King, and desiring
to fulfil his duty to the Crown, declares his intention to
devote his life and substance, and those of those faithful
subjects of the King who may join with him to the restoration of the King's estate, and the maintenance of his crown.
And to this he is induced also by the supplications addressed
to him, not only by those of the reformed, but also of the
Catholic religion. He promises and swears that, having
been elected by the assembly of Milhan to be their general,
he accepts the office, and will do his best for the service of
the King, and the quiet of his subjects; and will render
humble obedience to the Prince of Condé as head, saving,
however, his right to transfer that obedience if it should
please God to incite for the same end a sure near prince
of the blood. He will preserve the subjects of both religions
in the enjoyment of their goods, honours, and estates, promising to both freedom of religion. He will seek especially
the liberty of the Duke of Alençon, the King of Navarre,
and others detained prisoners unjustly, and will not depart
from his pursuit without the advice and common consent of
the Catholics and Protestants of the kingdom. He will
accept a certain number of notable persons of both religions
for his Council, and to aid him in administration, and by whom
in all things he will be guided.—Nismes. Signed: H.
Montmorency. |
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Endd. by Burghley. Fr. Copy. Pp. 2⅓. |
April 30. |
107. League between Henry of France and Elizabeth. |
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Dr. Valentine Dale, Master of Requests, and ambassador for
the Queen of England, resident in France, having exhibited
to Henry III. his commission under the great seal, the
King in his presence, and in the presence of a number of
dignitaries of France, laying his hand on the Holy Gospel,
solemnly renewed the treaty made between the late King
Charles IX. and Elizabeth at Blois on the 19th of April
1572, and commanded that letters in testimony of this ratification be given to Dr. Dale. |
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Endd. by Burghley. Fr. Pp. 2¼. |
April 30. |
108. League with France. |
|
A form of words, slightly different from that given as used
in the last document, which Henry III. employed, or intended
to employ, in the ceremony of the renewal of the treaty with
Elizabeth. |
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Fr. P. 1. |
April 30. |
109. Another copy of the two preceding documents.
Endd. Fr. Pp. 6. |
April 30. |
110. Copy of a portion of the first document. No. 108.
Fr. P. 1. |
April 30. |
111. Notes of Events in France. |
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1572. Oct. 27.—The Queen of France delivered of a
daughter. Bricquemault and Cavagnies
executed. |
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" " 30.—M. D'Anjou appointed general to siege
Rochell. |
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1572–3. Mar. .—Duke D'Aumale and Chavigny slain at
Rochelle. |
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" " 4.—La Mothe Fenelon treats for the Duke of
Alençon. |
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" " 8.—Answer made to him by Lord Burghley. |
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1573. April 12.—Dr. Dale on his way towards Paris. |
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" " 23.—Dr. Dale and Mr. Walsingham went to
Charles IX. |
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" " —.—Mr. Walsingham returned from his embassy in France. M. le Duc [D'Alençon]
sent from the camp at Rochelle to the
King for leave to come to England. |
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" " May —.—M. Tavannes died. |
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" " 20.—Besme, the Almain that killed the admiral, had his leg cut off with a cannon,
and so died. |
|
1573. June —.—Verac returned from Scotland into France. |
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" " 7.—Monsieur published in Paris King of
Poland. |
|
" " 28.—Vergier, President of Tours, the Queen of
Scots' Treasurer, came into England with
letters from Dr. Dale. Mr. Edward
Horsey at Paris to excuse the Queen for
bearing of the interview, and to offer
means for pacification at Rochelle. |
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" July 2.—Peace concluded for Rochelle, and for all
of the religion. |
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" " —.—Mr. Horsey returned. |
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" " 25.—Monsieur writes to the Queen for passage
by sea to Poland. |
|
" Aug. 1.—The King and Queen Mother offer that
the Duke of Alençon shall come to the
Queen upon his own adventure. |
|
" " 6.—Ambassade from Poland to procure Monsieur's departure thither. |
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" " 8.—M. d'Alençon sick of the purples. |
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" " 15.—Duke of Longueville is certified to be
dead. |
|
" Sept. —.—M. de Retz came to Canterbury to promote the marriage with Alençon, and to
excuse him for not coming by reason of
his late sickness. |
|
" " —.—Composition for the town of Sancerre. |
|
1574. Nov. 8.—Lord North returns homeward from Lyons. |
|
1575. April 30.—Henry III. confirms and ratifies the treaty
of peace made April 29, 1572, between
the Queen and Charles IX. |
|
In Burghley's handwriting. Endd. Pp. 4. |