|
|
798. James VI. to the States General. |
|
1588/9, Jan. 1. |
Jacobus Dei Gratia Rex Scotorum clarissimis et wudentissimis Ordinum Unitarum in Behjia Provinciarum Consiliariis amicis nostris sincere dilectis Salutem in Eo qui est omnium salus certissima : Clarissimi gravissimique Senatores et Consiliarii dignissimi, literas vestras quibus represalium nostrarum decretum ut durum et detestabile remedium deprecamini, ad Calendas Novembris acceptas perlectasque ad regni nostri ordines, quibus authoribus carum denunciatio ad vos per foecialem nostrum transmissa fuit, remisimus. Quorum comitia non ferius habita quam palam lectæ et in legatorum vestrorum (quos easdem brevi affuturos nobisque ex æquo et bono satisfacturos spondere visas sunt) adventum rejectas sunt. Qui dum frustra totis illis comitiis expectantur subditique nostri, quorum prsecipue interest, prioris nostri ordinumque nostrorum decreti executionem ex denunciationis conditione impensius urgerent : quid tandem ipsorum precibus frequenti omnium consensu indultum et in acta relatum sit, ex ipsorum libello supplici nostraque ordinumque nostrorum sanctione eodem comprehensis fasciculo percipiendum vobis relinquimus, vos orantes obtestantesque ut intra praestitutum diem praefatos ordinum legatos, qui subditis nostris exaequo et bono satisfaciant, ad nos transmittendos curare, atque ita acerbiori isti remedio obviam ire pro vestra pmdentia et sequitate velitis. Quam nisi dederitis operam quicquid ex represaliis nostris damni dispendiive rebus aut rationibus vestris poterit imminere, id vestris ordinibus justam interpellationem aversantibus, et proinde denegate justitia remedium in se suosque procurantibus facile imputaturi sunt aequi rerum aestimatores. Interea Deus Optimus Maximus vos diutissime rebus vestris moderandis faxit incolumes.—Data Dumfermlini, Calendis Januarii 1588, et regni nostri vicesimo secundo. |
|
¾ p.
|
|
799. Thomas Symes to his Cousin. |
|
1588/9, Jan. 4. |
News of certain which came from the Islands. There grew a great discord between 4 captains, Spaniards which serveth in the Tressoras, and the Governor, John Deurbina, chiefly because the captains pretended the taking away of certain “meale” and chaffer, which should have passed for 'Genneye.' The Commons of the Island advertised the Governor, who immediately stayed the chaffer. The Captains withstood the pretence, and drew their companies together, and drove the Governor to his house, where he defended himself and gathered such a force together as he could of Portugales and Spaniards, and came into the field, where the Spaniards met him with their companies, and in short time slew him and divers of his bands, so that on each side were slain 200 men and upwards, and 9 women. The Captains, notwithstanding they had the better, fled into their castles, where they keep, and supposed they will shift thence shortly if they may. I think were Sir Francis [Drake] here about the Islands, good would be done.—Chard, 4 January, 1588. |
|
1 p.
|
|
800. R. Cockbourne to James Sincler and others. |
|
[1588/9] [Jan. 5,] |
I wrote one to you of late on the 26th ultimo, how Mons. de Guise and the Cardinal his brother were dead, and of the rebellion of Orleans, which is to this hour in debate and contestation against the citadel, the which those of the town have dug with artillery in such sort that the citadel cannot serve them with the artillery they have within. They have shot 1500 shot of cannon in sort that it can be no more “endamaged” with shot of cannon. The citadel has holden good much longer than we looked for, and it is supposed now it will hold still, till the rest of the King's forces arrive, for they are estimated at 10 thousand men, of the which there are supposed to be 8,000 good harquebusiers, &c. |
|
I suppose that Brinvillers, Eligourant, and Rubimprez, may be in this night with other forces, and it is thought Monsieur De Nevers shall be in shortly with all the army that is with him in Poitou, and I believe 3,000 footmen of M. d'Espernon are thereabouts this night, in sort that the King is deliberate to take it by force, &c. The taking of Orleans shall cause Paris and all the other towns that are seditious to put water in their wine. Mons. d'Aumale is still in Paris, and the town in such stir, and so straight kept, that we can get no certain news from it. Howbeit they of Paris have sent hither sundry persons, councillors of their town and Court of Parliament, to speak to the King, of whose demands I refer to the next occasion. The town of Troyes having received news out of Paris on Wednesday was 8 days, they stickt incontinent the ports . . . . . the Provost Marshal, named Trutart, chances to say what “mesteret tek den and ramert” to be made saying it was but a man or twain that was dead; the which the people took in evil part, in sort that on the morn they came to the Provost Marshal's house to force it. He seeing the Mayor of the town, and considering the fury of the people, and fearing they entering he should not only be slain himself, but his wife and bairns likewise, and his house spoiled, he came out upon the Mayor's assurance, and was slain in the Mayor's arms. So there was that day 6, 7, or 8 slain, others of the principals of the towns; and those that were esteemed the King's servants were soon put into prison, some disarmed and commanded not to stir out of their houses, which this Mons. d'Inteville,
being in his house of Teneliers, two little leagues of the town, wrote on to them, desiring them to write on to the King to know his Majesty's will. After his letter was seen in the assembly of the house of the town, they “raif” it, saying if they had him they should pul him in pieces as well as his letter, saying they know they will be wraiket, and will — but of God and the sword. |
|
I know the Ambassador of England knows not how this matter in Troyes has passed. Those of Paris have put many prisoners into the Bastille, of the King's servants to the number of 5 or 6 hundred, and published that nil inhabitants come home to their houses on pain of all their gear being sold and confiscate. This day the Queen Mother departed at the pleasure of God, for the which the King and all our court make great dole. She has been sick these xx days, and was becoming well again in sort that on Sunday last she got and visited the Cardinal of Bourbon in his Chamber, where he is keeped and very sick. She heard mass and evensong in the King's Chapel. Whether she look cold as the weather was extreme [sic], but this day she has rendered the spirit in the castle of Imein, the King's house. |
|
Present my service to my Lord Bothwell for the great support I hear my friend the good man of Chosley gets of him. I shall do his Lordship service while I live, and show him all news. Your uncle prays you excuse him, and show the like to Master Thomas Craig. Commend me to Monsieur de Moulins. |
|
Addressed :—“To my nephew James Sincler, son to the Laird of Langfourmakens, in Scotland.” |
|
2½ pp.
|
|
801. — to Sir Francis Walsingham. |
|
1588/9, Jan. 13. |
Hebbi la lettera di V.S. de 28 d'ottobre con la cifera, e ancora itero dupplicati che tutto mi e stato di somo contento per conoscere la fede che V.S. ha nella mia buona volonta, e per sero del Cristiancsimo, e per utile e quiete di cotesto nobilissimo regno; e l'assicuro che ne si troverra mai iganata di questa opinione, perche io ogni diligenza m'adopterero sempre secondo il mie potere in si buone opere, e in servire con la propria vita alia Begina d'Tnghilterra. A e certo veggo i tempi andare in modo che ci sarebbe bisogno di persone che cercassero di per rimedio a mali, che ci stanne sopra capo si per le rivolte di Francia come per li preparamenti che mettania si fann in Spagna, e ne i stati del Be di Spagna, e per le congiulieni che per tale effetto si cercano in Italia, le quali cose aggiunte al mio natural desiderio del bene di Anglia in barebbone spinto infin costa senza guardare a nessun elisagio, se ne havessi dubitato, che questa gita non havesse in cabio di bene parteritemale per la diffidenza che haroi messa nel Be di Spagna, e cosi me ne tene stato sebbere conosce, che trattameti di tanta importanza non si possono maneggiare per lettera, come mi mostro l'esperienza di quel che trattai con il Re di Spagna in conformita di cio che mi scritte V.S. per commissione de sua Mata d'Tnghilterra che se havessi potuto rispondcre ad alcune ser ragioni col dire d'havere io stetto veduto e stentito dalla voce de sua Mata d'Tnghilterra e de suoi coufidenti, e me steratomi piu informato del nego harei facillimento fatte quelche buono effetto; la qual cosa scrive V.S. perche sappia interamente l'animo mio epessa giudicandole approposito non mi risparmiar fatica, ne disagio : che se V.S. pesane che l'opera mia potessc grevare a qualche cosa, potrebbe trovar modo di far mi venir costa come sarebbi, se sua Mata scrivesse al Gran Ducachiedendome git col'occasione della confidenza che ho in Spagna, e di quella che sua Mata ha nell Gran
Duca commestrare di confidare in lui piu che in altro Principe che potesse accomodare queste diffirenze. E piacendo tal cosa sarebbe necessario far presentare al Gran Duca la lettera d'altri che da me e commostrare che io non ne sapesse nulla per andare piu al sicuro che sia possibile. sebbene io havrei in quel medesimo tempo vi esserne avvisato. In questo modo si potrebbe sperare di far qualche cosa di buono, promettendomi che Gran Duca mancherebbe di fare quel inigliore ufficio che potesse, e perche insieme si leverebbe al Re de Spagna la ritirata el pretesto che usa che sua Mata si burle e non tratti dannero di volersi accordare. Intanto io staro vigilante per non lasciare passare nessuna occne che mi si pergesse di redermi piu atte a giovare questo nego, secondo che coperta a debotella delle mie forte, e aspetto con desiderio di sentire quel che V.S. mi proraette di scrivere per venire bisogna de a piu particolarita e risponderle piu prontamente. E per non havere a entrare da qui innanti in parole e offerte di cirimonia, supplico V.S. a tener per ferme cl'io saro prontissimo a impiegarmi con tutte le forze del mio ingegno in sero di S.M. e della quiete e sicuretta della Cristianita e di cotesto Regno. Di che V.S. si potra accettare con l'opera quando si degnera comandarmi. Et a V.S. baciando le mani le prego da Dio ogni mago contento. Di Fizenze, xiij di Geno, 1589, ab Incarnatwnc. |
|
Doppo che il Sre Anto parti de Genova no' ne le saputo ui eta e com ne senta qualche cosa V.S. ne sara avvisala. II camino che V.S. ha pres mandarmi le lettere e sicurissimo.si che potra cotinuare raccomandole ceste, accio me le favian dare in propria mano, e per la medo .via le mandero la riposta cottra tegnandole, accio V.S. vegga grelle et mancessero e questa commincia da numero 1. |
|
2½ pp.
|
|
802. Thomas Lake to Archibald Douglas. |
|
1588/9, Jan. 16. |
His dealings with Dr. Hippolito Burgamonti, who is ill with ague. He is in possession of information of the Lord Chancellor's opinion that he (Dr. Hippolito) is in the wrong, and that the Lord Chancellor will not move her Majesty for a licence.— Richmond, the 16th of January 1588. |
|
¾ p.
|
|
803. Sir Francis Walsingham to Archibald Douglas. |
|
1588/9, Jan. 18. |
I have perused these inclosed letters that you sent concerning the debt that is presently to be paid to Colonel Skeneare, whereupon my Lord Treasurer and myself have also had conference with Mr. Ortell, whom we have advised to persuade with the States to send immediately out of those countries some messenger unto the King to give him satisfaction in the matter. But, for that a great part of the time limited by the King for returning of answer is already expired, your lordship shall therefore do well to advise the King in as effectual sort as you may, and the same to signify to be at the earnest suit of Mr. Ortell, and not as proceeding by any request from hence, that he will be pleased to allow a longer time whereby the States may have means to send unto you.—From the Court at Richmond, the 18th of January 1588. |
|
½ p.
|
|
804. Hesry Billingsley to Lord Burghley. |
|
1588[/9], Jan. 19. |
In reply to certain questions as to the amount of customs inwards from Michaelmas last to Christmas following, and thence to the day of the date of his letter, what hath been answered to
the customers, and how much thence paid into the Receipt; forasmuch as myself have nothing to deal in these matters, but only for the custom of 3d. the pound of merchant strangers here in this port, and so could not satisfy you in that behalf, but by the report of Mr. Smith, who only receiveth the subsidy inwards of all merchandizes, wines excepted, or by his surveyor or controller; I desired Mr. Smith to satisfy your lordship, which I understand he did the next day. As touching the sum of about 9,000l. (which Mr. Smith hath certified the said customs of London amount to to the said day) it agreeth within a trifle, more or less, with the surveyor and controller's charge of the same. I hope you do not make any doubt myself have answered into the Exchequer 300l., in part of the said 9,000l., being part of the petty custom of 3d. a pound received by me, which petty custom amounted before Christmas to about 320l., and since to about 175l.—London, 19 January 1588. |
|
Holograph. |
|
1 p.
|
|
805. R. Douglas to [Archibald Douglas]. |
|
1588[/9], Jan. 19. |
Suppose I had no great matter of my own, yet for this other letter of the Earl Bothwell's, your very assured good friend, who desired me to send it safely to you, I thought I could not let the occasion slip, but obey his lordship, to whom you are very far obliged for a professed good will, which he promises to make known, whensoever you put him to proof. Concerning his Majesty's service, suppose your letter of the 9th of January was read to his Highness, I can get no other resolution but that the lairdof Wemyss, who is to take journey about eight days hence, shall bring you all such matter as his Majesty thinks meet to be dealt in at this time; neither can I perceive that I shall be despatched but with him, for he thinks it shall augment your care to do his business, if he be the carrier to you of such matter as it pleases the King to employ you into. We are here, since their late accidents in France, in less hope to obtain very great matter at the hands of the State nor we were of before, and therefore as you may imagine more careless, albeit more can hardly be, and, as it should seem, we are glad to have that excuse or rather pretence to our sloth. I told the King in his ear somewhat of this, and called him to mind what you had said at Falkland, but all availed not. I had then as ever before, a good answer and a promise to do, out no farther. The Lord Justice Clerk has had as yet no answer of the King of that letter you wrote unto him. I have been these two days past earnest with him to have his resolute answer, but I cannot have it. He excuses the delay upon certain necessary occasions. To-morrow, I think, he shall be in hand with his Majesty thereupon; when I obtain it, I shall have care to see it sent to you with expedition. Our state remains as it was; neither sure friendship amongst our nobility, nor any open variance. Huntly's credit increases daily; suppose many think he shall not prove that that was expected at his hands. The tale I wrote you betwixt the lord Hamilton and his brother has been tried before the Council at the earnest suit of the Lady Hamilton, and is found to be nought. There is a taxation of 100,000l. appointed for bringing home of the King's wife, to be given to the Lord Hamilton for that effect, but it is not resolved whether she should come from Denmark or from France; I mean the King of Navarre's sister. Col. Stewart expects answer from you of his last letters, and hopes you will further him in that matter. If I find any good occasion to come to you, I will move my father to give his
obligation to my lord of Halyards' upon his letters which I shall bring with me : otherways I cannot see that you shall have them shortly. He esteems none of them, nor, I am assured, you or any man else will do, whensoever you see them. The controversy for the Earldom of Angus is already begun before the Session, and his Majesty thinks to bear it away that way. He craves it as heir by line to Earl Archibald, his grandfather, and James Douglas's son, brother to his Highness's good dame. If it shall so fall out, as it is supposed now, by reason of the unworthiness of the “party contradictoire,” your money is little better than lost. My mother has sent you some fine Westland herrings, in a ship of Thomas Hall, by a brother of his called George. She looks for some more, which shall also be sent unto you. She desires you to send home two cradles of the best sort of glass for windows, and lead conform thereunto, and if there be anything in this country meet for you she will send it in exchange.—Edinburgh, 19 January 1588. |
|
Holograph. |
|
2 pp.
|
|
806. Sir Francis Walsingham to Archibald Douglas. |
|
1588/9, Jan. 20. |
Forwards letters received from Lord Gowrie, begging to be excused for opening the same. Would be glad to send him a bill of credit for 100l., if means could be found.—From the Court, the 20th January 1588. |
|
¼ p.
|
|
807. John Marshall to Archibald Douglas. |
|
1588[/9], Jan. 23. |
As to their goods seized or taken away. They are all sent to Norwich to be washed and dressed; prays his Lordship to stand their friend, &c.—Bromhall Bay, 23 January 1588. |
|
[P.S.]—The place where the ship was lost is called Harborrow Cliffs. |
|
Holograph. |
|
1 p.
|
|
808. Eichard Douglas to Archibald Douglas. |
|
1588/9, Jan. 26. |
Is earnestly desired by the Provost and principal citizens, by command of His Majesty, to send these letters, and to commend the cause thereof, in behalf of one John Arnot, son-in-law to the Provost.—From Edinburgh, this 26th of January 1588. |
|
¾ p.
|
|
809. Sir John Selby to Archibald Douglas. |
|
1588/9, Jan. 29. |
I received yesternight a packet of letters from your nephew, Mr, Richard Douglas, which I have sent herewith in a letter to Mr. Secretary.—Berwick, 29 January 1588. |
|
Seal. |
|
¼ p.
|
|
810. Michael Leeman to Lord Burghley. |
|
1588/9, Jan. 29. |
Petition for payment for rice taken from him for the service of the fleet at Plymouth last May. |
|
[Note by Burghley referring it to Mr. Quarks.] |
|
Endorsed :—29 Jan. 1588. |
|
½ p.
|
|
Duplicate of proceeding. |
|
½ p.
|
|
811. Articles of the Assembly of Nancy. |
|
[1588/9], January. |
Aucuns Articles proposéz en l'assemblée de Nanci en Janvier, pour estre arrestéz en la générale de Mars prochain. |
|
Le Roy de France sera encores sommé de se joindre plus ouvertement et à bon conscient à la Sainte Ligue, en oster d'autour de soy, en des places estate (sic), en offices importans, ceux qui luy seront nomméz. |
|
Item, de faire publier le Sainte Concile de Trente en tous ses pais, sauf à surseoir l'exécution pour quelque tems en ce qui concerne la révocacion des exemptions de quelques Chapitres. Abayes ou autres Eglises de leurs Evesques diocesains, selon qu'il sera advizé pour faciliter ladite exécution. |
|
Item, d'establir la sainte Inquisition du moins en bonnes villes, quiest le plus propre moyen pour se défaire des hérétiques ou suspects, pourveu que les officiers de ladite Inquisition soyent estrangiers, ou du moins ne soyent natifs des lieux, ou ny ayent parens ou alliéz. |
|
Item, d'accorder aux ecclésiastiques de pouvoir racheter à perpétuité les biens q . . . . . aliénéz de leurs églises, ou qui le seront ci après, de quelque qualité que soient lesdits biens ou ceux qui en auront achettéz, néantmoins, contraindre les bénéficiers de rachetter, dans certain bref tems qui leur sera préfix, ce qui a esté ou sera vendu de leurs bénéfices, selon les moyens qu'ils seront . . . . avoir par ceux qu'on deputées au plustost pour veoir l'estat de leur revenu ou biens. |
|
Sera aussi supplié de mettre entre les mains d'aucuns clefs aucunes places d'importance qui luy seront nommées, esquelles se pourront faire forteresser et mettre gens de guerre selon qu'ils adjugeront, aux dispens des villes ou en plain pais, comme aussi en celles qu'ils tiennent à présent. |
|
Item, fournir à la solde gens de guerre qu'il est nécessaire d'entretenir en la Lorraine ou es environs, pour obvier à une invasion des estrangers voisins. |
|
Et à ceste fin, et pour continuer tousjours la guerre commencée, faire vendre au plustost sans autres solennitéz tous les biens des hérétiques ou de ceux qui leur sont associéz. |
|
En outre, que ceux qui autreffois ont esté hérétiques et tenus pour tels depuis l'an 1560, de quelque qualité et condition qu'ils puissent estre, soyent taxéz au tiers ou du moins au quart de leur bien l'an que la guerre durera. Et les autres Catholiques au dixième de leur revenu par chascun, en seulement sauf à les faire rembourcer après, selon la récepte et l'espence qui sera faite. |
|
Que commissaires soyent deputez pour faire lesdites ventes et taxes, tant de personnes d'ecclésiastiques que séculiers, autres . . . . . qu'officiers des cours souveraines ou de la justice ordinaire, à ce que cela soit exécuté plus promptement. |
|
Que les parens des hérétiques soyent contrainz par lentes voyes d'accepter leur bien, en leur remettant le . . . . . de juste prix, et où ils soyent vendu à autres. Après leur refus, qu'ils ne soyent plus reçeu à les demandes par retrait ni autrement. |
|
Que les [den]iers qui deviendront de ce que dit est soyent employéz a l'acquit des debtes plus pressées, que les cheferons esté contrainz de faire parcielmant. Et le surplus reservé pour l'advenir. Et à ceste fin mis des mains de ceux qui seront nomméz, sans pour voir estre converti ni employ d'ailleurs. |
|
Que sera donnée la vie à aucun prisonnier ennemi, sinon en jurant baillant bonne assurance de vivre catholiquement, et payant centum le valeur de son bien, s'il n'a ja esté vendu. Et en cas qu'il soit esté, en denonceant à leur droy qu'il y pourroyt prétendre, et s'obligeant de servir trois ans ou plus, à ce que en le vendra employéz sans autre soldée. |
|
Endorsed :“Articles proposés en l'asserablée de Nansi. Copic d'aucuns Articles proposéz en l'assemblée de Nanci en Janvier dernier.” |
|
Copy. |
|
2½ pp.
|
