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74. Sir Edward Stafford to Sir Francis Walsinghal. |
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1584, Ap. 2. |
Has returned from visiting Monsieur at Chasteau Thierry. The Deputies of the Low Countries that should have been dispatched on Easter Monday were suddenly stayed on the bruit of the discovery of treachery against them of Ghent by them that were the practisers of the treaty between them and the malcontents, which Gantois, as they say, have stayed all in the town prisoners, and issuing out have cut most in pieces that were ready attending the enterprise. The garrison of Cambray is very strong, of at least 600 fighting horses and 2,000 odd brave soldiers. Bruit of wars here is grown very cold again, yet the companies not discharged, nor yet the levy of Switzers
revoked. The King maketh a great emprunt of 1,200,000 crowns out of particular purses, and they very well assured for their repayment. He saith he will not be without a stock to be ready at all assays. The Duke of Savoy has not yet signed his agreement to his order set down by the Switzers. Mendoza had access to the King, but Lord Seton who has sent three or four times has been deferred. No Ambassador cometh near Lord Seton in expenses, nor in continual feasting. He has bought twelve dozen silver dishes, a cupboard of plate, and everything suitable. Here they are not very frank of their liberality, which makes men think he hath the help of a Spanish purse. In the quarrel between Lavardin and Randau, D'Espernon and Joyeuse sent all their followers, and those of Monsieur accompanied them to Lavardin, but Randau, by express commands from the King, came not to the place appointed. Divers great men are set to agree them. Lavardin lieth at D'Espernon's house, where all the King's favourites are, which proves the King better disposed to Monsieur than he was wont to be. Mundelot, the Governor of Lyons, said to be dead, and his government given to La Valet, D'Espernon's brother, at which Mme de Nemours stormed greatly, suddenly revived, never having been sick. The Prince [de Genevois], Mme de Nemours' son, had the promise of it, So both were deceived.—From Paris, this 2nd of April 1584. |
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Copy by Sir Edward Stafford. [The original is in State Papers (France), Vol. LXXIX.] |
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1½ pp.
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75. Sir Edward Stafford to Sir Francis Walsingham. |
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1584. Ap. 2. |
After putting up his letter of this date, there came a request from Lord Seton that the Queen would grant him a passport through England into Scotland, which he desires to have that he may satisfy the Queen that the King, his master, desires to serve her. Lord Seton will do no great harm in Paris for France. As for Spain the writer will not answer. The chief matter he came to treat of was the marriage of his master with the Princess of Lorraine. He will go away with a cold suit. The King of Navarre and his wife be now together, but he tarrieth but four or five days with her, and goeth straight to meet with Montmorency. Bothner to go with him, he having done very good offices to them of the Religion, &c. Captain Moffet is here. What of his haunting with the writer ? Joyeuse gone into Normandy.—From Paris, 2 April 1584. |
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Copy. 1½ pp.
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76. Sir Edward Stafford to Sir Francis Walsingham. |
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1584, Ap. 13. |
Has sent an advertisement that cometh out of Poitou, and, to be resolved of part of it, has been to Don Antouio to know what forwardness the ships are in in those quarters which bear the name of an enterprise for him. Either he is very much abused, or there is no cause to fear the intent of those ships to be any other than for him. The agents of the Religion here have had the like advertisement, but they say they fear not any enterprise upon Rochelle. Seton not yet granted an audience of the King. Don Antonio's promise to be somewhere near the sea coast, that he may go into England. He would fain be in Guernsey.—Paris, 13 April 1584. |
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P.S.—It is here the secret of the Cabinet that all these devotions of the French King will prove in the end a revelation for to serve for the divorce of his wile, to take another. |
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Copy. 1½ pp.
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77. Advertisements out of Poitou. |
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[1584, Ap. 13.] |
Soldiers pass in great numbers, paying honestly for everything. |
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Four waggons full of arms were discovered between Logdun and Fontenay. Richelieu has charge of levying and embarking 1,000 soldiers. Brissac is to make vessels in Normandy, their rendezvous L'Esguillon. La Rochelle threatened with blockade, the Isle of Rhé to be attacked first. The King is levying a tax of 200.000 crowns on the clergy, and is bent on war with Montmorency, even with those of the Religion, should any of these succour him, which it will be difficult to prevent them doing. |
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Endorsed :—“Advertysement out of Poytou.” |
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French. ¾ p.
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78. Wheat for Ireland. |
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1584, Ap. 16. |
Warrant under the Privy Signet for the exportation to the town of Kilmallock in Ireland of 1,000 quarters of wheat.—Westminster, 16 April 1584. |
