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June 1.
Westminster. |
623. Commission by Queen Mary to William [Flower], Norroy
King of Arms, to declare war with Henry II., King of France.
[Minute. Latin. One page.] |
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Fair copy of the above. [One page.] |
June 4.
Ancona. |
624. Intelligence from Ancona. The whole French camp is
returning, and already taking up quarters at Asina, Porto di Fermo,
Porto di Civita Nuova, Porto di Recanati, Sirolo, Pontechonecchio,
which is outside the gate here, and Fiumesino; then in the direction
of Jesi and the Duchy of Urbino. Yesterday there arrived here
9 pieces of artillery, 5 cannons, and 4 pieces from the field; of these
three are dismounted and broken by the gunner who entered
Civitella from the French camp, who they say is a Venetian.
To-day the ammunition and shot for these guns arrived, and are
daily coming, and this morning they were to remove from San
Benedetto, and preparation is making here for Tuesday next. The
said artillery and munition embark here for Ferrara, and there are
some who say that it will be disembarked at Rimini, and that the
camp is going into Tuscany, but this is not credited; it is also said
that they return into France or go to the assistance of the Duke of
Ferrara. They are much afraid here that when the camp is gone
the enemy will advance within this country. It is said, however,
that the Duke of Paliano will remain on the frontiers, and Strozzi
with the Italians, but they will not have sufficient cavalry; still it
is hoped that peace is coming and that they will restore Paliano to
Marc Antonio Colonna, and invest the Duke of Paliano with the
Duchy of Camerino. The enemy begin to cross the Tronto and
sally forth to skirmish daily, as usual. [Italian. One page.] |
June 5.
Rome. |
625. Sir Edward Carne to King Philip and Queen Mary. On
the Monday following his letter of the 29th ult., Cardinal Morone
was by order of the Pope imprisoned in Castle St. Angelo, where
he is yet lodged in the Pope's own lodging. The cause, as far as he
can learn, is for matters of religion. On the 2d the Pope called a
Consistory of Cardinals, to whom he made a long oration of all his
external and internal troubles concerning religion since he was Pope,
saying that he had borne so long that he could endure no longer;
especially as, in the time of Pope Paul III., Cardinal Morone and
another (whom he did not name) was thereof warned: that he was
now therefore compelled to take the advice of the whole College;
and stated that Morone was imprisoned not for suspicion of any
matter touching the State or his Holiness's person, but for matters
that touched the Inquisition. The Cardinal, it seems, lately took
to be steward of his household a gentleman from Modena, where
many, as the rumour is abroad, are sore infected in religion. On
the 15th ult. this steward was taken upon suspicion of heresy, and
brought to the prison of heretics here; and now his master is
arrested. Ensures their Majesties the Cardinal is as Catholic and
virtuous a man as may be. His Holiness is very severe in his proceedings, and therein has respect to no man. The Cardinal's
reputation being great here, some think that the Pope's kinsmen
would diminish it, fearing lest he should be Pope after this one. He
is to be examined by four Cardinals, viz., Cardinal Alexandrinus à
Frere, the Cardinal of Pisa, the Cardinal of Spoleto, who is the
Pope's Vicar, and Cardinal Romano. The French army has retired
to Ascoli and its vicinity, and it is said the Duke of Guise will
return to France as speedily as he can, with all the French who
have served here. It is reported that he comes here to take leave
of the Pope, and many of the gentlemen of his camp have arrived
here already. Soldiers are sent daily hence to Paliano to reinforce
that garrison. There is a report that his Majesty's gallies passing
with 8,000 Germans to Naples took by the way three gallies of the
French. These Germans are said to be left about Anagni, which
causes some fear here. [Two pages and a quarter.] |
[1557.] June 5.
Rome. |
626. Intelligence from Rome. The Marshal who came here, left
to go to the army in order to confirm this matter, doubting whether
the Duke of Guise was going to return into Lombardy, and is
expected back to-night. 30,000 crowns have been borrowed from
the merchants of Rome, on promise of repayment out of the earliest
money accruing from the first impost; but security having been
required from the Chamberlain on account of the impost, a proclamation has been issued to the effect that in six days after its publication the amount and value of the fixed goods is to be sent into the
Chamberlain-Commissary, and to-morrow the Romans are to hold a
meeting. Marc Antonio Colonna had made a plan against Vicovaro
and come to some provision for attempting it, knowing that it
was badly guarded; the place has been reinforced with troops and
victuals. The Imperial gallies which last returned to Naples, had
landed in Sienna a part of these Germans. Advice has come
that seven French gallies have reached Civita Vecchia with the
Prince of Salerno, and that he will be here this evening himself.
The enemy is strong, especially in cavalry, and soldiers are continually coming hither from the camp. There is little money from
the proclamation of the Pope, and of 600 horse which he had 300
have left because their pay has been long in arrear. [Italian. One
page.] |
June 7.
Rheims. |
627. Dr. Wotton to Queen Mary. For reasons to be declared on
a future occasion could not have audience of the King until to-day.
His Majesty gave him licence to depart, and that very gently,
saying he should depart when he would and have no let by the way.
The Constable likewise used very gentle words to him, and said
that not only should he go safe all the way, but be well entertained,
notwithstanding certain great news which they had the previous
day from England by a gentleman named La Marque, and that a
reward, ordered to be given to him by the King, should be sent.
After he had returned to his lodging the said La Marque waited
upon him from the Constable to mention that the King had determined to revoke his Ambassador, and requested him to apprize her
Majesty thereof: further that as the King was now in a place where
he could not conveniently have the vessel that was used to be
presented to Ambassadors, his Majesty had declared Wotton's
present should be 1,200 crowns in gold, which the Constable
intended to send him. Is not well assured what effect their fair
words will take, especially when they shall perceive the other man's
errand, who is even now about to see whether he can do that thing
he cometh for. Likewise has had fair words from the Constable,
but the King being gone a hunting, cannot yet tell how soon he
shall declare his articles. [Cipher, deciphered. One page.] |
June 8.
Ghent. |
628. Christian, Dowager Duchess of Lorraine, to same. In
behalf of the widow and daughter of the late Granado [Sir
Jacques de], concerning whom she had spoken to her Majesty when
recently in London. [French. One page. Indorsed by Petre.] |
June 10.
Ghent. |
629. Same to the Earl of Pembroke. Writes to her Majesty in
behalf of the poor widow and daughter of the late Granado, for
whom she had petitioned at her departure from London, and
requests him to support her recommendation. [French. One
page.] |
June 10.
Barca-sotto Giulia. |
630. Intelligence from Italy. 1. The Duke of Alva is here with the
Spaniards and Germans and a very few Italians; because since the
retirement of the French he has intentionally permitted the infantry
to disband; as it appeared to him that with the ultra-montanes, who
are said to be certainly about 8,000 foot, and the cavalry, he could
undertake what he should think fit. His determination as to the
rest is not yet known; by what can be conjectured, it is believed he
will leave a good part here, and with the remainder will concentrate
on the way to Rome: but he will not go there in person. Yesterday Count Giovanni Francesco da Bagni with 300 horse left here
for Anagni, as also the last Germans, who are already in the Regno
Marchiano on this way. It is said that the country of Rome will
be devastated. Marc Antonio Colonna will have the government
of the whole. Civitella has been provisioned and the same troops
remain in it as were there. As the French camp, which is now five
miles from Fermo, will be further removed, perhaps about 20 from
this place, it would not be amiss, by what some captains say, that
the camp should make an enterprise against a village near Ascoli,
in Marca, to be in the eye of Civitella. Don Garcia is already gone
from the camp to Naples, and a number of officers have been permitted to return home. On this the following note by Sheres is
written:— |
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"The advices from our friends are not as good as I wish they
should be. I had rather we did better than boast of more than we
mean to do, and perchance also our credit would be better. Our
enemies need no better spies than we ourselves, or at the least we
boast so fast that they may easily find a mean wit to find out the
truth." |
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2. From Fossano, 11th June. They have disbanded the company
of 100 light horse of Mons. de Sanfrè, and for the most part brought
them into Fossano. Those of Cunio defended themselves manfully,
notwithstanding that aid could not be given to them on account of
the river Astura, which remained very much swollen, and because the
other side occupied Centale and Busca, well garrisoned. In a general
assault which was made on the 2d, many Frenchmen were killed
and taken prisoners. Mons. di Luserna, the Governor, solicits aid.
Since the assault they discovered a mine and by countermine took
40 barrels of powder; the French coming to explode them were
entrapped. The Switzers who were near the walls, to escape the
slaughter which pursued them had retired and moved off, taking up
quarters at Peveragno, about four miles from Cunio. |
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3. From Milan, June 16. The late repulse of the French from
Cunio is confirmed, and it is said that having no hope of getting it,
it was believed that they would raise the siege in three days. The
Marquis of Pescara collected good aid to go thither. [Italian.
Four pages.] On this the following note by Sheres is written:— |
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"These advices be of the Ambassador of Savoway [Savoy] now
here, not the little gentleman that was in Flanders, but the one who
followed him when the Duke went into Italy. If you remember his
name, they call him Il Signor Mal Opera. It is the true name of
[his house]. He was wont to do, and doth yet, as the pedagogues
do, mingle with his Italy now and then a Latin text." |
June 12.
Calais. |
631. Lord Wentworth to Queen Mary. This day received by
M. de Vandeville, Captain of Gravelines, a letter of credence from
the Duke of Savoy, the effect of which credence is that the Duke
rejoices in the proclamation of war against France, and offers to
serve her Majesty within these marches in such manner as he may.
Has intimated reciprocal sentiments and offers by credence of De
Vandeville, who after dining with him returned. War against her
Majesty has this day been published at Ardres. Several of the
enemy's ships keep the narrow seas, so that such victuallers as
desire to pass to and from England dare not adventure; and he is
informed by the captains of the vessels appointed to guard the
passage that they are not of sufficient force to meet with the enemy,
and therefore they will not hazard their ships; wherefore, if this be
not seen to, no fisherman or other shall dare go out of this haven.
Requests order may be given for the passing of her Majesty's gifts
of the lands in Suffolk. [One page.] Incloses, |
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631. I. Letter of credence from the Duke of Savoy in favour of
M. de Vandeville. [Brussels, June 9. Copy. Nine
lines.] |
June 13.
Guisnes. |
632. Lords Wentworth and Grey to Queen Mary. Hitherto in
time of war safeguards have been granted by the Emperor to Lignes
and other Imperial towns on these frontiers, whereby the enemy
have gained great advantage by practising with them so safe-guarded,
and, were such now granted, would enable them to give much annoyance here. Therefore requests her Majesty will move the King
to refuse such safeguards to all who may make suit for them. [One
page. Indorsed by Petre.] |
June 14.
Guisnes. |
633. Lord Grey to same. The Deputy and Comptroller of Calais
have along with him surveyed the works and state of this town,
and find that there are at present only 100 men more than there
were before the war was proclaimed, the whole amounting to but
300. This force is utterly useless for attacking the enemy abroad
or defending the town at home. Men cannot, as heretofore, be
supplied from the country here, as the greater part for the safety of
their goods and cattle are dispersed in various places, some in
Flanders, some in the Low Country, and others among their
friends. Some too are appointed to keep the straits, bulwarks, and
other places of defence in the country, so that a very small number,
in comparison of times past, remain to serve in the castle and town.
Therefore entreats her Majesty will send more men for defence.
The French yet lie quietly, not stirring abroad to annoy her pale
and subjects, but they be nothing the more to be trusted. [One
page and a half. Indorsed by Petre.] |
June 14.
Calais. |
634. Lord Wentworth to same. To-day a post arrived here
from England who hasted to France. Having given orders that in
this suspicious time no one should be allowed to pass without his
knowledge, the man was brought to him, and being examined,
declared he was the King's courier going to Spain with matters of
importance, making no doubt to go safely through France saving
hence to Boulogne. As the man has no safeguard he suspects him,
and therefore stays him till he knows her Majesty's and the King's
pleasure. |
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P.S.—The courier's name is Jordan Sestrado, born in the country
of Ryvegosse. [One page. Indorsed by Petre.] |
June 19.
Venice. |
635. John Sheres to Sir John Masone. By two of the last
weekly advices, and one extraordinary from Rome, as he had then
written, it seemed that the Pope was somewhat more inclined
towards a good peace. Now, nevertheless, the advices from thence
come clean contrary, that his Holiness is more bent upon war than
ever. Sends him this copy of certain advices from Rome of the
12th of June. The Prince of Salerno, who arrived at Cività
Vecchia with seven gallies, has reached Rome. Notwithstanding
he had heretofore caused the Pope's nephew, the Marquis of Polignano, to be slain in prison, he was now made much of, received
with much honour, brought to the chapel, and set on the higher
hand of the French Ambassador, and, lastly, lodged in Cardinal
Caraffa's own palace. On Monday the 14th he was to go towards
the camp to Mons. de Guise. The Marshal Pietro Strozzi had
also arrived in Rome from the French camp, with a full resolution
from M. de Guise, on the receipt of certain letters from the French
King, to tarry till the King's pleasure were known further. He
seemed to be now better minded to follow the first determined enterprise of the realm of Naples, and the Pope made now his full
account upon it. The Pope had determined that neither the Duke
of Paliano, the Marquis of Monte Bello, nor any of his kinsmen,
should have any more to do with the management of these wars,
but that all should be committed to Mons. de Guise, to whose
government all the money for the Pope's part touching this war
shall come, because it is said and thought that the Marquis abused
the Pope in that matter, which was the one good part of the difference between him and De Guise, and the chief cause of the latter
retiring from the enterprise. Cardinal Caraffa will go with all
speed to Ancona or Loretto to conclude with De Guise for all
things. Tuesday next, the 15th inst., Pietro Strozzi will leave for
France with the Duke of Paliano's son and heir, as a hostage that
the Pope will perform all his promises to the uttrest. The Pope
has promised to make four French Cardinals. He is raising 5,000
foot and certain horse, to be sent out of hand to De Guise, and
De Guise himself has raised 2,000 more now about Ancona, from
which it is concluded he will return to his former enterprise. The
four Cardinals appointed for the examination of Morone, viz., Pisa,
Romano, Spoleto, and Alessandrino, had entered the castle to
him, and were about to give the first assault towards his examination. The Barons and Nobility of Rome had offered the Pope out
of hand 100,000 crowns of the subsidy to be levied of one of the
hundred, but his Holiness, not contented with so small a sum,
seeks for more. A courier had arrived from England with letters
to the Pope, underwritten by both the King and Queen, declaring
what great mischief might follow in England,—a realm yet so far
out of order, and so late brought again to the obedience of the see
of Rome, not thoroughly purged of all ill humours,—if he recalled
his Legate Pole from England; therefore their Majesties have
most humble suit that the Legate may remain and in his legation.
The Pope has not answered resolutely, nor, as it seems, given any
hope of changing his determination. Sends intelligence, presently
received from Milan, that the Cardinal of Trent, on 27th ult., renewed a proclamation of January last, to the effect that all subjects
of the state of Milan, now serving in various ways in the states
and countries subject to the King of France, Duke of Ferrara, and
other enemies and rebels of his Imperial, Catholic, and Royal
Majesty, shall quit such service and states, and return to their
homes within 15 days ensuing if in Italy, or one month if out of
Italy, appearing personally in Milan before the Capitano di Giustitia, and in other cities of their habitation to the authorities
there, on pain of death and confiscation. And also all who are
not subjects of the state of Milan, but have property subjected to
it, and are in service or dwelling in the aforesaid rebel states,
shall likewise leave their services and houses, and appear personally
as aforesaid, otherwise, after the said term, if they do not appear,
they will be deprived of their property. [Italian.] Further,
received from Mantua, on the 15th curt., notice that it is understood
the Duke of Parma is causing to be levelled and dismantled the
Borgo San Donino, Terricella, and Mochiengelo, and had further
ordered the same in regard to Colorno, but because it is not a fortress of much strength, and the Cardinal goes there frequently, it
will not be done. He also heard from Pesaro on the 12th, that
Count Theophilo, passing there on his way from the French camp,
reported that Mons. de Guise would not remove till he knew the
King's further pleasure, and that 5,000 Italians were arriving daily
from the Pope. Yesterday Cardinal Tournon arrived there from
Castello Durante [Urbanea], and will with all diligence embark for
Ancona to speak with Mons. de Guise; upon this a rumour has
arisen that the Pope will put Ancona, and other, the best and
strongest fortresses of the Church, in the French King's hands,
and Guise will return to his first enterprise. By letters of the
7th from Ancona, it appears there is no other talk but that, upon
the return of Signor Giorolimo di Laroniero from the French King,
the camp will return to its enterprise. Albeit the French and
Pope's men report much contrary to their advices. As to the
matters of Piedmont, it is most certain that Brissac has done no
great thing these 20 days, and there is a report this morning that
he has raised the siege of Anagni. There is a gentleman, a knight
of Sussex, as he hears, a right worshipful man, who had a son
here with Peter Vannes, then Ambassador, who was on Sunday
last shorn in a monk or a friar of the monastery called La Carita,
and because he has been "nosolyd" in all kinds of detestable
vices, at his entry he finds no other excuse but that his father and
mother are heretics, and that he will be a good man; which Sheres
prays God may be, though he thinks it unlikely. His father's name
is Coldingham. Because he perceives by Masone's diligent writing
of news hither from time to time, and the Lord Privy Seal's Italian
Chaplain, and by his craving of the like from hence, as well of
Sig. John Barnardine as of M. Vincentio, who was Mr. Vannes'
man, that such advices are acceptable to the Lord Privy Seal, and
remembering how often his Lordship has been and is his good lord,
wishes he would vouchsafe to participate to his Lordship what he
thinks meet in Sheres' name. Knows also (as he wrote to him
once heretofore) that Masone can be no loser in that behalf, for
Guido Janetto also writes to his Lordship, which he may see by
these means, if not otherwise. [Seven pages. Seal, with the motto
in Greek capitals: AOPATON TO MEAAON.] |
June 19.
Calais. |
636. Lord Wentworth to Queen Mary. Had a letter this day
from the Captain of Boulogne stating that her Majesty's Ambas
sador Resident in France will arrive there this evening, and shall
remain there until the French Ambassador were come hither,
and desiring to know what order should be taken for their exchange.
Had replied that he understood the Ambassador was on his way,
and hoped in two days he would be here, when notice would be
given. [Half a page. Indorsed by Petre.] |
June 20.
Rome. |
637. Pope Paul IV. to King Philip and Queen Mary. Has received their letters. Appoints William Peto, professed of the Order
of Friars Minors [ordinis fratrum minorum professor] to be
Legate in England and Ireland in room of Cardinal Reginald Pole.
[Latin. Broadside on vellum.] |
June 21.
Castle of Milan. |
638. Count Landriani to Queen Mary. Requesting her Majesty's
mediation with King Philip, into whose disfavour he has fallen in
consequence of his marriage, for which he is confined by his relations in the castle of Milan. Refers to the favours received when
he accompanied his Majesty to England. [Italian. Two pages.] |
June 27.
Calais. |
639. Lord Wentworth and Sir Thomas Cornwaleys to same.
Received her Majesty's letter of the 25th at two o'clock this morning. The treasure was ready to be laden and orders had been given
for its conveyance to Gravelines within two hours after, of which
M. de Vandeville had notice; but on receipt of the letter stayed
the same until her Majesty's pleasure shall be ascertained. Solicit
that this may be reported to the King. To-day the French Ambassador will leave and Wotton come hither, each being accompanied by two gentlemen to conduct them. [One page. Indorsed
by Petre.] |
June 29.
Westminster. |
640. Queen Mary to Lord Wentworth and Sir Thomas Cornwaleys. Their letter of the 27th has been received as to the staying
of the first portion of the treasure; thanks them for their good
service, and directs them upon the receipt of the second portion of
the said treasure to send both to the King as soon as the officers
appointed to convey it shall be ready. [Minute. One page.] |
