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Sept. 4.
Mantua. |
528. Margaret, Duchess Dowager of Mantua, to same. Takes the
opportunity of the visit of her son's Ambassador, to offer her respects
to her Majesty. [Italian. Half a page.] |
Sept. 5.
Rome. |
529. Intelligence from Rome. 1. On 25th Aug. the Duke of
Alva went out of Naples to go to Gaeta, commanding 25 pieces of
artillery to be placed at the arch of San Germano where the
assembly is; 20 ensigns of foot close to the bridge of Como; 20
ensigns of foot and horse on the confines, and 38 gallies to Spezzia
to levy some companies of Spaniards and Austrians and transport
them into the kingdom. A spy whom he sent to take the plan of
Fossinone was recognized and captured, and Giulio Orsini had the
fortifications shown to him and permitted him to return to the
Duke and tell what he had seen. There are 10,000 foot here; the
fortification of Borgo is finished and that of Rome diligently looked
to. Anagni, Fossinone, Paliano, Veletri, and Tivoli are provided
with good forts. Cardinal Caraffa is expected to-morrow with
2,000 Gascons, with Strozzi, Lansac, Monluc and many French
gentlemen who will mount horse here. It is said that the Cardinal
is well furnished by the King with 100,000 crowns ready money,
300,000 more having been remitted to Venice; and that the King
is unwilling to abandon the Pope and this see, wherefore at his
arrival it will be known if there is to be peace or war. Cardinal
St. Jacomo does not fail to oppose valiantly his Holiness and
seek to procure peace, seeing that the war and the troubles
make neither for the Pope nor the Emperor. Duke Octavio has
summoned here a seigniory to give account of the convention
(accordo) to the Pope and to demand the placet, but he has not yet
had it. It is understood that his Holiness is not very well pleased
with this accordo, the Duke having acted in it without his licence
or knowledge; and he said to Cardinal St. Angelo on Sunday he
would endeavour to walk in the right way, that he would manage
it like a son and would not embroil himself with his brothers. And
he has said in private that Piacenza was the occasion of the death
of Pier Luigi, that Parma would cause Pope Paul to die of grief, and
that Parma and Piacenza will be the ruin of the house of Farnese.
Two companies of horse of Duke Octavio and one of Count Cæsar
Raspone entered Rome yesterday. |
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2. As he wrote, news arrived by the last courier of the truth of
the matter of the Farnese, as communicated by the secretaries of
the Duke, and the Cardinal Farnese; and Cardinal St. Angelo the
following day was with his Holiness excusing himself for not
having known it, and was graciously received by the Pope, who
nevertheless said to him that he should take care not to have himself mixed up with it. Another time he said many strong and
significant words against them; and it was said that he had sent
troops to Castro. In truth the matter is thus undecided. It
was said that the Count of Santafiore also had been to Castro by
command of the Duke of Florence; if he has been, it was to see the
place. Thus it is supposed the management of the "accordo" may
be matter of greater speculation. Signor Pietro da l'Offredo, who
came in the name of the Duke of Alva with a letter to his Holiness
and another to the College, will leave to night, with little resolved,
and perhaps also little satisfied in any part. It is understood that
the Imperialists are already in the field, and so much in advance
that they are already at the frontiers with 15,000 infantry, and
3,000 cavalry; some of them have reached a place called Ponte
Corvo, and others the neighbourhood of Tagliacozzo, and Domenico
di Massimi, who is among the number and has a company, has not
been useless hitherto; he has advanced and made great booty of
cattle, the larger portion belonging to his own father, but he has
nevertheless not spared that of others. Thus matters keep on the
point of breaking, and if not already broken, "pensate quel che gli
manchi." Here in Rome are in all 20,000 infantry and 800 horse,
which the other day were joined by 100 from Mirandola, and
yesterday evening came in the 2,000 infantry of the state of Urbino
with 100 horse under Signor Aurelio Fregoso. It is two days since
captains for 6,000 infantry were sent off, and though matters are
come to such close terms, these speculators will have it that war
cannot take place, so disadvantageous does it appear to them for
both sides. Nothing is wanting in the fortifications of the city.
The intendants have discovered that the Castle of St. Angelo is a
very feeble fortress; they have therefore made certain provision of
other counter-forts so that there shall be another castle, and they
can thus defend the former securely. It is a fine and necessary
undertaking. It follows they will make safe the Borgo Lauarandosi
without sparing men or expense. In the rest of the States of the
Church works are being carried on. Yesterday it was resolved to
level the nunnery of San Sisto, within the gate of San Sebastiano.
The Neapolitans have been most strictly commanded by the Duke
of Alva to return into the kingdom; all obey and are departing.
Thirty-four Imperial gallies were seen to pass the sea at a
distance; these are said to be going to Genoa to take up Prince
Doria, and help Orano in Africa, which is besieged by Dragut.
And by this, it being certain that Cardinal Caraffa had reached
Corsica, they dispatched certain frigates to him of which he was
apprized. He is expected daily and hourly, and already they have
ordered the cavalry to Ostia and some companies. The Bishop of
Pola arrived yesterday; he came by land. Yesterday there was a
Consistory, and the Pope spoke strongly against the Duke of Alva:
among other things, said, that as he never knew any valorous
enterprise done by him as a commander, he had no need to fear in
the least what forces he might have; and abused him heartily. His
Holiness, not content with what he said against the Duke of Alva,
wished the Emperor and his son also to have their share, even
worse than infidels. He lamented much over some Cardinals who
were appointed to negotiate some settlement at the coming of the
Count di San Valentino, Il Decano, Morone, Carpi, and Saraceno,
who had acted negligently and determined nothing; these, he said,
showed little affection to the Holy See. He added that he gave
licence to all to speak freely; so that Pacheco and St. Jacomo
have taken heart at this and decided to go to-day to him with the
intention of making a final attempt. The Pope has ordered a
Congregation to be called on one of these days, and freedom of
speech is permitted. Should means of peace be found, it will be seen
if Cardinals are made quickly and in numbers. [Italian. Five
pages.] |
Sept. 7.
Padua. |
530. Peter Vannes to Sir William Petre. Though on Saturday
last, the 5th inst., he advertised the Lords of the Council of the
small occurrences known here, yet having now the opportunity of
an extraordinary courier dispatched by the Emperor's Ambassador, writes a few lines, inclosing a copy of the Duke of Alva's
letter to the Pope, although he supposes it has come to Petre's
hand long ago. This day arrived a gentleman from the Emperor
and the Duke of Alva to the Seigniory, with a letter from the
Emperor, and from thence to divers other Princes and Potentates
of Italy, for the entertaining of friendship, to declare divers
great injuries, wrongs, and contumelies of the Pope against the
Emperor and the King, and to prove to the world that the
mischief happening in Christendom will proceed only from the
Pope's misbehaviour towards them, who are thereby provoked by
all means (no other remedy being possible) to uphold and defend
all their possessions, having delayed to do this for reverence sake
and hope of amendment, and all in vain. Learns from the
Emperor's Ambassador that the Duke of Alva is moving from
Naples to Gaeta along the sea for expedition, and thence to the
camp, where it is supposed that he is now arrived. The camp
contains very nearly the number of horse and foot, captains, and
artillery, that Vannes has formerly written, besides 2,000 Spaniards
coming from Milan, and 5,000 landsknechts out of Germany. This
company once united and the Duke of Florence on the other side,
it is not likely that all these preparations will be dissolved in
vain. The agreement of Duke Octavio with the King being well
embraced and lovingly nourished, is reckoned by wise men likely
to serve the King in many respects and to prove a bulwark on
that side to the Duchy of Milan. It will ensue from this that
the Duke of Ferrara, who would have been appointed General
Captain in Italy of the French King and the Pope, having to
disburse on sureties, pledges, and assignments, as well on the
French King's side as on the Pope's, with Cervia and Ravenna,
about 900,000 crowns towards the war of Tuscany, Romagna,
or elsewhere, being in hope to get, by the French King's means,
Parma out of the hands of Duke Octavio with the Duchy of
Borbonie [Bourbon] in recompence, will, if he keep to the truth,
being much disappointed by this agreement, more advisedly look
upon himself before he disburses so great a sum of ready money or
takes such an enterprise in hand. Some think that the Pope and
the French King would be content, partly with fair words and
partly with brave demonstrations, to entertain the Imperialists
until the beginning of next year, in order, meanwhile, the better to
fortify and furnish their towns and leave as much money as they
could, expecting, by that time, to be the stronger by the coming
of the Turk's gallies for the French King's help. [Three pages.
Indorsed by Petre.] Inclosing, |
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530. I. Copy letter from the Duke of Alva to the Pope. Naples,
21st August 1556. Has received the brief brought him
by Domenico del Nero, and heard from him that which on
the part of his Holiness he said by word of mouth, which
in effect was intended to justify the aggravations against
the Emperor, which the Duke commanded to be represented
to his Holiness by Count St. Valentino. Since the reply
is insufficient to excuse the facts, it has not appeared necessary to him to make any further answer, especially as
since then the Pope has been doing things more prejudicial and which clearly show his will and intention,
and why he wishes the Duke to lay down his arms without
any offer of security on his own part for the possessions
of the Emperor, which is the only reason that could be
offered. It has appeared to the Duke that it would be best
to send with this letter Pietro da L'Offredo, a Neapolitan
gentleman, to lay before the Pope what the Duke has given
him to understand by other letters, namely, that the
Emperor and King Philip, the true defenders of the
Apostolic See, up to the present time have supported and
ignored many offences of the Pope, who from the commencement of his pontificate has oppressed, persecuted,
imprisoned, and deprived the servants and friends of the
Emperor, and having since solicited and importuned
Princes and Potentates of Christendom to enter into a
league with him to the injury of the states, lordships, and
kingdoms of their Majesties, causing their couriers to be
robbed, taking and opening the packets of their servants,
a thing which is only accustomed to be done to an enemy.
The Pope has further favoured and advanced delinquents
and rebels against their Majesties, putting them in positions wherein they are able to cause disturbances in their
states and kingdoms. Further, the Pope has introduced
foreigners into the States of the Church, which gives rise
to the conjecture that he has the intention of occupying
this kingdom; and this is confirmed by the fact that he has
raised foot and horse, and sent a good part of them to the
confines. He has had imprisoned and cruelly tormented
Giovan. Anto. de Tassis, master of the post, depriving him
of the office that their Majesties and their predecessors
have always been accustomed to hold in Rome; he
has also imprisoned Garcilasso della Vega, a subject of
the Emperor, envoy to him. He has held language
publicly on many occasions to the prejudice of their
Majesties, such as is by no means consistent with
decorum or the fatherly love of the Supreme Pontiff.
All this and more their Majesties have tolerated
rather for respect to the Holy See and the public good
than from any other reason, hoping that the Pope would
recollect himself and take a better path than, for
the sake of aggrandizing his own relatives, to disturb
the peace of Christendom and the Holy See, especially as in these times so full of heresies and dangerous opinions it would be more proper to try to
eradicate them than to offend their Majesties without any
cause. But seeing that the matter proceeds so rapidly,
and that the Pope has permitted the Procurator and Fiscal
Advocate of the Holy See in his presence to make a most
unjust and rash demand that his kingdom should be
taken from the King, the Duke's master, himself agreeing
to and confirming it, and remarking that he would bide
his time, and seeing that in the admonition writ issued
against Ascanio della Cornia he calls the Emperor an
enemy of the Holy See, and has publicly used very shameful expressions against their Majesties, to the Count de
S. Valentino, clearly showing his dissatisfaction with
the truce concluded, so useful and necessary to all Christendom, and that he is not contented with advancing his
relatives with the good will of the Emperor, as proved
before his elevation, when in the time of the reports from
Naples he did not fail to advise Paul III. to invade the
kingdom and persuaded him not to lose the opportunity:
now matters being as they are, and it being clear
that nothing can be looked for but the loss of the character,
states, and kingdoms of the Emperor, and the Pope
having reduced him to such extremity, that if the most
obedient son were so oppressed by his father he could not
but defend himself, the Duke being unable to fail in the
obligation laid upon him as minister of his master of
states in Italy will be forced to provide for their defence,
depriving the Pope of the power of annoying them in the
best manner he can; and being desirous of the quiet of
Christendom and the peace of Italy, and by reason of the
reverence which he knows their Majesties have towards
the Holy See, he for the last time supplicates the Pope to
consider the infinite troubles and scourges with which it
has pleased God to afflict Christianity, the innumerable
miseries arising out of war, and like a good pastor to lay
aside his hatred, and the thought of annoying their Majesties and their possessions, and receive with affection
the King, his master, who, following in the steps of his
father, has always offered, and now again offers, his person
and his entire force to the service of the Holy See; and,
God having granted the remedy of the truce, not to disturb the benefit vouchsafed to Christendom, but give
security to the Emperor neither to offend nor cause him
to be offended in his possessions, his Majesty not pretending to any interest from the Pope nor demanding an
atom of the Holy See, both their Majesties solely desiring to
be in safety. Declares that if the Pope will not without
delay agree to do all that is here asked, the Duke will
undertake the defence of the Emperor, and all the consequent misery will be upon the soul and conscience of his
Holiness. Shall take it as a great favour if the Pope will
communicate the whole contents of this letter to the Sacred
College. Hopes for a favourable result, in which case
all will obey his Holiness. [Italian. Six pages.] |
Sept. 8.
Sienna. |
531. The Abbess and Nuns of the Benedictine Order of All
Saints of Sienna to Queen Mary. Declare the bad condition of the
city by reason of the wars. For a whole year their community,
consisting of 100 persons, have subsisted on the charity of the
Cardinal of Burgos. Their convent, which was situated without
the walls of the city, had, for fear of its being occupied by the
enemy, been levelled to the ground, entailing a loss of more than
15,000 crowns, and all their substance. A small and unhealthy
temporary abode in the city had been provided for them by
Cardinal Mignanelli; but they have no means of their own, and
the public necessities will not admit of their receiving any
compensation, for building another convent. They therefore
implore her Majesty's assistance. [Italian. Two pages and a
quarter.] |
Sept. 12.
Padua. |
532. Peter Vannes to Sir William Petre. Commences his letter
with a copy of that from the Duke of Alva to the Pope, inclosed
in the previous one to Petre of 7th September, and adds as a
postscript:— |
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By a courier dispatched from Rome to the Seigniory here understands that the war is broken or at the point of breaking, and that
Signor Ascanio Della Cornia and other captains have already entered
the States of the Church and disparcled certain of the Pope's men
and taken the captain prisoner, as well as divers of the men.
Thinks that within two days he shall have too many things to
write of in this matter. The Pope, as occasion serves, openly and
secretly speaks of the Emperor and the King "cum tanta indignitate that ego horresco referens" and remits the rehearsal to the
Queen's and King's ministers and agents, to whom all these things
and many more are not unknown. Gertain other captains of the
Imperialists have watched for the most part of the cattle of Rome,
to the number of 6,000, on their way home, which were wont to
be fed in the mountains of Abrucho [Abruzzi] all the summer, and
in the winter to be turned into the country of Rome, and taken
them to their use. The beginning of this war is easy to be conjectured; prays God to send a short and good end. The Duke of
Alva has sent a letter of justification like to the above to the
College of Cardinals and all the world. [Six pages.] |
Sept. 12.
Rome. |
533. Intelligence from Rome. The Imperial forces have entered
the States of the Church and penetrated as far as Anagni, defeating
some of the Papal troops, and have taken Trentacoste near
Camerino. To-day they are said to be battering Anagni; its
capture is doubtful. Those within the town have sent for Signor
Torquato Conte with 800 men, as the place is no better provided than
the others were. The enemy are said to number 12,000 to 15,000
infantry, some say 10,000; but there are about 6,000 Spaniards
and Ultramontanes, 1,000 horse, 500 men-at-arms, 20 pieces of heavy
artillery, pontoons, ladders, &c. With all these, they continually
assert their willingness to desist, provided that the Pope will assure
them that he will not injure the Emperor's possessions. Pompeo
Colonna, the son of Camillo, has taken the abbacy of Subiaco,
which belonged to his uncle, with about 600 men, and the Count
of Sarno, with about 100 horse, has come to Monte Fortino and sent
to the Pope to say that he has come to let his Holiness be aware
that the Duke of Alva desired to desist from the enterprise, provided
his Holiness would assure his King that he would not annoy him.
Thus matters stand. Of the 24,000 soldiers had in pay by the
Pope scarcely 10,000 remain, and everything is unprovided.
Monluc and Sig. Aurelio Fregoso went last night to Veletri,
wherefore does not know, unless it be to see how the troops there
are disposed, and if it be possible from that coast to push on
towards Fondi to make a diversion. The Count of Popoli is in
the Abruzzi with horse and foot. In Tuscany the 7,000 or 15,000
troops raised at the instance of the Duke of Alva are at Piombino,
awaiting the army. Those come from Lombardy are said to be
at Spezzia for embarkation, and the fleet to be gone thither to take
them up. For all this peace is sought to be made, and to-day there
was a report it had been concluded, because yesterday San Jacomo
with his Holiness and Pacheco with Caraffa were nearly at the
point, and because of the Duke of Alva's offer. Nothing by the
return of Caraffa is seen to induce a belief that the French are in
earnest, but in the opinion of all, rather to the contrary. Matters
do not proceed very favourably with Signor Camillo, who is nearly
deserted. If Anagni be taken, it may be said that the enemy are
at the gates of Rome. The Pope, desiring to secure Parma, has sent
thither Monsignor di Pola, and letters to the Duchess his mother
and the Keeper there to have it consigned. It is understood that
the Imperialists appoint governors to the places which they take,
with witnesses and notaries in name of the College. [Italian.
One page and a half.] |
Sept. 16.
Camp at Anagni. |
534. The Duke of Alva to Pope Paul IV. Takes the opportunity
of Fra Tomaso Manrique being here to beseech his Holiness will be
pleased to adopt some good measure for extinguishing the present
heats. Remains here for his reply to the propositions to be made.
Any error in his communication must be attributed to zeal in
the service of his master, and to no want of respect towards his
Holiness. [Italian. Copy. Half a page.] |
Sept. 16.
Camp at Anagni. |
535. Same to Cardinal Bellai. Has received with much pleasure
the Cardinal's letter of the 13th inst., which informs him that
that which he is doing might be a great displeasure to the Sacred
College, because it is his intention to serve it and do that which is
agreeable to it with all respect, as the King his master, whose
wish it is, has commanded him. Will inform them of the
intention with which he administers the oath, which the College
has lamented over with the Cardinal, to the end that if he does
not know how to regulate his actions in conformity with his
intention, the College may prescribe him the castigation which it
shall appear to them he merits, which he is most certain will be
administered with greater clemency than the punishment that
would be inflicted on him by his Majesty, when he learned that
the Duke had offended in any matter those whom his Majesty
holds in such respect. By what he has written to the Sacred
College and previously to the Pope, the Cardinal and the College
will have understood the causes of their arriving at the position in
which they now stand and the end for which he proceeded to take
the existing measures, which are to secure to his Majesty's states
exemption from attack and injury as long the Pope lives; wherefore
it is necessary to keep the lands that may be occupied under the
protection of his Majesty, with a firm determination that all shall be
restored to the Holy See as soon as these inconveniencies shall cease;
and knowing that if his Holiness should fail [or die] no consultation would be necessary with the King to make the restitution,
and in such case to the Sacred College or that which governs the
Church and to which obedience is due until the new creation of a
Pope, he has desired that from the present until that time this
fealty may be made, in order that without further directions
the lands so occupied may know what in such case they have to do,
and this distinctly, if they wish to secure it on the part of the King.
Is certain that the Cardinal and the College will see that the
servant of the King cannot err intentionally in the smallest matter
against the College, and although the matter may appear to them
otherwise, shall in all things so conduct himself, because he will
never fail in obedience and service to them, being certain that they
will never command him to do anything whereby the security
intended could be impeded, and he will not hesitate to beseech them
to sue the Pope to acknowledge the King for the good son he has
always been, and ever will be while his Holiness will consider him
such, whence will follow service to God, and quiet and increase to
the Apostolic See. [Copy. Italian. Two pages.] |
Sept. 17.
Rome. |
536. Sir Edward Carne to King Philip and Queen Mary. On
the 7th, Cardinal Caraffa arrived here from France, and brought
with him seven ensigns of Gascons, with whom also came Pietro
Strozzi, Mons. Monluc, Mons. Lansac, and the captain of the French
gallies. He is said to have brought a large sum of money from the
French King, and harness for 300 horsemen gravis armaturœ,
with saddles and all their furniture, except horses, which are to be
provided here. Thinks they will not be found here yet, since as
many of the Cardinal's horses as would serve have been taken for
that purpose. The Pope has very few horsemen. On the Cardinal's
arrival he described all the Pope's men of war, and found nothing
to the purpose. Where he was thought to have 22,000 he had
not 9,000, besides being so deficient in all necessaries for war
that all think he is unable to defend himself. On the 6th
news arrived that the Duke of Alva had invaded the lands of
the Church, and taken Ponte di Corvo and Frosilone. On this
the Pope summoned a congregation of the Cardinals, declaring
to them this invasion, and that matters had gone too far to
admit of further speaking of peace. The same evening he caused
to be apprehended Signor Pyrrho (sic) l'Offredo, who brought
the letters from the Duke of Alva to his Holiness and the
College, of which copies were sent with Carne's letter to her
Majesty of the 5th. L'Offredo is still a prisoner in Castle
St. Angelo. On the 8th the Marquis de Saria's secretary was
arrested and brought to Torre de Nova, and, he hears, was
compelled by force of torture to deliver to the Pope the cipher
which he used in writing to his Majesty: but he is now at
liberty. The Duke has taken Veroli, Separano, Banco, Frascati,
Palestrina, Zagarnolo, Alatri, and Anagni. The latter stood out
for some time; its captain, Signor Quadrato was sore wounded,
and the soldiers fled. The Duke's army is said to be not 20
miles hence; and if it comes here, as surely expected, will have
but small resistance, as the citizens mind not to defend the city.
The Pope draws his force to the Burgo, which is well fortified
and whither the people remove all their goods. To-day was a
congregation of all the Romans in the Capitol before Cardinal
Caraffa, who was there to know the citizens' mind. Hears that
they demanded of the Pope 8,000 men with provisions for them,
and they would undertake to defend the city. This the Cardinal
granted, but thereof, as he can learn, no man here has any hope.
With consent of the Pope the Cardinal de Sancto Jacobo sent
the Proctor-General of the Black Friars to the Duke of Alva
to have some good appointment. He returned last midnight, and
this morning the Cardinal informed Carne that he has good hope of
such appointment. Little resistance to speak of is made to the
Duke's army anywhere. For defence of the Burgo the Pope places
more reliance upon the Gascons than he does upon the Italians; so
there is like to be much misery unless God put it in the Pope's
head to come to some reasonable appointment, for he is said to be
marvellous stiff in his proceedings. As many of both sexes who
could, have fled from the town. Is desired by Cardinal Pacheco to
commend him most humbly to her Majesty. [Three pages.] |
Sept. 18.
Padua. |
537. Peter Vannes to Queen Mary. Being at Padua, for avoiding
the plague at present reigning in Venice, received letters from the
Council written by her command containing an account of the
prosperous successes vouchsafed to her over her enemies. When they
were received was at dinner with the Emperor's Ambassador and
divers other noblemen, and declared them with all the particularities
at length as they were written, and as he thought would stand
with her Majesty's honour. Sees by conferences with divers noblemen the gladness conceived by reason of her prosperous affairs.
The advertisements translated into Italian he will to-morrow send
to the Seigniory. The King's affairs at Naples begin to prosper;
all that is conquered by them is put in safety to the use of the
Church and government of the whole College of Cardinals. The
Pope's soldiers in the confines flee from their holds before they see
their enemies in the face; yet the Duke of Alva offers to withdraw
his army whenever the Pope will put him in assurance for the
King's realms, as by a bill inclosed, which he has no leisure to
translate into English, her Majesty will be more amply advertised.
The Earl of Devonshire died little more than an hour ago. He has,
for avoiding all kind of suspicion from himself, been leading a more
solitary life than needed, saving the company of certain Venetian
gentlemen, among whom he was made much of. About three
weeks ago, for his recreation, he happened to go to Lio, a piece of
an island six miles from Venice, to see his hawk fly upon a waste;
there he was suddenly overtaken by a great tempest of wind and
rain, so that he could not return to Venice by his gondola, but was
forced to take a searcher's boat, which had arrived there by chance,
and so got to Venice, "being body and legs very thinly clothed,
refusing to change them with any warmer garment." About five
days after, as he told Vannes, he had a fall on the stairs of his
house, but feeling well and suffering no pain, came hither. To
avoid the tediousness of the water and save horses he took the
worst way and came by "a certain waggons called coches, very
shaking and uneasy to my judgment," arriving on a Saturday night.
Hearing of his coming went to visit him next day and found him
very weak. After that he grew daily worse and worse, avoiding
friends' visitations as a speech molest to him, and drew himself to
the counsel of two of the best physicians here, and entered into a
continual great hot ague, some time more vehement than at another.
He was always diligently attended. Has charged his servants in
her Majesty's name to take a true inventory of the small moveables
he had, and especially that all writings or letters that he had here
or at Venice shall be put in assurance to await the royal commands.
Is about to see the order of his burial with as much sparing and as
much honour as can be done, for the merchants in whom, by her
Majesty's command, he had a credit of 3,000 or 4,000 crowns, are
not yet willing to disburse without a sufficient discharge of Lord
Devonshire's hand, the doing whereof is past. Will see him buried
as well as he can, though (beseeches her Majesty not to be miscontent with him) he is next door to go a begging. Blames for it
only his own evil chance and the occupation of the Council, which is
such that they have no leisure to put her in remembrance of him.
The Earl died, he thinks, a very good Christian man, for after
Vannes had exhorted him to take his communion and the rite of
the Church as a thing most necessary, by means of which God gives
His people bodily and ghostly comfort, he answered by broken
words that he was well content so to do, and in token thereof, "and
in repentance of his sin, he lift up his eyes and knocked himself
upon the breast, and after I had suffered him to pause a good while,
I caused the sacraments to be brought, and after the priest's godly
exhortation he forced himself to receive the blessed communion;
but his tongue had so stopt his mouth, and his teeth so cloven
together, that in nowise he could receive that same. And after this
sort this gentleman is gone, as I do not doubt, to God His mercy."
Since the Earl's coming hither he communicated to Vannes that it
had been reported to him that some had said that he was "better
French than English," and if he recovered he would try the quarrel
with his sword, if he found the "misreporter." Advised him to
regard no such light words. Beseeches her Majesty to command
the payment of the Earl's funeral expenses, and to extend her
charity to his servants, about 10 in number, masterless, moneyless,
not able to live here nor come home without her help. [Four
pages.] |
Sept. 19.
Rome. |
538. Intelligence from Rome. On Monday the heads of districts
were assembled to make some preparations for guarding the walls,
but hearing that Anagni still held out, they retired to the Capitol
without doing anything. Next morning news came that the Imperialists had taken Anagni. The tidings spread, but were not
believed, until corroborated by the intelligence that the city after
standing three assaults, and repelling the enemy, had at length
agreed to surrender for want of munition and artillery, their defence
having been made with harquebuses. Signor Torquato resolved
to burn what provision of grain and wine they had, and also set
fire to some houses near the gate, it was said, to put those of
Paliano on their guard. The soldiers were disarmed; the Imperialists entered at night and began the sack, but the Duke of Alva
made them stop, and restore all they had taken to the owners.
These news have removed all intention on part of the Romans to
take to the field, for they had hoped that the enemy would have
occupied themselves until the Pope had made forts and provision;
every one is so alarmed that nothing is attended to, except the
removing of property; safety is sought in the residences of the
Imperial and Portuguese Ambassadors and Signor Camillo Colonna;
the Minerva has been appointed for the ladies, and the majority have left Rome. Cardinal San Jacomo does his utmost for
peace, and prevailed with the Pope to send to the Duke one of
his friars, who returned with answer that he was willing to send
to his Holiness a person authorized to treat for peace. The Pope
made him wait without longer than usual, and after the Cardinals
had retired called him in, but what passed is not known. However, in Rome they say the war will go on, and the Pope ceases
not his maledictions of the Duke, still keeps up his courage, and
says he will rather be cut in 1,000 pieces than do anything
unworthy of his dignity. It does not appear that the capture of
Anagni was notified to him; but Cardinal Carpi informed him,
and when he heard it it seemed che si remettesse un poco, and
in consequence of the excitement in the city, the same friar was
again sent to the Duke at eight o'clock, with letters of safe-conduct
for whomsoever his Excellence might choose to send. The friar
has now returned, and brings for reply that the Duke will send
two persons. This day, Thursday, at 20 o'clock, a rumour arose
that the enemy had taken the Latin Gate and entered; whereupon
men ran to arms, and there was consequently much confusion; but
little readiness was seen in the people, and the chiefs of the districts (Capi Rioni) ran to the walls, but with few followers.
Among the rest, the poor women and all other ranks, such a
terrible panic spread that people gave themselves up for lost.
This lasted for some time, until it was discovered that it was a
device of the Duke, who had dined at San Paolo, ("mangiato a
S. Paolo,") and rode rapidly in at that gate with a few light
horse, as if in flight, and all in order that he might see if the
people were on their guard. This panic has caused many more
to resolve to leave the city, and nothing is to be seen but people
hurrying to and fro with boxes and goods. The same day
Cardinal Caraffa went to the Capitol, and showed to the Romans
that they might ask what they wished, and moreover offered to
act, speak, and remain with them in Rome. They demanded
8,000 infantry, paid in Rome, artillery, and such munitions as
Alexander Colonna, their General, should require, with provision
for the children and heirs of such as should expose themselves for
defence of the city. The Cardinal replied that he would not fail,
and that the Marquis of Montebello would appear with a larger
force than they sought. They added their desire to speak to
the Pope, and that his Holiness should be made to comprehend
point by point the consequences of the war, and the Cardinal was
requested to take up his residence at St. Mark's. This evening
Santo Jacomo being detained by the Pope, his Holiness appointed
Cardinals Santo Jacomo, Caraffa, Trani, and Pisa to negotiate for
him on this peace; but it is not likely to follow, because being not
only necessary but enforced, the Imperialists may perceive their
own advantages so clearly, that they will probably make such
extravagant demands that it is not likely the Pope will accede,
but would call such a martyrdom, since he has frequently said, that
to be martyred in the service of God remains as his last consolation. Notes the probable effects of an occupation of the city by
the Imperialists. Yesterday the Duke of Paliano, Caraffa, and
Camillo Monlun were with his Holiness, and remained very late;
and it is understood it was resolved to give the Romans what they
demanded, as to-day some artillery has been ordered to the walls.
A company of horse, too, is ordered out, it being known by means
of a spy that a number of horse had approached Marino, Grotta
Ferrata, and like places. Lest it seem strange (as he has already
written that the Pope was paying 24,000 infantry) that they find
themselves so alarmed, informs his correspondent that pay has
indeed been distributed among that number, but it is reported that
the Duke has taken over to himself 12,000; thus they are left with
the half; 5,000 are out of Rome divided amongst Veletri, Paliano,
Sermoneta, and Vicovaro; the rest, including the Gascons, they have
in Rome, his Excellency perhaps judging that peace would not
follow, and that therefore it would be advantageous to have these
men to spare, or from some other design. This, however, has not
been sufficient for the Cardinal, who has grieved much, and has
told him with high words that it has been a mistake; that he has
expended too much on so large a number of men. Two days since
Signor Hieronimo della Rovere, a gentleman of the King's sent by
him, arrived. King Philip had sent him to the King of France
to beseech him to be mediator with the Pope in the matter of
peace, showing that he desired it much. It is said that offers have
been made to the Pope of Swiss and of 200 men-at-arms whenever these desire to molest him. It is believed that King Philip
has given the Duke of Alva to understand the same thing, who,
being come to this necessity, might perhaps be agreeable to some
good resolution. The Pope sent for Cardinal Montepulciano, who
came speedily, and has been twice with his Holiness. He
further summoned Crispo, but he has sent to excuse himself.
The Bishop of Pola has been in Parma, and returned in the name
of his Holiness; and the Commendone is coming to Venice: believes that neither will produce much fruit. The Romans, pressed
to give some money, have imposed a toll of two crowns on each
robbia of corn for 25 days, a hardship which everybody bears, and
it is feared it may last during the war; it is money which can be
raised easily. The Father returned late; with him came, in the
name of the Duke, Francesco Pacecho, a Spaniard, a man of credit,
and the Secretary of his Excellency; they have not yet gone to
the Pope, and are staying with Cardinal Santo Jacomo. It cannot
be discovered what they bring; perhaps in the writer's next letter
it will be communicated. Since he has understood that the Imperialists and the Papal troops are alarmed, he has written the
occurrences in the city. Has been to-day with a great Cardinal,
who is not, however, a supporter of the side of the Pope and his
actions, and desires peace with all his heart. He told the writer
that the affairs of Rome are not in so great straits as is commonly
said; and he speaks from communication with Mons. di Motula
and like persons. He says, first, that the Imperial army is not
now more in number than 12,000 infantry, 200 men-at-arms, and
1,000 light horse; that the infantry, except the Spaniards, are all
rabble, and the light cavalry all sorry jades, and this from the
testimony of Signor Torquato, who says that if an expedition had
been made in time to provide Anagni with certain things, he could
have held out a long while. He says that the enemy are going to
reconnoitre Veletri, Paliano, Vicovaro, and Sermoneta. Veletri was
seen just now by Mons. de Monluc; the site pleased him, and the
preparations which had been made with the presence of 2,500
infantry within, which would animate them to hold it so long as
they had means of living. In Paliano there are 1,500 infantry,
in Sermoneta 700, in Vicovaro 300. Peace is not despaired
of, and it is believed that all the difficulty will lie in accommodating the affairs of Paliano; the Imperialists will not have
it belong to the Duke, the Pope will not have it belong to Marco
Colonna. There has been no creation of Cardinals and none is
talked of; it would be if peace were to be made; if not no Imperial perhaps would be created. The Pope will wait to see how
the war goes, and, waiting as long as he can get aid, it is thought
he will make a number at once. It is said they have no need of
money, because there are 300,000 crowns in Venice, and 100,000 in
the castle. The Duke of Alva, hearing of the destruction of the
Chiesa del Popolo, has, like a devout man, written with his own
hand a note to the Pope, promising him, on the faith of a peer,
that he will come to Rome in such a manner that it shall not be
molested by even the shot of an arquebuse. [Italian. Nine
pages.] |
Sept. 22.
Rome. |
539. Sir Edward Carne to Sir William Petre. Of the occurrents
here had written to her Majesty on the 5th, and to both their
Majesties on the 17th, trusting that the King is in England. The
Duke of Alva is at Anagni, but the greater part of his army is so
near Rome that it is expected in little more than a day. There is
great fear that the city will be sacked. Cannot tell how he shall
escape, but trusts that they will not meddle with him, and is
comforted by hearing that the Duke has shown great clemency to
all men in such places as he has invaded. There will be small
resistance, but the Pope will do what he may. Begs Petre will
help that he may have his diets paid, that he may be able to have
necessaries, which he fears will be very scant here. [One page.] |
Sept. 26.
Rome. |
540. Same to King Philip and Queen Mary. His letters of
the 22d should have been well on in their way, had the post
been licensed to depart sooner. Cardinals de Sancto Jacobo and
Caraffa, who had been appointed to meet the Duke of Alva at an
abbey 12 miles hence for the purpose of treating of peace, were
hovering and going Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, but at last
the Pope willed that Caraffa should not go, fearing, as it is said,
lest he should be stayed by the Duke. Some say that meanwhile news were received from the French King, which was the
cause of the Cardinal being stayed, so that at this time the peace
is failed. On the 23d the Count de Petigliano arrived with 100
horse, which he thinks were not past three score, and the Count
was made Chief Captain of all the Pope's artillery and ordnance.
Yesterday arrived 700 Grisons from Montalcino. The city is made
very strong and hard to be taken: thinks there are in it 6,000 or
7,000 men of war, of which 5,000 or 6,000 are thought to be
French. The Duke of Alva's army is said to be reinforced by
5,000 or 6,000 soldiers from Lombardy: he has taken Neptuno and
the whole country between Rome and Naples, except Veletri,
Paliano, and Terracina. Some Englishmen here received letters
from Venice on the 23d, mentioning that the Earl of Devon had
departed to God on the 18th; his sickness was a hot ague that held
him 14 days before he died. On the 23d a proclamation was
issued here commanding all Romans who had fled for fear of the
war to return within five days on pain of death and confiscation of
their goods. There is much business here. This morning the
horsemen who went on the scout last night brought in some
Spaniards who had been taken by the horse of Veletri. The Pope
has sent Sig. Adriano de Balionibus to be joined with the Duke of
Soma, Captain in Veletri, lest the latter durst not abide the
adventure of the siege there, being a banished man from Naples;
but it is thought that he will abide the adventure. Has much
difficulty in sending his letters, the posts being stayed here. There
are three Englishmen here at present, one Lambert, a London
merchant, and two young gentlemen of the names of Windham and
Rugge, who say they came to see Rome. [Two pages and a
quarter.] |
Sept. 26.
Ghent. |
541. Emanuel Philibert, Duke of Savoy, to Queen Mary. Acknowledges her Majesty's letter relative to the return of the bearer,
Mr. Anthony Hussey [Governor of the English merchants at
Antwerp and agent in Flanders], to whom he gives these credentials.
[French. One page.] |
