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Dec. 17.
Brussels. |
441. Sir John Masone to the Council. Lately communicated what
had passed between the King and himself touching the navigation
to the Guineas. This day the King informed him that by reason
of his having written not so resolutely as his Majesty had done,
some doubt had arisen in the Council. He therefore signifies to
them that the King thinks, and then thought, that the navigation
in question ought not to be permitted, as it is the region plainly
known to be in the occupation of the King of Portugal. This
being so, and yet the King being desirous to help the English
merchants as much as possible in reason, he would travail that the
King of Portugal should take the merchandise by them provided
at reasonable prices. Did not at the time understand this to be
settled; has since perceived it to be otherwise. The King's gentle
and courteous talk, and his declaration of his displeasure that the
merchants should be hindered, caused Masone to mistake his
meaning somewhat, and made him write less peremptorily than he
now perceives the King wished him to have written then, and
wishes him to write now; and that is that the said navigation
cannot be continued without injury; wherefore the King takes
the condition offered to the merchants to be the best way to save
them from harm, which he thought the Council and the merchants
would like accordingly, and touching which he wishes to hear.
Excuses his misinterpretation of the King's meaning. The Cardinals of Lorraine and Tournon are at Rome, and lodged in the
palace. The Pope has declared plainly since their arrival that their
coming is not for continuance of the war; the truth being that
they have offered him in their master's name all the assistance he
shall require, even to the employing of his own person. He has
said the chief cause of their coming is to pray him to put his
helping hand to a peace; and if he had a third part of the power
given him by the Imperialists for the maintaining of it that he
has of the French, he does not doubt he would bring the matter to
a good end shortly. When they see cause to believe his good
meaning in this, they will be glad in the Court here. Yet while
he does not reduce the forces which he assembled on the pretext of
his fear of Don Bernardino di Mendoça, who has retired, but
daily increases them, they cannot but think he means unhappily.
The Cardinal of Lorraine has brought with him 15,000 crowns by
the year of spiritual promotions, to be employed by the consent of
the Cardinal of Ferrara among deserving persons. Cardinal Caraffa
has accepted 5,000 crowns for his share. The Pope has given a
resolute answer to Marc Antonio Colonna that others exist who
have a better right to the estate he late enjoyed than he, and has
declared that he shall enjoy it no longer. The Duke of Urbino
has given up his place of Captain-General of the Church, and will
retire, it is thought, to serve Venice, which he has served before.
It is thought the Count of Montorio will have his place; and there
is a voice, without any great ground, that the Count will be sent
to the Emperor and the King to treat for peace, and that Cardinal
Caraffa will go to France for the same purpose. The Cardinal of
Burgos entered Sienna on the 30th Nov. with 60,000 crowns, taken
in exchange in florins upon his own credit. The news of the loss of
four gallies of Malta are confirmed; the bodies have been recovered,
but the ordnance and the rest are lost. The Turks continue
their burning and spoiling in Hungary, and have made roads
within 16 miles of Vienna. The King hangs still for the return
of Francisco, whose delay has made him break his appointment to
Antwerp three or four days. [Four pages.] |
Dec. 23.
Layton. |
442. Thomas Gresham to Queen Mary. At his last interview
with her Majesty she commanded him to confer with the Bishop of
Ely, Lord Paget, and Sir Wm. Petre touching her debts beyond seas.
As it was dark night when he left her, did not like to trouble
them then, thinking he should be able to do her commission next
day. Being visited with a hot burning ague, however, he was
unable to fulfil his intention. Sent, nevertheless, his factor John
Elliot to them to signify her pleasure; they were most ready to
accomplish it so far as they had her commission for it. The Bishop
of Ely said he should be absent four or five days and Lord Paget
also; so that by reason of his continual sickness he waited until
their arrival, or until he could come himself to have conferred
with them. Has not done so as yet. Has given them to understand what money of the 10,000l. he had received of her Majesty's
merchants. Has just received 3,000l., and has delivered by
exchange at 21s. 6d. the sum of 2,000l. On the 21st inst. the
Lord Treasurer sent to him to say that he had taken upon him to
confer with Gresham to pay all her Majesty's debts. and that he
had come to London to give order for the payment of 5,000l.
towards the 10,453l. 6s. 8d. due to Alex. [sic] Bonvisi the 25th
Jan. next. As her Majesty had commanded him to confer with
other of the Council, thinks it his duty to inform her of the
premises. Begs to know her further pleasure in the matter. [Two
pages. Printed by Burgon, Vol. i., p. 182.] |
Dec. 28.
Rome. |
443. Pope Paul IV. to Francisco Bolognetto. Appointing him
one of the Forty Reformators of Bologna in room of Louis
Lambertini, deceased, at the request of Queen Mary. [Latin.
Broadside on vellum.] |
Dec. 29.
Augsburg. |
444. Edward, Earl of Devonshire, to Mr. Harman Ryngk.
Having now arrived in Augsburg, has followed his advice in
choosing a new guide, and sends back the bearer, whom he
has found very honest, painful, and diligent. Had received his
stuff at Mentz, and found Smonde Isenheubt who did him much
pleasure there by occasion of Ryngk's letter, for which, and for
the gentleness and friendship found at his hands when at Cologne
he most heartily thanks him. The plague is raging at Venice.
[Half a page.] |
Dec. 31.
Brussels. |
445. Christiana, Duchess of Lorraine, to Queen Mary. Recommends for employment the bearer, William Liche, who was
born a subject of her father the King [of Denmark], and had for
many years been in the service of Henry VIII. and Edward VI.
[French. Two pages.] |
