|
Nov. 3.
Venice. |
283. Peter Vannes to the Council. Has received a letter from the
King accepting and approving of his services. Touching the state
of Italy and especially of Tuscany, incloses a bill of particulars
(missing). In sum, Sienna is in great hazard, losing daily the
things needful for her sustenance, and though they can hardly
support themselves and that scantly for this quarter of a year,
and no succour appears, yet they are determined rather to die of
hunger than to submit to the Florentines. The French with fair
words put them in good comfort, sed tamen nihil inde venit. As
far as he can learn the French think they have spent a great deal of
money to no purpose, and would be glad the matter were taken up
by some honourable means. Though they only say Sienna is well
furnished for a long season, yet as they add in their communication
that at the worst they shall be able to keep and defend four of the
principal and most plentiful places in Sienna, viz.: Montalcino,
Grosseto, Chiusi, and Porto Ercole, he can only fear the worst for
Sienna, and believes that whatever happen Sienna will not be able
for many years to do either good or harm to itself or others. The
Pope, the Venetians, and the Duke of Ferrara labour to induce the
Emperor, the French King, and the Duke of Florence to peace and
to save the Siennese. Knows no particulars. The Turk is not to
be feared; daily news is brought of their coming and returning
home, yet the season of their navigations is passed. This morning
the Seigniory sent for him and the Emperor's Ambassador desiring
them to commend to their Majesties the expedition of a ship of
theirs, the Tarrabolla, detained on account for the delivery of certain
ordnance depending before the King's Council of Spain. The
Emperor's Ambassador promised to write to the King, and Vannes
the like. Begs the Queen's favour in the matter. The state of the
cause will appear by an instruction here inclosed (missing), and by
the report of Sig. John Michele, the Venetian Ambassador. [Two
pages and a half. Indorsed by Petre.] |
Nov. 5.
Brussels. |
284. Sir John Masone to Queen Mary. The Pope's Nuncio
having had audience of the Emperor in reference to compounding
the matter of Sienna, received for answer that his Majesty had
never interfered with Sienna but for the benefit of its inhabitants.
The garrison which he had placed there had been sent at their own
request, they being like to come to ruin by reason of their own
dissensions. This garrison they had expelled, and in its place
received a power from his mortal enemy, tending to the disquietude
of all Italy and especially of such places as belonged to him; whereby they had become his enemies and a seat, or staple as it were, of
all such wars as the French might like to move on that side of the
mountains, for avoiding which he had been compelled to act as he
had done. As for what the Nuncio on behalf of the Pope moved
touching the end of this matter, his Majesty said he had to do
with both the French and the Siennese therein: if the motion was
made on behalf of the former, there were many things to be treated
of between him and them, and therefore greater leisure was required.
If on behalf of the latter, it must be considered that they are not in
their own power either to treat or to conclude anything, but if they
could get rid of the French who now hold their town, they should
find him not only ready to talk with them, but easy to be induced
to any such appointment as, by honour saved and due respect had
to the quiet of Italy, might reasonably be required of them. M. de
Vaudemont's coming is supposed to be principally to sound the
Emperor's disposition to a peace or a truce, although he alleges
other causes. Of these one is to excuse the receiving into his
Government the Marquis Albert, who now makes that state his
lurking corner, thence oftentimes making courses into Germany,
and, robbing and spoiling both merchants and others, retires with
his prey sometimes into one place of Lorraine and sometimes to
another. Another cause of his coming he makes to be a marriage
offered to him in France with the sister of the Duke of Nemours,
into which talk he thought not his part to enter without making the
Emperor first privy thereto; and a third pity for the many nobles
and gentlemen prisoners on both sides, for whose deliverance he
wishes some good way were taken. He has made many overtures of
peace, as he says of his own accord; and shortly after departing hence
he will go to France. Wishes earnestly for peace, the state of Christendom having so long been such as to prepare more and more a
highway for the entry of the Turk. The Duke of Florence's army
is increased with 3,000 Germans, 1,500 Spaniards, and 1,000
Italians. On the 20th ult., 16,000 crowns, meant to have been conveyed into Sienna, were intercepted. Dragut Rey's movements are
uncertain, but there is great likelihood of his returning to Constantinople, first, because of the late overthrow of the Turk, and
secondly, because the French having promised to give him within
a specified time certain money for the victualling of his gallies,
have not therein kept touch, wherewith he is very much disappointed and thereby greatly offended; and so much the more,
because a cousin-german of M. de Thermes, remaining with him as
a hostage for the payment, is secretly stolen away from him. The
fort of Fillek in Transylvania, belonging to the King of the Romans,
is lately rendered to the Turk by the treason of its Governor; its
loss being the greater from its proximity to certain mines whereof
riseth a great profit to the King. The new fort near Hesdin is
now made guardable; and after one course meant to be made into
France is achieved, the camp will probably be broken up and the
troops dismissed, except such as the Emperor shall like to retain,
and which during the winter will be distributed in the towns of
these frontiers. Mons. de Trelon is to be Captain of the fort. Don
Ramon de Cardona, who came here three or four days ago for the
affairs of Piedmont, is remitted, it is said, to King Philip, and will
in a day or two proceed to England. At the same time also intends
to go thither Pompeio Tuttavilla, who was lately sent to this Court
for justification of the doings of Marc Antonio Colonna. At his
coming out had sued her Majesty for such charity as she might
think convenient to be showed to Cheke's wife and her four children;
and as he is advertised and partly feels that they remain hitherto
in miserable case, most humbly beseeches leave to renew his suit.
Her husband by his folly is fallen from 600l. per annum to less
than nothing; her children be all of that age as never a one of
them is able to make himself ready; she is his wife's daughter,
whereby the burden of keeping them from starving lies on his
back that is not able well to maintain himself. On his knees
beseeches her to be good to the poor innocents; and if he might
be so bold would also crave licence to renew his suit for the children
of the offender Isley. They are his wife's nephews, and have at
this present no man to hang upon but him. Trusts that their
demeanour shall be such that no part of their father's lewdness shall
at any time appear in them; and had the father followed the advice
of some of them, he had not fallen into the folly which for lack
of grace he fell into. [Three pages.] |
| Nov. 5. |
285. Minute of instructions given to the Lord Paget and the
Master of the Horse [Sir Edward Hastings]. Cardinal Pole being
sent from the Pope to congratulate her Majesty on her marriage,
they are desired to go to escort him to England. In the first
instance they are to open the matter to the Emperor, and then to
apprize the Cardinal that the Council only agree to his interference
on condition of the Pope's dispensing that the holders and
possessors of the lands and goods of the late religious houses
shall quietly enjoy the same without trouble and scruple. And
that he shall use all diligence to receive authority from the
Apostolic See to grant such dispensation, if he has it not already.
Further, that although she and a great many others accept him
as Legate de latere, yet at present, till he himself witnesses the
state of the country, she thinks it best that he only enter as a
Cardinal and Ambassador. [Draft. Autograph of Petre. Four
pages. Printed partly by Tytler, Vol. ii., p. 445.] |
| Nov. 5. |
286. Queen Mary to Sir John Masone. Informs him that Lord
Paget and Sir Edward Hastings are to leave to-morrow in speedy
journey to conduct Cardinal Pole to England, and desires him to
wait upon him and the Emperor in reference thereto. [Draft.
Autograph of Petre. Two pages and a half.] |
| Nov. [5.] |
287. Memorandum in modern handwriting of the mission of
Lord Paget and Sir Edward Hastings to wait upon the Emperor
Charles V. at Brussels, and escort Cardinal Pole to England.
[Half a page.] |
Nov. 8.
Brussels. |
288. Sir John Masone to Queen Mary. As Sienna now begins
to draw to some extremity, many of the Italian states begin to
lay their heads together to devise some remedy thereof, seeing that
if some peace be not this winter accorded there must next summer
be kindled a great fire in Italy. But the substance of them are
loth to see the Duke of Florence any greater than he is, and as
there is some likelihood of his achieving his enterprise, they think
it high time to look upon the matter. They have accordingly met
at sundry places and have concluded to recommend the peace of
Italy both to the Emperor and the French King; and the Nuncio
has again commission to follow the matter, his late reasonable
answer notwithstanding. The Venetian Ambassador is commissioned by the Seigniory to do the like, and to move the Emperor
to an universal peace, and if that may not be had, then to do
his utmost for some composition of the wars of Sienna. M. de
Vaudemont has taken leave and departed: the particulars of his
doings here are kept so secret that they are only known to the
Emperor and those with whom he was in communication. The
Cardinal of Augsburg, the Duke of Wittenberg, the Bishop of
Passau, the Duke of Bavaria and his uncle, who was lately Archbishop of Saltzburg, have had a diet at Tonnevert on the Danube,
the object of which was to compound a contention between the
Duke of Bavaria and his said uncle, which was like to have bred
some stir in Germany. The Archbishop having for many years
held the see of Saltzburg, yet never minding to be priest, had
about two months ago resigned that promotion, and being returned
to the lay kind of life, and married, he demanded his partage of
the estate of Bavaria, being brother to the old Duke. This being
refused, he began to raise troops to win it by force, but in the end
by means of the fore-named, the matter is settled that he shall
have 150,000 Rhenish guilders in hand, and the life-rent of a city
in Bavaria, to be used with all commodity as it is presently by the
Duke. Marquis Albert has left Lorraine, and is said to have
gone to Alsatia on promise of some friendship there. The Pope
has lately caused to be arrested three Roman gentlemen, Giovanni
Colonna, Jacomo Savelli, and Jeronimo Fregapani [Frangipani], who
went about to make a stir on behalf of Ascanio Colonna; by this
some think Ascanio is not so clear as some would make him to be.
Prince Doria, having conducted 11 ships laden with wheat to
Genoa, is thought by this time to have returned to the enterprise
of Porto Ercole; which, if he achieves, must needs put the Siennese
to desperation, their only hope of succour being now by way of
the sea. Dragut Rey has returned as far as the coast of Corfu,
which makes some in doubt of his coming near. The fort being
now guardable and garrisoned, the camp is broken up. Yesterday
arrived Don Hernando de Gonzaga, who, with all his train, make
very honest report of his honourable entertainment in England.
[Two pages.] |
Nov. 8.
Bethune. |
289. Lord Clinton to Sir William Petre. On Sunday arrrived
at Hedingfert [Hesdin fort], where he found the Duke of Savoy,
who, because he thought there was no meet place there for receiving
the Order [of the Garter], deferred his investiture till his going to
Osyshatewe [Auxy-le-Chateau], whither the camp marched on
Monday, and on the next day with great honour the ceremony
was performed. The great entertainment and courtesy shown
to Clinton and his suite. On the day of the investiture was a
great skirmish between the French and the Duke's troops, in
which the Duke was engaged, and which lasted three hours
There were taken 30 or 40 French, Scots, and English, and on
his return, the Duke said, "This good luck is happened the day
that I have received this noble Order." On Wednesday he removed with the whole camp four leagues into France, designing
some enterprise. On Clinton's departure, the Duke sent to each of
the gentlemen in his company, which, with Mr. Garter [Sir
Gilbert Dethick], were eight in number, a chain worth 40l. or
50l. apiece; and to Clinton, a jennet, very fair, which he esteemed
much, and was the horse for his own saddle well appointed; also
armour and weapon for a man of war of divers kinds, very fair,
with message that it was the present of one soldier to another.
He further sent with him two bands of horsemen, of 200, to escort
him to Bethune. [Two pages and a quarter. Printed by Tytler,
Vol. ii., p. 448.] |
Nov. 9.
Brussels. |
290. Sir John Masone to King Philip and Queen Mary. On
Thursday the 8th, before day arrived Francisco with their letter of
the 5th, on receipt of which he resorted to the Cardinal, and thereafter
had audience of the Emperor, declaring their Majesties' pleasure to
each. Details at length their conversation. The Cardinal will be
ready to leave on Tuesday or Wednesday, at farthest. "Between
this and Calais he must make at the least six days, and peradventure seven; the constitution of his body being so easy to be overthrown as a little travel taken more than it be able to bear were
enough to lay him up, and therefore he useth most to be carried in
his journeys in a litter." He will probably arrive about the 24th
or 26th of this month. [Three pages. Printed by Tytler, Vol. ii.,
p. 451.] |
Nov. 10.
Paris. |
291. Dr. Wotton to the Council. Has received their letter
of the 21st ult., and in consequence thereof had audience of his
Majesty and the Constable in reference to complaints of the
merchants and the matter of the Hay, and Madame de Lisques;
receiving from both very gentle answers and good words. Dining
with the Constable, where also were Cardinal Chastillon, the
Dukes de Guise and Montpensier, and other nobles, the Constable,
who sat next to him, said to him secretly, "The Queen, your
mistress, is with child." He replied that he had no certain news
of it, but understood it was generally supposed there was some
likelihood of the fact. The Constable rejoined, "It is true
without doubt." Yet for all that, Wotton is credibly informed,
that when he talks with others thereof, he says he does not believe
it. The French send horse and foot to Piedmont; their proper
destination not yet well known. De Damville, the Constable's
second son, has within the last three or four days ridden in post
to Piedmont, to be general captain of the light cavalry there.
He is accompanied by a young gentleman, son to M. D'Urfé, the
Dauphin's governor, recently married to a daughter of the Comte
de Tende, brother-in-law to the Constable. The Ambassador from
Sienna says that P. Strozzi has thrust out of that city a great
multitude of the common people, and that victuals there are as
cheap as at Florence, which is hard to be believed. The Pope
and Duke of Ferrara travail with the Duke of Florence for raising
the siege of Sienna, and the withdrawal of foreign troops; but the
Duke, though supposed to be weary of the charges, will do nothing
but with the Emperor's advice and consent. It is said he has
dismissed his Italians, and retains only the Spaniards and landsknechts, amounting in all to above 9,000. It is reported that
the French King had sent Signor Orsino to be his lieutenant in
Corsica, but the people there say they are content to have Frenchmen in that room, but no Italians. Hears that the Baron De la
Garde was not well received at Court, and was only heard by
the King on the intercession of the Duchess of Valentinois. The
non-advance of the Turk's navy last summer is imputed to him
and to his negligence the ill success of matters at Sienna; and
some think, that had the Prior of Capua been alive he would
have superseded the Baron, whom now, for lack of another, it
seems they will still employ. In consequence of the courses
which the Burgundians, encamped near the fort of Hesdin, make
daily about Montreuil and Abbeville, the King sends reinforcements
of horse and foot to M. de Vendôme, who will soon be very strong
and able to cope with the Burgundians. They say that the horses
of the Burgundians and Dutch die so fast for lack of food, that
the whole camp cannot longer remain there; also that the fort
is begun upon such a ground, that it falls down almost as soon as
it is built, and that it cannot continue, for any cost that shall be
done upon it. [Three pages.] |
Nov. 10.
Paris. |
292. Dr. Wotton to Sir William Petre. Was for a while
much offended by the false rumours here, imputing them to the
fugitives and merchantmen; but finding they have far more plenty
of these ill-favoured tales at home, will henceforth trouble himself
the less with them. Yet such are neither new, nor to be marvelled
at. Si patrem familias Beelzebub vocaverint, quanto magis
domesticos ejus? For all their prating of the word, their dissimulation now so plainly bursts out as to make it evident that to
them it was said, "Vos ex patre diabolo estis, et desideria patris
vestri vultis facere. Ille homicida erat ab initio, &c." As it is
impossible, considering the present state of the realm, but the
like must chance often enough thereafter, great diligence must be
used, that such things may come to light in time, for they have
even from the beginning founded their new gospel upon the saying
of Christ, "Putatis quia pacem veni mittere in terram. Non
dico vobis, sed separationem." On this foundation it may be
seen, they build still. Ludovic Greville is welcome to him; he
has appointed him to the company of John Somer, who will take
pains to help him to the French tongue, wherein he were else
like to profit but little amongst Wotton's men, who speak but
English. Hopes there will be no change in their office of auditor,
as a better than Wylde cannot be hoped for, but if God takes
him, they must look for a successor. Is not sure whether a grant
of the office was not made out previous to the erection of their
chapter, but whether or not it be so there is much earnest suit
made for it. Five of the oldest prebendaries have written to him
that they have granted their good wills for it to one dwelling
in Canterbury, so that if they persist, he does not see how it can
be obtained against them. It is certainly very necessary that the
auditor should reside in Canterbury, as they have, in a manner,
daily need of his advice; and although Mr. Baker has earnestly
written to him for one whose father was servant to Wotton's
father, who he would be content had it, he will see what he can
do with the chapter for the person in whose behalf Petre so
earnestly writes, as also do other of his friends. Sends a prognostication for next year, containing more strange things than former
ones; although he doubts not their Majesties credit such gear
as the matter deserves, they may perhaps be content to read it.
[One page.] |
Nov. 13.
Brussels. |
293. Lord Paget and Sir Edward Hastings to Queen Mary.
Arriving here last Sunday forenoon, they had audience of the
Emperor in the afternoon, notwithstanding that he had that day
received the blessed Sacrament, whereby they noted a fresh care
in him for the expedition of them hence again. Details what passed
at the interview. After taking leave, repaired forthwith to the
Cardinal. Believe that whensoever he shall be in England, that
country shall fare the better for him; "for he is the man of God,
full of all godliness and virtue, ready to humble himself to all
fashions that may do good." Yesterday the Cardinal, as they
also did, took leave of the Emperor. To-day he begins his
journey, the stages of which they specify; "for his weak body
can make no great journeys, and his estate also is to be considered." [Two pages and a half. Printed by Tytler, Vol. ii.,
p. 457.] |
Nov. 19.
Basle. |
294. Gregory Raylton [Clerk of the Signet] to Sir William
Petre. By his letter to him at the end of last September, and the
one to Mr. Clyff in August, doubts not that Petre understands the
cause of his long absence, which is sickness, wherewith he has
been extremely handled a long space, and in the beginning of
August was in such danger that both he and his physicians
despaired of his life. He is now somewhat recovered, but is unable
to travel, especially at this season, being so weak. Understands
that Petre is sore offended with him, because he has not come
home according to his promise, judging that he absents himself for
other respects. Is most sorry he should so think, and much laments
he is unable out of hand to take his journey homewards for the
purging of himself that way. Beseeches Petre, for God's sake, to
judge otherwise of him, since he knows him never to have been
a meddler in any way, but applying himself always to do his duty,
and using himself according to his vocation. When he was suitor
to him for the Queen's licence, he did it by counsel of three or
four notable physicians, who declared that nothing should be
better for his health than to travel, and persuaded him to take this
journey, which has evil succeeded with him. Intreats Petre to
bear with his calamity, and, God willing, at the next spring he
shall either see him alive in England, or hear tell that God has
otherwise disposed of him. [One page.] |
Nov. 23.
Brussels. |
295. Sir John Masone to the Council. The Emperor's camp,
having spoiled and wasted all along the river Seine, and taken on
their way the town of Ancre, is arrived in Cambresis, where yesterday all the soldiers of the Low Countries, and most part of the swertritters [schwart ritters], were dismissed, but with orders to be ready
again at all times after the 1st of April next. The Germans are all
retained, so that all the winter shall be entertained 10,000 foot
and 4,000 horse, besides the furniture of the fort, amounting to
4,000. Besides the victual and provision found in Ancre were
2,000 pieces of wine, which are distributed among the fort and the
other strengths of the frontiers. The Venetian Ambassador has
been earnestly in hand with the Emperor to hearken to a peace.
The Emperor expressed his great desire of the unity of Christendom,
for compassing of which, as the same might be sure and stable,
and not made one day and broken another, as the French used
always to do, he could be content to lose the best blood of his
body. The Pope's Nuncio had even been more particular, stating
that the Pope willed him to assure the Emperor that the French
King was content to come to communication, and is in hope that
he may bring both sides to appoint Commissioners. The Lord put
thereunto his helping hand ! The affairs of the Siennese proceed
from worse to worse: they have lately lost Crevola, Monte Rotondo,
and Massa, towns of much importance, yet the French faction say
that they can hold out till March, when they shall have help
enough. On the other hand, the Duke's party say they cannot hold
beyond a month. The Diet in Germany, which was appointed to
begin on St. Martin's day, is now adjourned to that of St. Catherine, by reason of certain lets chanced to the King of the Romans.
Presumes his Majesty is aware of the triumphs made in Milan on
its being taken possession of on his behalf, and of the like to be
in Naples next Sunday. Dragut Rey has returned to Previsa to
victual his gallies; his future movements are not known. [One
page and a half.] |
Nov. 25.
Venice. |
296. Peter Vannes to [Sir William Petre]. The courier soon
departing has no time to reply to his letter of the 4th inst.,
delivered this morning; but shall reserve himself until Saturday
next. Thanks God her Majesty is with child. Incloses advices of
new preparations of the French in Piedmont. Reckons them as
a brag to other purposes, considering the season, the lack of
victuals, the hard and narrow passage, the fortifications of every
small town between, the readiness and puissance of the Imperialists, being like that the French will wander in the field while the
Imperialists are masters of the towns, and well furnished with
necessaries; and as to aid or victuals from Marseilles, the seas and
winds are doubtful and dangerous. The Emperor's, the Genoese,
and Neapolitan gallies are abroad. The Emperor is much beholden
to the French, for, with their sudden enterprises, they always
advance, by their failure, his honour and glory. His reputation
is, as ever, everywhere very great. The French cannot trust in any
help from the Turkish gallies, for each mistrusts the other, and
after great expense and no result, they have returned to Constantinople. Sienna is wasted like a candle. Of late, they have cost
the castle of Massa and the town of Crevola. Great parties of
Imperialists are in Sienna, but for fear of the French Governor
cannot show their hearts. It is said in Venice that the Duke of
Florence has commanded all his men to return to Sienna. Perhaps
he is minded to give some assault. The Swiss in Sienna are
reported to die half-a-score a day; and many of the Italians to be
discharged, and greatly mistrusted. If the matter come to extremity, unless they see the game half won, they will be the first
to help themselves to some booty. God inspire them to put themselves in the Emperor's mercy, and him to accept them, and make
him author of the quiet of Christendom ! Intends shortly to
write to the Council for their favour to him with the King and
Queen. Sees good hope of the restoration of the Catholic religion.
It is known to [Petre] and all the Council, and especially to the
Bishop of Winchester, who next to King Henry the Eighth was
his chief helper in the matter, that Pope Clement VII., at the
King's earnest request and at the suit of the Council, granted him
the collectorship of England, with a several bull containing divers
faculties of dispensation during his life. The office shortly after
was put down by Parliament, and yet he was put to great expense
and trouble on account of a pension which he was bound to pay
to Cardinal Ridolphi. The office was not taken from him by the
Pope, but only by Parliament and the King's command, as Lord
Cromwell said, who in the King's name commanded him to bring
to him all his documents in the matter. Knows not what became
of them. Supposes the grant to exist in the registers in Rome.
His great prebend of Bedwyn was taken from him, the compensation not being equivalent, part being given in a prebend in S.
Frideswide, part upon the Duke of Somerset's land, and part lost
in hope of a better turn. His prebend of Beverley was suppressed,
and a small pension appointed, in which, by the gentleness of the
receivers, he is behind-hand many a day. Prays the Council to be
suitor to the King and Queen in the matter, for he knows the
Pope has remitted all the circumstances of that religion to the
will and disposition of their Majesties. The King's letter plainly
declares his good mind to him; of the Queen's favour he has had
good experience, as well as of that of the Council. Begs [Petre]
also to be a suitor to the Bishop of Winchester and the Council
for him. [Six pages.] |
Nov. 30.
Seville. |
297. Thomas Gresham to the Council. According to his intention, expressed in his letter of the 16th forwarded by the Portuguese
Ambassador, he left Medina de Campo on the 23d in post and
arrived at Seville on the 26th, where he found his factor Edmund
Hogan with the 100,000 ducats. These had been twice told over
by the tenant and other officers, were all packed, sealed, matted and
corded, and the mules hired for their conveyance, when a difficulty
was started as to whether, notwithstanding his passport and letters,
he was the Queen's factor and possessed the especial power. At
last on his finding two natives born and two Englishmen to testify
to her Majesty's hand and seal, the officials came on the 28th and
29th, and after opening one case, counting over its contents again,
and seeing it repacked, gave him his despatch at 5 o'clock of the
latter day. The cases have been sent off to-day, he with two of his
servants besides the scryvano [escribdno] and his servant seeing them
shipped. There are 50 of them, each marked with the broad arrow
and numbered from 1 to 50, and each contains 22,000 silver Spanish
rials, amounting to 2,000 ducats at 11 rials the ducat. These shall
be shipped at Puerto Real in such good merchants' vessels as shall
be present with the advice of Mr. Wood. The rest, which he will
have in readiness, and which will not exceed 110,000 ducats, he
intends to put on board two of her Majesty's ships, which will be a
venture in each of 16,000l., and therewithal to come himself. There
is no small exclamation among the commons of this town that so
much money should go out of the realm, the scarcity thereof being so
great; and for his own part he cannot with his pen set forth the
great scarcity now throughout all Spain. By order of the Emperor
all bill transactions must be settled in the banks. Whilst he was
at Valladolid one of the ancient banks here, that of John Innynges
and Octavian Negrone, on the 17th inst. played bankrupt with the
sum of 150,000 ducats. In this bank her Majesty has 2,000 ducats,
but it is judged that there will be but small loss sustained, as John
Nenynges [sic] is a man of 60, and esteemed to be worth 80,000
ducats, besides having put in sureties for 100,000 ducats. Ten days
before he broke he owed the Queen 10,000 ducats. Gresham is
blamed as being the cause of this bankruptcy, for his instructions
are to receive all in ready money only, which so vexes the banks
and the town that he fears he may be the occasion of the whole suspending payments, which would the rending of the town and to
the great loss and damage of her Majesty. Wherefore having yet
to receive 100,000 ducats here and at Medina de Campo out of the
banks, he will leave such order with his factor to receive it with as
fair means as he can, for now there is no other way to help this
matter, considering the ships, which are looked for daily, have not
arrived from the Indies. Trusts they may come soon. Will bring
with him all the relative documents and vouchers necessary for his
discharge. Hopes he and their treasure may reach Laredo overland
in safety, seeing the great bruit of the commons at its leaving the
country. Recurring to the bankruptcy of Nenynges [sic] and Negrone,
as it is the custom in Spain that the Prince of all men is first paid,
if her Majesty shall obtain from the King a letter claiming it as his
debt, the 2,000 ducats will be paid out of hand, otherwise it will
take some time before payment is made. Has been invited to
join the other creditors, but has refused on the ground that the debt
belongs to the Prince and not to him. Beseeches they will accept
all his doings in good part, as in truth he can do no more than he
has done. [Three pages.] |
