|
| April 2. |
643. Instructions from King Edward VI. to Dr. Wotton, Dean
of Canterbury, Sir William Pickering and Sir Thomas Chaloner,
appointed to negociate with the French King for the purpose of
inducing him to consent to a peace with the Emperor, through
the mediation of his Majesty. [Thirteen pages. Indorsed by Cecil.] |
April 2.
Westminster. |
644. King Edward VI. to Henry II., King of France. Credentials of Dr. Wotton and Sir Thomas Chaloner, appointed Commissioners for the purposes mentioned in the preceding instructions.
[One page. Copy.] |
April 2.
Westminster. |
645. Same to same. Credentials of Sir Thomas Chaloner, Knight,
appointed Ambassador resident in France, in the room of Sir
William Pickering, recalled. [One page. Copy.] |
| April 2. |
646. Instructions to the Bishop of Norwich, Sir Philip Hoby,
and Sir Richard Morysine, sent by King Edward VI. to the
Emperor Charles V., for the purpose of endeavouring to mediate a
peace between the Emperor and the French King. [Fourteen
pages. Draft.] |
April 4.
Guildhall. |
647. Bond of the City of London for the repayment of 69,084
florins, borrowed from Andrew Sixsalles and Thomas Flechamore
in Antwerp. [Six pages. Draft.] |
April 6.
Paris. |
648. Sir William Pickering to the Council. Has this day by Morgan received their letter of the 1st inst., notifying the appointment
of Dr. Wotton and Sir Thomas Chaloner. On Sunday last Pietro
Strozzi was dispatched to offer to the Duke of Ferrara, if he will
wholly devote himself to the King's cause, the following terms, viz.,
to be Lieutenant-General in Italy, with an annual salary of 20,000
crowns; 60,000 more to be immediately paid for the fortifying of
his dominions; and 2,000 men, paid both during peace and war, and
100 men-at-arms. Farther, if fortune favours his proceedings in
Italy, he shall convert 30,000 crowns per ann., of his conquest in
these parts, to his particular profit. The general impression is that
these terms will be accepted. The bearer hereof is M. de Noailles,
appointed to replace M. Boisdaulphin in England. He is a Maitre
d' Hotel of the King's house, well esteemed in this Court, and one
who is thought will be well liked in England. [Two pages.] |
April 9.
Rome. |
649. Intelligence from Rome. At Montalcino the communication
between the Imperialists and a corporal of Signor Giovanni Vitelli,
for betraying the fortress, had been detected. A sentinel perceiving
a drummer of the corporal's company depositing a letter in the bark
of a tree, gave information, and the drummer was seized. The corporal seeing this leaped from the walls with some of his accomplices,
and took refuge in the enemy's camp. M. de Lansac has arrived as
Ambassador from France in room of Mons. de Mirepoix. Yesterday
in the Consistory, the archbishopric of Tours was conferred on
Cardinal Farnese. Signor Ascanio is better, and recovering from
his wound. The Duke of Alva left Genoa on the night of the
18th ult., with 13 gallies for Spain, but by bad weather had been
unable to get beyond Villa Franca. The various military appointments made by the Emperor. The Pope had been much enraged by
the discovery that about 40 men near Vericuli had been recognized
dressed as labourers, with mattocks, in a vineyard, lying in wait for
Pietro Strozzi, to murder him by order of the Duke of Florence. A
mine in course of formation at Montalcino had fallen in and killed
many of the workers. [Italian. Two pages. Not referred to by
Vannes, but applicable to his letters of 15th April and May 12th.] |
| April 10? |
650. Letter revoking Sir Richard Morysine, Ambassador resident at the Court of the Emperor Charles V. [One page. Draft.] |
April 11.
Brussels. |
651. Sir Richard Morysine to the Council. Has received the
Emperor's letters by Secretary Vargas, and that of the Queen by
Don Louis di Toledo, both for the delivery of such horses as are
given by the Emperor to his Majesty, and for the passing of these
and others that Mr. Parker may purchase in Naples. Although no
letters but those of the Emperor were necessary, they may consider
it great kindness on the part of the Queen that she writes also.
D'Arras has likewise written; and all these letters he has delivered to Parker, who waits the arrival of his servant, by whom he
expects their Lordships' farther instructions. Knows that it would
greatly please the Queen were his Majesty to send her a few fair
geldings, as both Dudley and he heard where she sought to purchase geldings, and would not pay too dear for them. Suggests that
the King should send two or three to D'Arras, as he is a man that
much delights in them, and one that easily may deserve a greater
gift. He is much in the Queen's favour, and although she nominally
manages everything, yet there is very little which she does, but
D'Arras is at the beginning, midst, or ending of it. On receiving
their letters by Weston on the 1st inst., he went to D'Arras, and
apprised him of the intended coming of the Bishop of Norwich and
Sir Philip Hoby; and having in the course of conversation expressed
his gladness that the Emperor was waxed so lusty, that he would in
two or three days change his lodging, D' Arras said that he thanked
God the Emperor was very well amended, much stronger than men
thought he could have been in so short a time, but of his change of
lodging he had heard nothing. For all that, Morysine knows that
Mons. Saconye, who lay in the house that was his own by the
Queen's licence, had warning last Friday at 6 p.m. to be out of the
house by eight o'clock next morning; that he did remove accordingly, and that the windows were taken down to let in new air, the
house perfumed, &c. Last night the Emperor's "poticary did sup
with me; of whom I learned that these two days his Majesty hath
bayned himself, and will continue his bayning for the space of nine
or ten days. He saith, his head and hands be out of the bayn, and
while he bayneth, he drinketh a sixteen ounces of guiacum. His
Majesty tarrieth in his bayn a good hour and a half. The poticary
saith, his stomach waxeth very greedy, and the most fear that his
physician hath, is that he will make some disorder by eating more
than he should." The Secretary of the Duke of Florence says to
divers, that his master will not be General against Sienna. Had
told the Secretary that if the Duke did not intend to be General, he
would not have written to the Emperor as he did two days ago,
but would have left the communication of such evil news to his
Ambassador. The Secretary says he knows as much as the Ambassador, and yet he knows not whether the Duke will be General or
not. It is true that there is a mutual recall of Ambassadors between
the Duke and the Siennese. The Duke is content that his subjects
supply the Imperialists with provisions, because he says it is a gain
to his people, who sell for a groat what is not worth twopence. He
sends them artillery, powder, and ammunition. The Emperor is
indifferent to the French King's offer in regard to Sienna. De
Bossu, De Rie, Count Egmont, Hoogstraet, De Lalaing and Barlemont, are reported each to have a thousand horses in their charge.
Reported that the Emperor has declared the Prince of Piedmont
General of these wars against France. This is thought the likier,
because when two days ago the Prince and General had devised with
their bands to skirmish by torchlight on horseback, having for that purpose prepared great store of light and hollow balls of clay, the Queen
would not suffer the Prince to be at so light a pastime, saying that
the time is now to skirmish with enemies, and not against friends.
The Emperor's preparations are well liked. Rumoured that Duke
Maurice is about to make legam Saxonicam, in which the King of the
Romans is ready to help him; so John Frederick and others go about
to renew legam Suevicam. If, as is reported, there are to be any
Diets, now is the time for the King to practise to be joined with such
as may be strong and mean to use their strength for the conservation
of peace and true religion. The Emperor said to have sought to
know Duke Maurice's articles, and to grant no diet in Saxony till
he knows what matters are to be propounded there. [Three pages,
partly in cipher, deciphered.] |
April 11.
Brussels. |
652. Sir Richard Morysine to Sir William Cecil. Hopes the coming
of this lusty wooer is dashed for a season, as he hears no more of the
matter. There is a muttering in this Court that the King, their
master, is very sick, that his stomach is swollen of an aposthume,
and that he must be cut ere he can be cured. This causes him more
sorrow than he can well bear. Pain is not easy, when it is without
peril in a friend of mean sort; but what a torment must it be when
it relates to a King so great, and attended with so great peril to a
master so loved and so worthy to be beloved? [One page. Chiefly
English in Greek characters.] |
April 12.
Antwerp. |
653. Thomas Gresham to the Council. By his letter of the 7th
inst., had apprised their Lordships of the sudden fall of the exchange
from twenty shillings and four pence to nineteen shillings. Perceiving
now the fault to be as much in the English as in strangers, and
rather like to fall than to rise, he had taken up by exchange of divers
men the sum of 1,837l. 8s. sterling, making in Flemish money
1,756l. 2s. 3d. as per account inclosed. Details, with great minuteness and at considerable length, his financial operations. Advises
them, should the merchants require any money to be disbursed
before hand, they should in no wise consent thereto, for the plenty
of money among merchants causes the exchange to fall in London,
and here the plenty of money causes the exchange to rise. His
friend Lazarus Tucker had offered to lend the King 200,000 guilders
at 12 per cent., which is a great comfort to him to see, as the
Emperor pays 16 per cent. and binds his estates of his country for
the payment thereof. The payments begun on the 15th inst., and
then he trusts shortly to discharge the King's objections, and bring
home his Majesty's bonds, along with his own general account,
according to their Lordships' expectations. [Three pages. Printed
by Mr. Burgon, in his Life of Sir Thomas Gresham, Vol. i.,
p. 464.] Inclosing, |
|
653. I. "Money taken up by exchange," giving names of the
merchants, and the several accounts. [One page.] |
April 15.
Venice. |
654. Peter Vannes to the Council. On the 28th ult., the Imperialists opened a great battery against Montalcino which did very little
hurt, the castle being strong; wherefore they devised another battery
on a higher ground; and to follow their purpose Don Garcia had
sent into Florence to levy 2,000 foot and revoke the Almains,
Spaniards, and horse before sent against the holds on the sea coast,
and so with all his army united attempt the siege, wherein it is
thought they shall find much difficulty. Signor Cornelio Bentivoglio, the French General on the sea coast, having by espials
been informed that about 400 Almains were going to meet a quantity of provisions, for the escort of the same in safety, laid an ambush
of 300 foot and 100 light horse, and completely cut them up. Of
those taken prisoners about 140 died on the way, and the survivors,
among whom was Signor Giovanni Battista Lodrone, colonel of the
Almains, were brought to Grosseto, and made to labour on the
fortifications. The Bishop of Rome has sent Cardinal Dandino to
the Emperor and Cardinal Capo di Ferro to the French King to
labour for peace. It is thought their journey shall be but of small
effect. The Duke of Alva lately passed by Milan to Genoa, for the
purpose of bringing from Spain the Prince thereof to Italy, and himself to go to the governance of the realm of Naples. Letters from
France of the 29th ult., mention that the King has 10,000 Gascons
and Provencals, and a great number of Swiss ready for defence of
Sienna, and attack of Naples, and is minded to send into Italy
all the banished men of Naples and Florence to serve this purpose.
Within the last 14 days eight or ten couriers have arrived here
out of France, charged with great sums of ready money. From
Constantinople on the 10th ult., it is written to the Seigniory that
the Turk has prepared a great army against the Persians. The 60
gallies which he had promised to the French were fully armed and
ready to sail when the French shall appoint. Besides these, it
is said they shall have 20 gallies from Algiers, and 30 more
of their own, partly in the Levant and partly at Marseilles, in
whole amounting to 110 gallies. The truce between the Turk and
the King of the Romans is supposed to be agreed. Pietro Strozzi
with some other captains is lately arrived at Ferrara, supposed on
the French service. Incloses copy of the same ciphers transmitted
in his former letter. [Four pages. Ciphers two pages.] Inclosure, |
|
654. I. Notes of intelligence from Constantinople of 9 March.
Preparation of the Turk's fleet and his army against
the Sophy. The deposed Vaivode, Miltz, is supported by
the Turk against Radovey the new Vaivode, against
whom the Beglier Bey of Greece will march with 3,000
Janizaries. [Italian. One page and a half.] |
April 16.
Antwerp. |
655. Thomas Gresham to the Duke of Northumberland. By his letter
of the 12th inst. his Grace had been advertised of his proceedings.
The merchants bring in their money very handsomely: he has
already received 12,000l., and expects the rest very shortly. The
exchange here still continues at nineteen shillings and eight pence,
and is more likely to rise than to fall. As it rises the commodities
in England fall, and vice versâ; and if it rises, it will be the right
occasion that all the precious metals shall remain in England, and
the mean that all other rulers should bring in gold and silver, as
heretofore they have done. The consideration of this fluctuation is
one of the chiefest points in the commonwealth that his Grace and
the Council should attend to. Attributes the principal cause of the
decline in exchange to the inexperience of many members of the Company of Merchant Adventurers, and suggests that in future none should
be made free of the company, but those who had served a regular apprenticeship of eight years. He himself had served that time, which he
needed not to have done, being free by his father's copy; but his
father, Sir Richard, being a wise man, knew that such freedom was
of no use without the experience to be gained as an apprentice. Complains of the injury done to the merchant-adventurer by the retailer,
who ought to occupy his retail only. Mons. Treasurer Longin came
to this town on the 12th, and on the present day fell sick of a hotburning ague, and at this day has lost his remembrance and speech,
so that the Lord have mercy upon him, for the physicians say plainly
he shall never escape it. Will insure his Grace, the King's Majesty
and his realm, have lost a secret and assured friend. The Emperor
received here on the 14th 100,000 ducats of gold, which will not last
him a month, who lacketh money and also credit. [Four pages.
Printed, disconnectedly, by Mr. Burgon, in his Life of Sir Thomas
Gresham, Vol. i.] |
April 16.
Antwerp. |
656. Thomas Gresham to the Council. The same intelligence as
in the preceding letter. Has been apprised by his factor John
Elliot, that they have paid to him the other 1,000l. Requests them
to remember the 416l. 13s. 4d. due to the King by John Bournell,
which is part and parcel of his charge. [One page.] |
April 18.
Brussels. |
657. Sir Richard Morysine and Sir Thomas Chamberlain to
same. It is reported that the Duke of Brunswick is captain of the
soldiers of the Bishops of Wurtzburg and Hamburg, and that he has
thrice defeated Marquis Albert. Two days ago the Emperor wrote
to the Count Palatine and other princes at Heidelberg, and meet
other princes at Frankfort, for the purpose of seeing whether this
matter between Albert and the bishops can be taken up or not. It
is thought that John Frederick and Maurice will be at one, till
time serve them better to fall out. The Emperor's troops are at
Terouanne. De Glasson, who was sent to survey it, reports that
though the walls are severely battered, yet the ramparts are so strong
and the inmates have been newly supplied with provisions, though
not fully, the Imperialists will have to spend some time ere they
come by that they seek. M. de Rieux, the General there, has the
seven ensigns that were in Artois, the ten ensigns of Germans that
were under Henry Vanolf, the ten that were under the Duke of Arschot, and the seven that were under M. de Turlon. The Spaniards
hitherto at Cambray have joined him: these, including the Italians
among them, are reckoned at about 4,000. He has also with him
the battery which he used at Hesdin, augmented by several other
pieces. The cavalry have not yet arrived, but are ordered thither
as soon as possible. The Cardinal of Burgos has made a great stir
at Rome by a letter which he wrote against the Bishop, who meant
to deprive him of his hat and imprison him; but by great suit of
Cardinal Trani he has been kept out of prison, although the Bishop
withstood Francis' entreaties twice. The Cardinal has shown great
ingratitude, the Bishop having given to him above 12,000 crowns,
besides many other kindnesses (torn). He has been banished from
Rome, and ordered to reside in his diocese in Spain, whence he is
not to part without licence from the Bishop. But while making
preparations to leave, a circumstance has occurred which is likely to
procure him the Bishop's forgiveness and save him from exile. A
captain of the Swiss Guard had promised to put Burgos in possession
of Castle St. Angelo, and leave with him the Bishop as prisoner.
The Fleming thought to corrupt the guard, and when the Bishop
should go into the castle, as he does very often, have time to work
the feat. All this matter Burgos has uttered, and the Fleming is in
prison, like to be quartered in a few days. The Bishop therefore
it is thought will forgive Burgos, seeing he might have made revenge,
and would not. A courier from France to Rome had his budget
of letters taken from him on his reaching Lyons at night. This
supposed to be done by order of the French King for political purposes. The opinions in regard to peace expressed to the Nuncio by
Alva and D'Arras (torn). Cardinal Farnese is at Lyons, pretending
to go to Avignon; it is supposed not without some practice, as the
Bishop of Rome is considered not to be content that Sienna should
be under the Emperor any more. Describes the detection of a trick
of the Imperialists by De Thermes, whose despatches they had
interrupted and falsified. Eight hundred Spanish have sailed from
Sicily to land on the sea coasts and annoy Port Ercole and other holds
of Sienna. Many of Don Garcia's troops have left for lack of payment, and the French as unwilling to tarry for the same cause.
[Three pages.] |
April 19.
Antwerp. |
658. Thomas Gresham to the Council. Has received from the merchants a farther sum of 400l., and expects the rest very shortly, the
payments of the marts being now begun. The exchange has fallen
from nineteen shillings and ninepence to nineteen shillings. Reminds them of the late debt of John Bournell. Treasurer Longin
is dead. [One page.] |
April 20.
Brussels. |
659. The Bishop of Norwich, Sir Philip Hoby, and Sir Richard
Morysine to same. The Bishop and Hoby arrived yesterday.
Their arrival intimated to D'Arras by Morysine this morning. In
the afternoon they were waited upon by M. de Barlemont, chef des
finances, and M. Gerard, two of the Emperor's Council, on part of
his Majesty to welcome them, and state that they should have due
notice when he could give them audience. The night before their
arrival, they lodged at Alost with M. de Courriers, where they were
as well received and had as hearty cheer as might be possible. He
mentioned to them the Emperor had sent for his son the Prince of
Spain hither, commanding him to provide ten special good jennets
for the King, and to send them to him. He thought the Prince
should pass out of Spain through England hither. [Two pages.] |
April 22.
Rome. |
660. Intelligence from Rome and Constantinople. The French
having on the 14th inst. sent a large sum of money to Pittigliano, it
was seized by Vincenzo Spirito, son of Octavian Spirito, of Vitello,
and conveyed to the Castle of Piero, belonging to Sig. Pirro Colonna
his relation. The Pope on hearing this, lest he should be considered as
of the Imperial faction, instantly demanded the money to be restored on
pain of the head of Vincenzo, and the extermination of the family.
This was done, and absolution given by his Holiness. The Imperial
camp before Montalcino being in great want of provisions, in consequence of the Pope having withdrawn from Perugia the licence to
export victuals by reason of great scarcity in that city, on express
complaint made to his Holiness the licence was renewed. Sig.
Ascanio is not much better of his wound, the ball it appears having
touched the bone. It is reported that Sig. Vincentio di Nobili,
nephew of the Pope, will enter the French service as captain either
of cavalry or infantry. The Imperialists complain of the restitution
of the French money, asserting that it was properly taken.—From
Constantinople, March 28. The 80 gallies are completed and Sina Bey,
it is said, will have the command of the fleet. Proceedings of the
Turk against the Sophy. Couriers had arrived from the Beglier Bey
of Esdron with letters from the Sophy to the Turk, by which it
was said he sought for peace; and some messengers had come from
Bagdat with the heads of Persians slain in a skirmish, wherein were
losses on both sides. The Sophy was understood to be on the
confines of Van. [Italian. Three pages. Copy.] |
April 23.
Brussels. |
661. The Bishop of Norwich, Sir Philip Hoby, and Sir Richard
Morysine to the Council. Last night a post from Italy brought
tidings that the two Legates are on their way, and come with
such diligence that one is likely to be here in 14 or 15 days.
Cardinal Dandino, who made the atonement between the Bishop and
the French King, comes hither, and the other, Capo de Ferro, goes
to France. According to Don Diego the former of these is much
affectioned to the French, and the other no good Imperial. In a
day or two will again seek access, because of the coming of these
Legates. Don Diego informed them "that two days agone the Emperor did feel his stomach very good, and did eat a good deal more
goat's milk than his physician, Dr. Cornelius, would he should have
done; who perceiving that he had taken more in than he could
after well digest, said his Majesty must no more do so. The Emperor's answer was, they then must not serve him with too much."
It is said that Gazzino on hearing this, because he could get no
money for his master, Ferrante Gonzaga, or order for any, had, in
pursuance of his instructions, requested the Emperor's licence for
Gonzaga to go during this summer to the baths of Padua, being
sore troubled with a sciatica, from which if he recovered he should
be willing to serve his Majesty again where commanded. The Emperor was much offended, but dissembling his ire, had sent to Gonzaga a flattering message, to the effect that this was not a time for
him to give up such a charge; he should have better season for cure,
should have sufficient money shortly, and if matters had not prospered so well last year as formerly, it was God's will, and not
Ferrante's fault. But three or four days after Gazzino's departure
the Emperor caused his secretary Vargas to write to Ferrante, giving
him leave to go to the baths, and stay as long as he pleased, first
apprising the Senate of Milan that his Majesty wills them to do
with all matters of justice, and that for order for things of war he
had written to Marquis Marignan, who should in this behalf succeed
Ferrante. The Senate and the Marquis will receive letters to this
effect from the Emperor about the same time that Ferrante receives
this. Speculations on these proceedings of the Emperor and Gonzaga. It is reported that when the Imperalists went to survey
Terouanne, the French made a sally, taking M. de Benincourt
prisoner and detaining him for half an hour; but that the Imperialists
rallying, rescued him and drove their assailants into the town again.
The Imperialists are said to have burnt almost all between Terouanne
and Boulogne hitherto without opposition, and have taken very great
booty of cattle. Think that Don Diego of some purpose told them
that the Emperor is now up and now down. [Two pages and a
half, in cipher deciphered.] |
April 23.
Brussels. |
662. The Bishop of Norwich, Sir Philip Hoby, and Sir Richard
Morysine to the Council. This morning, a little before dinner, one of
his secretaries, called Bavé, brought a message from the Emperor to
the effect that though his Majesty was well recovered of his sickness,
yet was he not in that case that he might well put on his apparel,
but was fain to keep to his bed in such sort as he could not conveniently give them audience himself, and therefore wished them to
declare their ambassade to the Regent. Had replied that they
were content to wait, trusting that in four or five days he should be
better recovered. Meanwhile desire their Lordships' instructions
whether in case of lack of access to the Emperor, they may repair
to the Regent; their present commission not extending thereto. If
they are to communicate with the Regent suggests that Chamberlain might be as one of them for his more credit in service. [Two
pages.] |
April 24.
Greenwich. |
663. The Council to the Bishop of Norwich, Sir Philip Hoby,
and Richard Morysine. Require them to consult together, taking,
if they shall think it necessary, Mount into their councils, as
to forming a common league of amity with the House of Burgundy
and the Princes of Germany; and to ascertain what device has
been had for the succession and establishment of the Low Countries,
and to whom the rule and governance of the same shall remain after
the decease of the Emperor. [Five pages. Copy.] |
April 25.
Strasburg. |
664. Christopher Mount to the Council. The Bishops of Wurtzburg and Bamberg gather horse and foot against the Marquis, as
does the city of Nuremburg, which lately compelled an ensign of
foot, levied by the Marquis, to swear to serve them. The Marquis has taken prisoner 10 of the Bishop's gentlemen, and destroyed
about 20 of their company. The Marquis cannot collect his
men, as the bishops and the city destroy his muster-places, and the
spoiling and robbing from every man last year has caused the Marquis to be in small favour with all honest men. During the last
eight days the bishops have issued a proclamation setting forth
how wrongfully they and their subjects have been invaded by the
Marquis, and compelled by armed violence to make unreasonable
and unlawful promise to them; that, although it would have been
greatly to the loss of themselves and their subjects, they would have
been content to pay the Marquis 450,000 florins; and that they had
put this controversy into the hands of certain Princes assembled at
Heidelberg for that purpose, by the Count Palatine, although no end
has ensued through the stubbornness and perverseness of the Lord
Marquis. Wherefore they entreat all States of the Empire to give
no aid to the Marquis against them, and recite an Imperial mandate
issued from Villach last June, wherein they are commanded not to
keep these compulsory promises made to him; which mandate was
renewed and republished on 17th February last against the Marquis
in the Emperor's name and authority. As the city of Nuremburg
earnestly assists the bishops it will be impossible for the Marquis to
prevail against them, and the increase of his power is suspect and
perilous to them of Nuremburg. The Estates of Duke Mauric
labour earnestly for a composition between him and Hans Frederick,
to which, as guarding against the Emperor, the Duke applies himself
if it can be made. He has no son, and only one daughter, and after
his death the Electorate goes to the children of John Frederick. At
the Princes leaving Heidelberg Maurice came to them in post with
five servants from Magdeburg, and consulted with them for the
observation of the treaty made at Passau. The Emperor has taken
three doctors and three counts for the expedition of causes concerning the Empire. Maurice has prime intelligence with the French
King, and by all means possible makes ready money. The clergy
of Magdeburg have given him 100,000 guilders for the coming on of
that town; they must be citizens, and not exercise any spiritual
jurisdiction. The French King entrusts the government of Metz
to the Bishop thereof, under colour that he is a Prince of the Empire.
This has altered the magistrates and rulers; a new garrison has been
put into the town, and the chief citizens have withdrawn and retired
to other countries. The French King likewise fortifies two other
places belonging to the Bishop of Metz, thereby showing his intention to keep all the country thereabouts, of which the neighbourship
is too near to the Rhine. [Two pages and a half.] |
April 27.
Brussels. |
665. Sir Richard Morysine to the Council. Having, according to
their command, expressed his opinions to the Bishop of Norwich
and Sir Philip Hoby, he has been requested by them to communicate the same to their Lordships. As the Emperor had never
more need of the Germans than at present, so they have learned
that there were times when the Emperor, by himself, could hardly
defend them. The Papists of Germany are of mean power, and so
spoiled of late, that the Emperor has lost the most of their hearts;
not because they have been sacked, but because he has taken all
hope from them of rightly recovering what they have lost. The
Protestants would the rather win with the Emperor, if they saw
others ready to league with him and them,—such as might assure
them of friends able and willing to stand by them, though the
Emperor should slip his amity. The Kings of Poland, Sweden,
and Denmark, each for some cause or other afraid, would be glad to
league with the King of England and the German Protestants,
and happier if the Emperor could be comprehended in the same
league. If such confederacy could be made, even were the Emperor
thereafter to shrink away, there is no power in Christendom able to
harm them. If the Emperor were not moved in the matter, he
might by practices keep them from so strong a confederacy; but it
might be shown to him that he, by increasing the power of England,
increased his own, as his house had always grown greater by such
alliance. The Emperor has already bound the Germans to defend
the Low Countries; yet because they were brought to this much
against their will, and see that the side may be much weakened
when the Emperor shall die, they have no haste to such defence.
To this league it is to be feared the King of the Romans and
Maximilian his son will be opposed, because they are like one day
to be Lords of Flanders: hatred on one side, and favour on the
other, serving them in place of a good title. This doubt removed,
were Ferdinand and Maximilian to unite with all the rest, they
must needs be defended from harm as long as they hold together.
The Emperor would be glad that Maximilian and his friend were
firmly tied to him and his son Philip, as this would settle the
greatness of his house, which is in peril if Philip and Maximilian
remain enemies. None more likely to ascertain the affections of the
German Princes in this matter than Mount, who, both for his rightness in religion and secrecy in counsel, is much esteemed of them
all. The fear of the Germans for the Turk's invasion, and the
Protestants' desire not to be tossed for true religion, is able much
to farther this practice. John Frederick, the Count Palatine,
the Landgrave, the Duke of Wirtemberg, and others, with their
respective friends, cannot but much desire to join with England, the
Emperor, and Flanders. The King, contributing to the defence of
Germany, like as Flanders does, and receiving contributions in
return, might on occasion both ease others and find great relief
himself. To be bound to help the Emperor, and after his death not
to find those that should help them, were while he lives a burden,
and thereafter no mean peril of great harm. Should the Emperor
not mislike the matter, he may appoint a diet of so many of the
Princes as may be thought fit for the purpose, at which the Ambassadors of the Emperor and his Majesty might attend. Such league
formed, no Christian prince would be able to aid the Turk, who
without Christian aid cannot annoy Christendom. To save all
upright, should the Emperor be indisposed to such league, those
who move in it may in his Majesty's name pray the Emperor, that,
in the event of a peace, a place may be reserved for the French
King, on such conditions as may be thought convenient. [Two
pages and a half.] |
April 28.
Brussels. |
666. The Bishop of Norwich and Sir Philip Hoby to Secretaries
Sir William Petre and Sir William Cecil. Urge a reply to their
letter of last Sunday, in which they desire to be informed whether
they should declare their ambassade to the Regent, as the Emperor
wills them to do. Have this evening at nine o'clock dispatched
Francis with their common letter to the Council. [One page.] |
April 28.
[Greenwich.] |
667. King Edward VI. to the Bishop of Norwich, Sir Philip
Hoby, and Sir Richard Morysine. Refers to their letter to the
Council of the 23d, approves of their conduct, and desires that
now and henceforward, when they cannot have access to the
Emperor, they may communicate with the Queen Regent. [One
page. Copy.] |
April 28.
Brussels. |
668. The Bishop of Norwich, Sir Philip Hoby, and Sir Richard
Morysine, to the Council. In terms of their Lordships' letter of
the 24th inst., received on the 26th, they had conferred together,
and, having considered Morysine's articles of discourse, forwarded
to their Lordships, conclude that such a league as proposed would
be mutually beneficial to his Majesty and the Low Countries; but
they are in doubt how the communication may be entered into.
Because if the sickness of the Emperor prevents their having access
to him, and they have to open it to the Queen, D'Arras and others
will be made privy to it; and as the matter requires so great
secrecy, they doubt how it may be broken except to the Emperor
himself. If he should recover and give them audience, then if he
likes the proposal it should be followed up as suggested in the
articles, or in such way as to the Council may seem good; but if
he should mislike the confederacy, then it is to be feared be will
practise to disappoint the King from making any league at all with
the Germans. Therefore they think the Emperor's own inclination
should be first sounded; and, in the dangerous state of his health,
suggest that the Council should consider, were he to die before this
league should be concluded, what were in that case best to be done,
it being thought that the Germans would less readily join with
the Emperor's son Philip than they would with Ferdinand and
Maximilian. The Emperor having sworn the people of the Low
Countries to swear to his son, it is thought that in the event of
his death, although the inheritance goes to his son, the Queen will
still govern here, her wisdom and fidelity having been so long
proved. Yet it is thought the people bear better will to Maximilian
than to Philip, the rather that they cannot endure the insolency of
the Spaniards, by whom they fear they should be governed under
the Prince. Sir Philip Hoby having inquired of one of the Emperor's Council, how it was that his master was not served by
Maximilian, so worthy a Prince and so well beloved of the Emperor,
was answered, that his ingratitude and that of his father Ferdinand
towards the Emperor is such that it is not to be borne withal;
and yet had it not been for the Emperor, they had not had one
foot of ground in the world at this day. Hence they infer that the
Emperor is in some jealousy of these two personages, and some
think that they will make business for the obtaining of these Low
Countries. This morning Morysine waited upon D'Arras, touching
Cavalcante's suit for his kersies taken by Marquis Albert, when
D'Arras told him that the Bishop had once or twice driven the
Marquis from the mustering places, but that of late he was even
with them, having slain and taken a great many of their men;
which prisoners are sworn for six months to bear no arms against
the Marquis or the Emperor. Hear from Rome that the Bishop
has appointed legates to the French King and the Emperor for
treaty of peace, as may be seen by copy of Italian advertisements
inclosed. On Easter-day it was rumoured in Rome that the Emperor
was dead, so that the Ambassador of Sienna repaired to the Bishop
with letters to that effect from the magistrates of Sienna, and
received very comfortable words of him thereupon. Pietro Strozzi
arrived at Ferrara on the 13th with money from the French King,
although before leaving France he had given out that he would not
serve in Italy under De Thermes. It is thought he now treats of
some practice with the Duke of Ferrara. On the 9th ult. 60 of
the Turk's gallies left Constantinople; their commander is not
known. The Persians have by composition taken from the Turks
the fortress of Belgari, which they razed, and on their return had
an engagement with the Kurds. Thought that the Turk will not
take the field this year, being persuaded by Rustan Bassa to remain
at home lest he should die in the field, when his eldest son Mustapha
might get the army to him, and so obtain the dominion. Letters
received by Morysine from Venice of the 9th inst. mention the
defeat of 800 Germans on the 27th ult. by Corneglio Bentivoglio,
the French King's General, on the sea coasts of Sienna, with 300
foot and 100 horse, in which 500 of the Germans were slain, and
150 of those taken died on the way. The remaining prisoners were
carried to Grosseto, amongst whom is a son of the Count de
Lodrone, and are put to the carrying of baskets for the fortifications.
This has somewhat stirred the Frenchmen there to look aloft. The
French in Venice received letters from Constantinople of the 9th
ult., but wish it not to be known; and the letters for the Venetians
from the same place of 28th February have been intercepted, but
by whom not known. This had led some to suspect that the
French intend to bring their troops into the realm of Naples so
suddenly, that the Imperialists before Sienna shall be unable to
resist them. Have forwarded the letters from the Council to Mount.
[Six pages.] Inclosed, |
|
668. I. Intelligence from Florence, 8 April. The Imperialists
went under Montalcino, and endeavoured to batter it
with one company, but found it much stronger than they
expected. They then planted four guns on a risingground that overlooks Montalcino, and battered sundry
towers and casements, which they found to be very strong.
During this a cannon-shot splintered off some stones,
which killed five soldiers, and shattered the arm of Sig.
Giordano Orsino, who, Don Garcia writes, has since
died of the wound. Within are 2,200 very brave soldiers.
Their captains are Sign. Mario Santo Fiore, Giustinian
de Faenza, Morelto Calvorese, two Counts Tressani, and
another; Sigr. Giordano, the Commander-in-Chief. The
2,000 infantry are on their march. The Spaniards and
Germans that were on the coast are to join the army.
From Rome of the same date:—On the 2d day after
Easter, San Giorgio was appointed Legate to France, and
Dandino to the Emperor, and they leave three days
hence. Mentions the death of Giordano Orsino. Bishop
Malipiero is reported to be dead, and Count Paulo da
Porto will be his successor. [Italian. One page.] |
April 28.
[Greenwich.] |
669. The Council to the Bishop of Norwich, Sir Philip Hoby,
and Sir Richard Morysine. Yesterday received both their
letters of the 23d. Send herewith his Majesty's instructions for
their communicating with the Regent. Desire to be informed as
early as convenient what other practices they can discover to be in
hand by any other prince for the treaty of peace, and whose intermeddling therein is best favoured of the Emperor. With respect to
Chamberlain, they do not think it meet to add to the number of
Commissioners, as the like being not used towards the French King
might peradventure engender some mistrust and not a whit farther
the King's good purpose and meaning. Intimate the revocation of
Chamberlain and the appointment of Sir Philip Hoby as Ambassador
resident with the Regent. [Three pages. Draft.] |
April 28.
Antwerp. |
670. Thomas Gresham to the Council. By his letter of the 27th
from Brussels had informed them that he has received from the merchants all the money that he is likely to receive at present. For
lack of power several have not brought in their money, amounting
in all to 1,500l.; but this will be no loss to the King, since no
money has been disbursed to them at London. Farther, that he has
discovered a great error in the customer's book of London, who has
charged in the shipping of cloths 36,000l. instead of 33,000l. Had
raised the exchange to nineteen shillings and sixpence, having gone
to Brussels in order to blind the merchants. On his return to
Antwerp found it up to twenty shillings and many deliveries.
Details transactions with sundry merchants. When at Brussels on
the 26th had received their letter of the 24th. If, as he hopes, they
have brought the staplers and merchant adventurers to have for
every pound sterling twenty-three shillings and fourpence, the
exchange will doubtless rise and never likely fall again. Has so
plagued the foreign merchants that henceforth they will beware to
meddle with the exchange for London, and has so frightened the
English ones that they dare not. Has the books of exchange so at
his command that there is never a bourse, but he has a note what
money is taken up by exchange, as well by the stranger as Englishman. There is no doubt but that the exchange will keep pound for
pound, and better, for that all the English fleet has arrived here in
safety, praise be to God. [Two pages.] |
April 30.
Brussels. |
671. The Bishop of Norwich, Sir Philip Hoby, and Sir Richard
Morysine to the same. Acknowledge receipt of their Lordships'
letters of the 28th with those of his Majesty, touching access to the
Regent; also those from the latter to the Regent and Chamberlain.
These they shall not deliver until they receive farther instructions,
because considering the great charge committed to them, to search
the state of these countries, and to learn the practices there necessary
to be known, and that such knowledge should be used very secretly,
they have no mean so good to come by these things as Chamberlain,
who beside his public service has divers private occasions to attain
intelligence; being also a man of that service that the trust he has
been put in requires, and are agreed in opinion that he might very
evil be spared hence at this time. [One page and a half.] |
