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Oct. 1.
La Ferté Milon. |
418. Dr. Wotton to the Council. The King kept the feast of his
Order at Villers-Cote-Retz, the Ambassadors being required to it.
They were there both at the first even-song, and on Michaelmas
day at mass, dinner, and vigils. Believes that feast was not kept
so merrily many years before. A few days previous the Italian
Ambassadors had letters that the siege of Vulpiano was raised; but
on Michaelmas-eve the King received news of its capture. The
great bastion having been carried by assault, the rest surrendered.
It would seem they have used their victory somewhat cruelly, as
the Constable, on talking to him thereof, went about to excuse it.
The only prisoner of consequence named is Sigismund de Gonzaga,
captain of 500 soldiers; but is informed this Sigismund is not of
the house of Gonzaga, but by favour permitted to bear the name.
Another, nephew to the Duchess of Alva, is by some reported to be
taken, by others to be slain. The capture of this place enables
Turin and other towns thereabout to be kept in a manner without
garrisons. While the French were before it, Alva encamped again
and went about to fortify Pont d'Asture, towards which, after
taking Vulpiano, the French marched. It is said they intend to
raze the latter place, and have good hopes of taking Pont d'Asture,
which is not considered to be defensible, lying low, and subject to
the shot of artillery. Brissac is recovering well, and is in the camp,
whereat they much rejoice. Is informed by the Constable that
the King has 40,000 soldiers in Piedmont. At the feast the King
chose Signor Ludovico Birago to be of the Order, for the good
service he has often done, especially of late at Sianttyan. About
1,000 nobles and gentlemen have gone to Piedmont for the battle;
among them the Vidâme of Chartres. To-day the King leaves
for the frontiers, accompanied by the Dauphin, who shall this journey
begin to wear harness, at least mail, and some other light gear
meet for him to wear; he shall have his own band waiting for him,
whereof he rejoices not a little. The pretence for his Majesty going
is, that he may inspect the late fortifications on the frontiers, at
Guise, Maubertfontaine, La Capelle, St. Quentin, &c. He will
return in 15 or 16 days, and the Ambassadors are required to
remain here, although the Queen goes to St. Germain to see her
daughter, Madame Marguerite, whom she left there sick. [Two
pages.] |
[October, about the beginning.]
[La Ferté Milon ?] |
419. Dr. Wotton to —. M. de Lansac has returned in post
from Rome, and brings news that their Holy Father the Pope has
imprisoned Cardinal Santafiore, Signor Camillo Colonna, Ascanio
della Cornia, Don Bernardino de Mendoza, and others, and has
invaded and taken certain places of Signor Marc Antonio Colonna,
son to Vespasiano, whom he will deprive of all the rest of his estate
near Rome as fast as he can. It is thought here that all these
prisoners shall die. The pretence for this is a conspiracy against
the Pope's life; but other things are laid to their charge, such as
the conveying away of two gallies. The Cardinal is allied to the
Colonnas and the Vesinos, and is cousin-german to the Farneses.
Among the other prisoners is one of the Cardinal's Secretaries, who,
whether by torture, subornation, or of freewill, has confessed many
things of importance. It is also said, that under pretence of his
bull revoking alienation of Church lands, he demands already
certain places of the Duke of Florence. All this adds to the joy of
the French, who judge that these doings of the Pope will set all
Italy by the ears. On Michaelmas-day one Annibale Russillaro
[Rucillai] came to the Court from the Pope, and had immediately
secret audience, the Nuncio not being called to it. His errand is
not known, but next day the Cardinal of Lorraine was dispatched
to Rome in post; he will stay a day or two at Paris to prepare
himself, and with him, it is said, ride the Bishops of Orleans and
Bayonne. [One page. Decipher : the original lost.] |
Oct. 5.
Antwerp. |
420. Thomas Gresham to the Council. Arrived here on the
4th. Has prolonged payment with Tybolde Prewen to the 25th
inst., and with Andreas Lixshalls to the 1st of April next, according
to her Majesty's instructions. Since he left Antwerp the exchange
has fallen to 20s. 10d. to pay at usance, so that the Queen has
made a good bargain with the merchants-adventurers and staplers,
for they allow her 21s. for every pound to pay in London, at double
usance. [One page.] |
Oct. 8.
Brussels. |
421. Sir John Masone to Queen Mary. The great cloud, the end
whereof they for a time doubted, seems apparently very well
overblown. The Cardinal of Santafiore is set at liberty, on large
surety for his future appearance, and there is good hope that
Colonna shall shortly be restored to his estate again. The suspect
proceedings of the Pope's, which they feared would have exceeded
his jurisdiction, appear only to have been a desire to restore the
gallies, and to reduce the subjects of his see to convenient order.
Yet it is said, not without some reason, that his somewhat too
hasty and inopportune stirring has not a little hindered the affairs
of this Court, since divers companies have been stayed in several
places, from doubt of his meaning worse than has appeared, which
otherwise might have been employed in Piedmont, and perhaps
might have saved the loss and dishonour fallen not long since to
this Crown. The repairing of the Duke of Soma, the Prince of
Salerno, and other rebels of Naples to Rome, with the taking of
Sermoneta and other towns in the very entry of that kingdom,
bred a great suspicion of ill meaning that way; but the calming
of his Holiness in word and deed since then, and the restitution
of the two gallies, has removed much of that doubt. Had the
storm lasted, her Majesty's aid by letter to the helping thereof
might have been called upon. The German Diet is ended for the
present, being adjourned to Ratisbon, the 1st of March next. The
general peace of Germany has been concluded in it, but matters of
religion are not wholly agreed upon. Until the next meeting it
has been arranged (to which, nevertheless, the Emperor minds not
to subscribe) that all parties shall live according to the religion
accepted of by them, providing that it shall not be lawful for the
Protestants to profess their doctrine by preaching or otherwise in
any Catholic town. The marriage of Bishops, which has been
much demanded, is utterly refused; all other things, as contained
in the Confession of Augsburg, to be for the time tolerated where
they are already received. Also it is agreed that Marquis Albert
shall have a safe-conduct to appear at the next Diet in self-defence,
and, as he is deeply indebted, trustees are appointed to receive the
revenues of his estate and settle with his creditors. An aid to
the King of the Romans, in case the Turk shall invade Hungary
or any of his dominions, is also concluded. It is supposed that
the Turk's navy has sailed for the Levant, although no certain
intelligence of its having passed the Pharos of Messina has been
received. On the 3d, notice was given to his household that the
Emperor does not intend to take with him into Spain any of the
people of this country; and such Spaniards as desire to return
were ordered to give in their names in writing within three days.
The Emperor is so determined on going to Spain, that they have
little thanks who in any way attempt to dissuade him or insinuate
doubts of his going. If there is no alteration of his plans, he and
King Philip leave for Bruges about the 22d. The English merchants have obtained permission to keep their fairs at Berghes
[Bergen], and other privileges by favour of King Philip, whose
prudent government, affability, wisdom, gravity, readiness to receive due counsel, and dislike of flatterers,—the pestilence of all
Princes,—cause him to be held in high estimation by the people.
M. de Vaudemont is expected here to-morrow; but whether his
coming be to take leave of the Emperor, to welcome his Majesty,
or in connexion with an overture of peace, is known to few or
any. M. de Praet is departed to Almighty God, in whom his
Majesty has no mean loss, being by his great wisdom and experience
grown to the estimation of a worthy councillor. |
|
P.S.—Yesterday it had been suggested to his Majesty to celebrate
the Order of the Toison [d'Or]; but he answered that though it
would be well to do so, he feared it should hinder the time of his
going to England, whereby all men think he will make all the speed
he possibly can to see her Majesty again. [Three pages.] |
Oct. 14.
Brussels. |
422. Sir John Masone to the Council. On receipt of their letter
of the 7th, concerning certain forgers of money retired to Bruges or
thereabouts, had spoken with his Majesty, who being now upon the
point of receiving the whole order of these states into his hands has
required him to forbear four or five days, and then to remind him of
the matter; by which time he will be in a position to accomplish
their desire. Touching the safe conduct for the saltpetre and
harness had, after communicating with his Majesty, seen the Queen
on the subject. She had questioned whether the whole quantity of
these wares were purchased for her Majesty's use; but he had
verified her Majesty's letter by producing that from the Council.
Yesterday the King talked with him about it; would first read the
names of such as had subscribed the letter, and then have its
contents declared to him in Spanish. At last he desired the proportion required to be delivered in writing to his Secretary.
Wherefore thinks in convenient time the safe-conduct will be made
accordingly. To-morrow the assembly of the States commences;
they will probably sit four or five days. Requests they will consider his great and long lack and give order for the payment of his
diets. Such of their Lordships as have been lately here are able
very well to declare what it is to live here with a public countenance. [One page and a half.] |
Oct. 16.
Lubeck. |
423. The Magistrates of the Hanse Towns to Queen Mary. Credentials of Henry Suderman and Herman Apollonius, sent on
business of the Confederation. [Latin. Broadside. On vellum.] |
Oct. 20.
Brussels. |
424. Sir John Masone to the Council. Has received their letter
of the 15th, and the lewd book therein inclosed. Shall speedily
take such order in the same as appointed. This book and sundry
others of the same mould were brought to Antwerp at the time
when some of their Lordships were at Calais about the treaty of
peace: he then sent a man of his to inquire of the matter, and on
his return caused the thing to be declared to the Emperor, who
ordered a privy search in Antwerp with no great effect. Had
signified this to them at the time, and since then had heard no more
of it. The Duke of Cleves has been here to take leave of the
Emperor and welcome the King: he has returned somewhat sooner
for that he must meet certain Princes at Bacharath on 1st November,
for the ending of a quarrel which has long depended between the
Landgrave of Hesse and the Prince of Orange in the right of the
house of Nassau. It is thought most certainly that next Thursday
the renunciation, so often deferred from day to day, shall be put in
execution. [One page.] |
Oct. 23.
La Ferté Milon. |
425. Dr. Wotton to same. The King has at length taken upon
him to pay for the goods lost by the merchants of Southampton in
the Angel of Wismar, and has assigned his Tresorier de l'Espargne
to pay them 21,600l. Tournois, or thereby; the whole payable in one
year by quarterly instalments. Sends copy of the assignation. The
King has returned to Villers-Cote-Retz, where he intends to keep
the feast of All Saints, and thereafter to go to Blois; but he makes
such a circuit from place to place, that it is thought it will be a
month ere he reaches that place. The Italians here have heard that
Alva having well fortified Pont d'Asture and left 3,000 men there,
the French did not meddle with it, but went to Mont Calvi, the
town of which they took, but not the rock or castle yet; and they
think that it lies equally well for Pont d'Asture, as the latter does
for Casale, to annoy the French and impede their supplies of provision. Also that the Pope has liberated Cardinal Santafiore,
who, with his friends, is bound in a large sum not to leave Rome
without permission. The Pope causes the Duke of Urbino to go to
Rome with his men: different causes assigned for his pretence
against Sig. Marc Antonio Colonna. If the Cardinals would release
him of his promise, the Pope would have made six or seven Cardinals; of whom two, Rengier and Soto, wait upon the King.
Another is Picart, a doctor of the Sorbonne and a great preacher.
The Cardinals of Lorraine and Tournon are appointed to embark at
Marseilles, with six or seven gallies, for Rome. Has received two
letters from Richard Bunny, one to the Council, the other to himself, which he incloses (that to the Council missing). Has no
acquaintance with the man, but is told that he much repents his
folly in leaving England without licence. Desires to have the
Queen's pleasure on his suit. [Two pages.] Incloses, |
|
425. I. "Copy of the French King's assignation for the merchants of the Angel of Wismar," directed to John de
Baillon, Treasurer of his exchequer, 29 September, 1555.
[French. Seven pages.] |
|
425. II. Letter from Richard Bunny to Dr. Wotton. Knows that
the finishing of his days draws nigh. His sadly reduced circumstances. Thanks God that in his time of
trouble he has learned a good lesson of " the holy man
St. Job," when he says "Dominus dedit, Dominus
abstulit." Only left England after his strait imprisonment, troubles, and losses, for fear of being further
punished and troubled, as he was led to believe he should.
Professes his loyalty and patriotism; exhibits much
home sickness. Paris, 25 September 1555. [Two pages.] |
Oct. 24.
Dampmartin. |
426. Dr. Wotton to Queen Mary. On the 16th received her letter
of the 7th inst. The King being then at Fere en Tartenois, eight or
nine leagues from Villers-Cote-Retz, to which he was not expected
to return till the 18th, he had not sought audience. Hears that the
French have intercepted various letters; some in Brittany coming
from the Princess Regent of Spain to her brother King Philip,
stating among other things that by no means can one penny be got
there; others since from the Duke of Alva to the Duke of Florence,
mentioning that for lack of money the affairs of his charge stand in
very ill case, so that if the French venture into the Duchy of
Milan he will be unable to prevent their recovering a great part of
it. Also a number of letters which the Portuguese Ambassador here
used to convey between the Emperor and King Philip, by which all
their secrets are discovered. The first knowledge they had of the
King going now to the Emperor was by an intercepted letter from
him to a Lord of Spain named Vargues. Their joy at the news of
the Emperor resigning his dominions and returning to Spain is
excessive, considering him henceforth to be, what for five or six
years they have gaped for, a dead man: and they believe him and
the King to be in such want of money that they can do nothing of
importance. The Duke has gone as General to Picardy, where there
will be at the least 8,000 foot and 4,000 horse. The Cardinal of
Lorraine it was supposed would embark about the 18th inst., taking
with him out of Corsica soldiers to Rome for the assistance of the
Pope and them of Montalcino, from whom two gentlemen came
here to the Court last Sunday. The King arrived at Villers-CoteRetz on the 19th. Had audience of him on Tuesday and delivered
her Majesty's request for a safe-conduct to certain gentlemen, which
was granted with great frankness and show of much regard for the
Queen. The King told him the story of the counterfeited
Mustapha, and that if he could have got into Constantinople before
the Grand Seignior he probably would either have slain him or
driven him out of all his countries; remarking on so small a thing
hangs the state of so mighty a Prince. Dined thereafter with the
Constable. Shortly after the departure of the Cardinal of Lorraine,
the King dispatched in post the Ambassador of Ferrara to his
master; for what purpose he knows not. [Four pages. Partly in
cipher, deciphered.] |
| Oct. 26. |
427. Queen Mary to Sir John Masone. Sends herewith letter to
the Emperor for his revocation, and others to the Queens Dowager
of France and Hungary, the contents of which he will perceive by
the accompanying copies. He will first signify the receipt of these
to King Philip, and at his appointment deliver the same. After
taking leave of the Emperor, he is to give attendance upon King
Philip during his good pleasure. [Draft. Autograph of Petre.
One page.] |
Oct. 27.
Brussels. |
428. Sir John Masone to Sir William Petre. On Friday the
25th inst. the cession of all these estates was made to King Philip
in such sort as by the order thereof confusedly gathered by him
shall be perceived by the inclosed. The speeches being grave and
of great length has only written the points of them so as to show
rather the manner of the proceeding than the very thing itself,
which could undoubtedly of no side be commended. It is said the
whole will shortly be printed, when Petre will see that of which he
sends now only an unorderly draft without any kind of colour.
Next day the King gave his oath to each several estate and took of
them their oaths and homages. He is now therefore absolute
Seigneur of all the Low Countries, and before the week is out will
be the like of Spain and Sicily. The people are marvellously
content with him, and such is his affability and wisdom in his
resolutions that every man has a wonderful opinion of him. The
Brabanters allege an old privilege preventing any stranger from
being their Governor, but Masone thinks the Duke of Savoy is so
nearly of the blood-royal that he will be proved to be no stranger, and
so their privilege will be declared to have such a meaning as they
never thought of. Archduke Ferdinand arrived the other day with
60 horses in post. The King met him at the town's end, brought
him to the Emperor and afterwards took him to his lodging
in the Court. To-day he fetched him to church, and after mass
they went together to dine with the Queen [Regent]; the French
Queen, her Majesty, the King, the Archduke, and the Duchess of
Lorraine sitting at one table. Petre will receive hereby advices
from Rome, which Masone had no cipher to translate, by which he
will see that things there do not mend. As to his own case, he has
so often written that he will now see what will drop out of heaven.
If he have no relief shortly he trusts the King will give him leave
to go home. [Two pages.] Incloses, |
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428. I. "The order of the cession of the Low Countries." [Six
pages. Printed nearly verbatim by Robertson.] |
|
Copy of preceding in modern handwriting. [Five pages and a
half.] |
Oct. 27.
Antwerp. |
429. Thomas Gresham to Queen Mary. Has received, towards
payment of her debts, from the merchant adventurers 12,000l.;
trusts to receive the rest very shortly for the accomplishment of her
payment of 38,085l., which royal and great payment he assures her
is not a little spoken of here and through all Christendom to her
and the Council's great honour and credit for ever. Sends by John
Sprytewell her Majesty's and the City's bonds due to Tybold
Prewen on the 1st inst., with those due to Andreas Lixshall and
Thomas Flechemore on the 20th, trusting on receipt of the rest of
the money of her merchants to send home the rest of her bonds
shortly. Reminds her of the 131l. land that it has pleased her to
give him towards the augmenting of his living. [One page and a
quarter. Indorsed by Petre.] |
Oct. 27.
Antwerp. |
430. Same to the Council. Between the 20th and 25th insts.,
has received of the merchants adventurers about 12,000l. In this
they have done the Queen a great service, money being so scarce,
and the payments of the mart not commencing before the 20th
November. Hopes they will keep promise for the rest of the sum.
The Mayor and Company of the Merchants Staplers have given
order for payment of 12,000l. instead of 13,000l., as taken by the
Queen and Council. Begs them forthwith to take order with them
for the former sum, for he has promised to her Majesty's creditors,
according to his instructions, the payment of 38,085l. and he will not
be able to accomplish it without further orders from the Council.
This is a matter must needs be done, and by the staplers, for they
are best able to do it, considering the charge of 25,000l. on the
adventurers, which is a great burden for them, all their substance
being laid out upon English commodities. Sends by Sprytewell the
Queen's and the City's bonds due 1st October, to Tybold Prewen,
which he prolonged to the 20th inst., and an obligation of Andreas
Lixshalls and Thomas Flechemore, trusting to send her other
obligations on receipt of the rest of her money. Begs them to
recommend the Queen to give Sprytewell the reversion of the
postage at Calais, as he hath done her Highness good service under
him. He is a very fit man for the place, for he can speak all kind
of languages and is a Calaisian born, very painful and trustworthy.
Has had trial of him for five years. Has got for him the good
will of Sir John Masone, who is master of all the Queen's posts
in England. [One page and a quarter. Indorsed by Petre.] |
Oct. 28.
Calais. |
431. Lord Wentworth and the Council at Calais to Queen Mary.
On the 24th received her Majesty's letter of the 14th touching the
victualling of this town and marches for next year, but are unable
to give a resolute answer thereto until they have further conference
with the Mayor and the Fellowship of the Staple, as the matter
affects the whole estate of the town and country generally.
Meanwhile, beseech that the ports may be kept open for their better
relief, as they foresee a greater scarcity than any heretofore noted;
for they have seen of the grain this year inned, so much impaired
through the unseasonableness of weather and abundance of water,
that there is small hope to save the one half of it. Wherefore they
must sue her Majesty for liberty of free access to all victuallers
coming hither. Finding on further debate, great difficulty to
accomplish the device in her Majesty's letter, request that one of
them may be permitted to wait upon her or the Council thereon.
Entreat that payment may be made to the poor garrison and
labourers, who undoubtedly were never in more misery. [One page.
Indorsed by Petre.] |
Oct. 28.
Brussels. |
432. Sir John Masone to Sir William Petre. By his letters of
the 27th inst. signified to him the order of the renunciation made on
Friday last. On sending this morning to the post found his packet
still there; thought good, having occasion by reason of sending the
King's letters inclosed, to write three or four lines more. Yesternight in the evening the Duke of Savoy was declared to the nobility
assembled for that purpose Lieutenant of the Low Countries in
the absence of the King. He has 25,000 crowns a year for the
maintenance of his dignity. The name of Governor is not given to
him on account of a scruple arising upon the allegation of certain
privileges. The one name imports as much as the other, saving that
in the time of the King being on this side he shall not meddle. The
Archduke's going into Spain is stayed, and it is thought he will
shortly return again to his father for affairs of the Empire. The
letter inclosed to the Lord Chancellor from the King is written on
behalf of two monks of the Charterhouse, who have been in this
Court and petitioned the King for a place of resort, liberty to begin
again that religion in the kingdom, and payment of their pensions,
for which they say the Queen signed a bill two years since. The
King's answer touching the place, has been that during the Parliament it is no time to speak of it, but that ended, he would write
about it to her Majesty, and on his return shortly would help them
as best he could. He would write touching the pensions out of
hand and send his letter to Masone to be sent to England. He
thus sent them back to Bruges, where their resting place is for the
time. This morning he sent Masone the letter for Petre, to be sent
by him to the Lord Chancellor. Begs that the other inclosure may
be given by one of Petre's men to John Bernardine; it was
recommended to him by a gentleman of the King of Poland in this
Court. [One page and a quarter. Indorsed by Petre.] |
| [Oct.] |
433. Note of the prolongation of the sum of 25,390l. 18s. 4d., for
six months, with the names of those to whom her Majesty's bonds
must be made. [Two pages.] |
