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April 1.
Paris. |
182. Dr. Wotton to Queen Mary. Last evening had dispatched
one of his servants with the accompanying packet to her Majesty,
instructing him to ride in post with it to Calais. But the posts
refused to give him horses, in consequence of their being commanded to horse neither Burgundians, Flemings, Spaniards, nor
Englishmen, unless they brought a licence from the Court to take
horses. Wherefore he has been forced to send his man to Calais
in journies; because the Court being still at Fontainebleau, it would
be long ere he could get any such letter. This is probably done to
recompense the staying of their packets, as it seems to him that this
restraint is made only for the English, seeing that Flemings nor
Spaniards ride not post this way. [One page.] |
April 5.
Calais. |
183. Lord Wentworth to Queen Mary. In consequence of her
Majesty's letter of the 1st inst., has sent over Sir Thomas Cotton,
the Knight Porter here, and to save charges has appointed the
Gentleman Porter to his place. But should she be otherwise
pleased to bestow the same, recommends for it Sir Richard Windebank, an old servant of her father, who has very honestly and
painfully served in the wars, and is both sage and discreet in peace.
As there is presently great lack of officers here, as the Treasurer,
Comptroller, and Knight Porter, beseeches that they may be commanded to be resident upon their charges, since, if need should
require, their absence would be somewhat dangerous. [One page.] |
April 7.
Brussels. |
184. The Bishop of Norwich to Sir William Petre. Has learned
both by M. D'Arras and by letter from Masone, that Petre's last
advertisements were true. Has nothing further to say than what
he wrote by Francisco on Saturday last, that all the bands on this
side draw towards the frontiers. Sends letters received from
Peter Vannes, which he begs Petre will cause to be delivered by
one of his men. If he were to send Petre the perfumed gloves
which Vannes has sent to him, he doubts not but upon that price
Petre would deliver the letters. Howbeit minds to prove him
first without corruption, and when he shall know what Petre has
done, shall tell him further of his mind at his return. The Duchess
of Lorraine sends presently M. Gilliers, a gentleman of her household, to the Queen, and has requested him to write for his better
passage to the Court, as he has done; but what place they will
bear with the officers by the way, when he knows he shall tell. |
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P.S.—May 4. Had sent this letter according to the date first
written, and full gently it was delivered to him again on the 27th
of the same month. "Think you that I was not angry ? And
yet did I not chide." On the 1st of this month he took his leave
of the Emperor, and on the 2d of the Queen, when the Regent
said she would talk with him before his departure, or else he had
set forward this day. But now he tarries a good hour; yet trusts
to be at Calais on Whitsunday, and after, as wind and weather
shall serve, to come home with diligence. Writes this that Petre
may not be over soon in his reckoning, which thinks he goes about
to do very straightly, if his eye be so set upon it as he says it is
upon the Lord Privy Seal's journey into Spain. Would be loth to
be so narrowly watched. Requests the packet inclosed may be
with diligence delivered to his old friend Signor Barnardino
Ferrarien. for it contains other letters which he shall deliver.
[Two pages.] |
April 10.
[Westminster.] |
185. The Council to Dr. Wotton. Yesterday the French Ambassador had audience of her Majesty, and stated that of late, a French
ship passing by Alderney and saluted by a piece of ordnance from
the castle, did not only slack her sails, as the manner is, but cast
anchor before the haven there; whence straightway came out some
Flemish ships and captured the Frenchman. This the French King
considered a plain practice between the Flemish and the English,
and contrary to the amity; and further desired to know what was
meant by the Queen's navy being in company with the Emperor's
ships upon the narrow seas, and whether it was intended that they
should assist the Imperial fleet, in case it and the French should
meet together. The Ambassador was informed that in regard to
the first complaint neither her Majesty nor the Council had heard
of the matter, but it should be inquired into, and if found to be as
alleged, justice should be done, as she trusted the like would be
used by the French in the speedy redressing of her subjects who
are daily spoiled by them. As for the English ships in company
with those of the Emperor, they had been sent to sea only to attend
the Prince of Spain's coming and see to his safe conduction; special
charge having been given to both fleets in nowise to attempt anything against the French King's subjects or countries. If, however,
they shall be assailed by the French, the English shall do their best
to defend themselves and their companions; but her Majesty having
from the first desired amity, so is she determined to maintain it,
unless provoked to the contrary by the French King. Her Majesty
then told the Ambassador how strange it seemed to her that divers
of her unnatural subjects, being most heinous traitors and such as
have some of them been of late in the field against her and come
even to the very Court gates, and others that conspired against her
own person and crown, being moved thereto by their wicked
heresies and the hate they bear to God and His true and Catholic
religion, should in a Christian realm and by a Christian Prince who
pretended to bear great friendship to her, be received, borne with,
and much made of. The Ambassador, after sundry attempts at
excuse, plainly said that his master did not consider himself bound
by the treaties, either to deliver the rebels or observe anything in
the treaties, as these had not been ratified since her Majesty's
accession. Her Majesty required the Ambassador to ascertain from
his master whether he meant to stand to the treaties or not.
There had some warm talk passed on both sides, yet the Ambassador
departed, as it should seem, well satisfied. As this matter of the
treaties is of great consequence, Wotton is desired to procure
audience of the French King and thoroughly learn his intentions.
The Ambassador in course of conversation mentioned that the
French King in token of amity had on St. George's day last kept a
solemn feast of the Order of the Garter, for which her Majesty
expressed her thanks, and desires Wotton to do the same at his
next access. Inform him that on the discovery of a practice minded
to be attempted at Calais, Sir John Cornwallis had been sent to
inquire into the matter and to search the ships of all nations in
that port; and certain Burgundians, French, and English have
been stayed for their examination. The Lord Admiral, with the
navies of the Queen and the Emperor, is now at Portsmouth
attending only a good wind. Send him a supplication exhibited
for another spoil made by the French. The Parliament ended on
Saturday last. [Twelve pages. Draft, corrected by Secretary
Petre.] |
April 17.
Paris. |
186. Dr. Wotton to Sir William Petre. Because Pickering
has long been in possession of the cipher used by Wotton, and
is now here, begs him to consider whether there be any danger
therein, and if so, to provide for it as he shall think good. Seeing
that the rebels here will not be delivered, but are employed in
service, which probably will increase their number, suggests that
in order to get them home again, it were not amiss that the Queen
put them in hope of pardon if they return and require it; in which
event he thinks many would return home with their hearts.
Understands that one Edward Randall, of Kent, here, has refused
to serve, and says that he only fled to save his life, and shall
labour by his friends for his pardon, and so long as he is not put
in despair of it or be driven thereto by extreme necessity, shall
never serve other than her Majesty. Suggests that he should be
pardoned. Perceiving himself to be suspected here, would be very
loth to continue longer if he might well choose, and so much the
more loth if Noailles come away, who has been as long in England
as Wotton has been in France. Prays him to consider this, and
reminds him of the old proverb "Burnt child fire dreadeth." Sir
Robert Southwell's son is at Orleans. Trusts to find the means to
send to him shortly. Has purchased for Petre the new Old Pandects
of Florence, shall bring them home with him; should he wish for
any other book, let him mention it in his next, and he will do the
best he can to procure it. Sir William Pickering had told one of
Wotton's servants that a copy of a letter which he had written to
her Majesty was sent shortly after to the French King; and a
scholar told Wotton that he had heard the like happened to one of
his letters to her Majesty. This, though he cannot well believe it,
he thinks it right to mention. Hears that others of the recent
fugitives are of the same mind as Randall, and namely one
Staunton, who was required to be delivered. Requests him to
inform her Majesty that the King has granted him a general licence
for horses, exempting those whom he may send to the Queen from
the restraint of late made in that behalf. [Two pages. The greater
part in cipher, deciphered.] |
April 17.
Paris. |
187. Same to Queen Mary. The Legate Pole has his answer
from the French King, and having taken his leave is returning to
the Emperor. On Sunday the 8th inst. he was solemnly received
here, and on the following morning Wotton saw him. The Cardinal
declared that notwithstanding he and his friends had been in
times past strangely used in England without any his desert, yet
all that could never make him change the good will and love that
every honest man ought to have and bear to his native country.
Besides that general affection and duty which as her born subject
he owed to her Majesty, the constant mind which she has ever had
and still continues to have to the true religion and Catholic faith
has much more bound him to her. Had, in speaking to the King
and Council here, mentioned her great desire to reduce the realm of
England in matters of religion to the former state, which godly
purpose and travail all other Christian princes should assist and
help in all that they might, and so much the more, that considering
the present state of England, unless this were done by her Majesty
and in her time, he said he had little hope that ever the realm
should be recovered to the unity of the Catholic church again. He
had therefore urged the King to encourage and aid her therein, and
required him not to go about to let or hinder her, saying that he
spoke on this point, in consequence of hearing that the rebels
fled hither were succoured and maintained by him. The King
professed his amity, and the Cardinal of Lorraine said that his
Majesty did not maintain the rebels, but being presently at war,
and in need of men, accepted the service of such as offered themselves, and whereas her Majesty required that such as come hither
should be taken and sent to her, the King of the French intends
not to be her boia, "which word spoken in Italian signifieth a hangman." In further conversation with Wotton, the Legate seemed
much offended with the madness of the rebels and the fugitives
that came hither under pretence that they may not abide the realm
to be ruled by Spaniards; and he considered the marriage to be
very convenient and expedient for the benefit of England. Besides,
considering the present state of the realm, he thought peace were
most necessary for it; and that therefore, though perhaps her
Majesty might chance to be ungently dealt withal by some of her
neighbours, in his opinion she might well suffer and dissemble it
for the time, rather than to enter in war with any of them, till the
people's minds be somewhat better agreed in England. In reference
to peace between the Emperor and French King the Cardinal said
little, but his words appeared to imply that he is rather in some
hope to obtain truces or suspension of arms for a season, than to
pacify them. The French King has received tidings from Pietro
Strozzi of his defeating the Florentines and the Pope's nephew,
Signor Ascanio della Cornea, at Chiusi, which place belonging to
the Siennese, Ascanio had hoped to have secretly delivered to him,
but had been betrayed to Strozzi by the lieutenant, with whom he
was in communication, and brought into an ambush. Many hundreds
have been slain, among whom Signor Ridolfo Baglione, the captain
of the Florentine horsemen, a man of great estimation for the
wars; and Ascanio with many more has been taken prisoner, very
few escaping. But the Duke of Florence is still encamped at
Sienna. The King also hears that De Thermes has overthrown
three ensigns of Spaniards in Corsica. On the 11th had received
the Council's letter of the 6th inst. The King had then left Fontainebleau for Paris, hunting by the way, and occupying four or
five days in his journey. On the 12th was at Meudon, at the
baptism of the son of the Duchess of Guise, who lies in there;
arrived here on the following day, and on Saturday the 14th had
audience of his Majesty and the Constable. Details his conferences
with them at great length. They alleged many grievances on part
of the English, insisting much on the watching of their Ambassador
and putting him out of his house, interception of letters and
delivery of them to the Emperor's Ambassador to be deciphered,
the staying of the passages to Scotland, abetting of the seizure of
the ship at Margate, denial of redress to French subjects in
England, and charged Wotton with overstepping his duties as
Ambassador. Had been shown a letter to the Constable from Sir
Peter Carew, who therein stated that he fled to France for personal
safety, and not for conspiracy against her Majesty, but because he
could not suffer the country to be oppressed by strangers, and
therefore wondered why Wotton so pursued him, sending men
everywhere to seek him out, expressing his willingness to come
before him, and in case of conspiracy being in anything proved
against him, required he might be straight sent over to her Majesty
to be punished. Because her Majesty has refused to enter into any
new league, it appears they have conceived a great mistrust of the
continuance of her amity. Fears that their refusal to deliver the
rebels and their employment of them may encourage others to come
here unless her Majesty provides some good means of staying of
them. Men of war go down fast to the borders. Trusts her Majesty
has well provided her pieces on this side of the sea for fear of all
danger in this suspicious time. From the personal charges made
against him by the Constable, supposes they have conceived such
opinion of him as to render him unable to do her Majesty
any service here longer. Sir William Pickering had met one of
Wotton's servants and expressed a wish to speak to his master,
not on personal matters but on subjects relating to his Majesty
which could not be written; will not see him unless commanded
thereto by her Majesty. Yesterday received an anonymous letter
from an Italian, signed "Un vero Servidor de la Regina et di
Vostra Signoria," to the effect that the fugitives say to their
friends that they are in active communication with some of the
chiefest in England, which shall appear at the arrival of the Prince
of Spain, and that they embark in a few days from Normandy in
such strength that if they cannot hinder the Prince from landing in
England, they will not fail by help of their friends there to let him
to come to London. The letter also says that many Italians are
daily taken up to go to sea with them. Pickering again meeting
his servants, bears him in hand that he goes about to do her
Majesty service here, and therefore delivered him a letter directed
to Mr. Leigh, which he says is such that if it were known here it
should cost him his neck. Wherefore thinks it not amiss to send
it. The Killigrews with the Sacre have returned to Brest Haven
again, and prepare to return to the sea. The rebels whom he
required of the King last day, already know that he did so, and the
answer that was made to him. [Fifteen pages. A considerable
portion in cipher, deciphered.] |
April 18.
The Groyne. [Coruña.] |
188. John, Earl of Bedford, Lord Privy Seal, and Thomas Viscount Fitzwalter to the Council. Left Plymouth for Spain on the
12th inst., intending, if wind and weather would have served, to
have arrived at Allaredo [Laredo], which they thought most convenient, as nearest the Court by upwards of 100 miles, and to
have sent the ships thence to the Groyne [Coruña], where the Prince
means to embark. But by force of contrary winds, were constrained
to direct their course hither, where they arrived this day, when
there came on board to welcome them the Bishop of Lowa [Lugo]
(a very grave and sober man), the Captain of the Castle (a man of
a good house), the Corregidor of the town and others, and after
their departing caused great shot of ordnance and sundry other
pleasures to be shown. Perceive by the manner and fashion of the
people that they much rejoice at their coming, and have found such
plenty of victuals and other necessaries for their use that they
marvel not a little how the same could be had in so short a space,
the country being so barren. Immediately on arriving thought it
requisite to advertise the Prince thereof, and the Captain of the
Castle made great request that his brother should be the messenger,
as he thought the news should be so well accepted by the Prince.
The Alcaldo Maiora, one of the chief of the Privy Council of Gallicia, had been appointed and remained here till the 15th, in order
to receive them, but had left on hearing, by two English ships that
came half way with them from Plymouth, that they had gone to
Allaredo. However, being apprized of their arrival by post, he has
come this day and shows them very great entertainment, both of
provision for horses for them and their carriage, and offers them
what money they may ask, rightly considering that their exchange
had been made to Bilbao or Allaredo. Had been afraid their ships
would run short of victuals during their stay here, but the Prince's
purveyor, although he thinks they are sufficiently provided, has
offered to supply to the uttermost anything that may be needed.
On Friday next intend to proceed towards the Prince's Court, if
those provisions for horses and carriage can so soon be made in
readiness, having in company above 200 horses, besides those that
must serve for carriage. [One page and a half.] |
April 20.
San Lucar. |
189. Duchess of Medina Sidonia to Queen Mary. Credentials of
the Count Olivares, who goes in Prince Philip's train to England.
[Spanish. One page.] |
April 21.
Brussels. |
190. The Bishop of Norwich to the Council. On the receipt of
their letter of 16th March in favour of Sir Jacques Granago
[Granado], declared to M. D'Arras, M. de Praet, and others of the
Council, the good and faithful service performed to her Majesty by
Granado on the day of the overthrow of her rebels; whereby not
only the evil bruit and slander which was here made upon him is
stayed and ceased, but the Emperor is very well pleased with him,
and will continue his good lord so long as he shall faithfully serve
her Majesty. The King of the Romans has sent Don Pedro Lasso
de Castella, Master of his horse, as Ambassador to England at the
Queen's marriage. He brings in his train Don Fernando de
Gamboa Biscayno and about 50 horse, who have been about
Louvain and Malines these four or five days, and will pass towards
England as they shall hear any likelihood of the Prince's arrival.
Don Fernando de Gonzaga, Governor of Milan, has come here; some
think he shall go without his office, but the reception which he
has met with from the Emperor and the nobility speaks otherwise,
unless he is to get as good or a better office in lieu thereof. It is
thought the French will attempt something about Luxemburg.
The Count de Mega and others go to Thionville, and divers bands
of Spaniards and Germans shall remain for its defence. Some
think the French will essay to take Liege, which would be a
wonderful danger to this country. Men of war are daily sent
towards those posts. News have arrived of the capture in an
ambush, near Chiusi, of two Captains of the Duke of Florence,
Rodolfo Baglione and Ascanio della Cornea, nephew to the Bishop
of Rome, the former and many of their soldiers being slain, and
the latter taken prisoner. By Baglione's death, the Duke has lost
a valiant captain and faithful servant; and many think this loss
of great importance, much impairing the good hope hitherto had of
Sienna. Since these news, has received confirmatory intelligence
of this and other occurrents in Italy from Mr. Vannes, which shall
herewith be sent. Cardinal Pole arrived here from France on the
19th with no conclusion of peace, but, as some report, with an
offer of an abstinence for this summer, so that in the mean
season further communication might be had for a peace. [Two
pages.] |
April 26.
Betanzos. |
191. The Earl of Bedford and Viscount Fitzwalter to the Council.
From want of convenient furniture for themselves and their company, could not leave the Groyne [Coruña] before Tuesday the
24th, on which day they arrived here. Next morning a courier
arrived to the Bishop of Lowga [Lugo] and the Alcaldo Maiora, who
accompanied them, with notice that the Master of the Posts of Spain
would arrive that evening with certain knowledge of the Prince's
pleasure concerning their journey. Wherefore they remained there,
and about six or seven o'clock that afternoon the Master of the
Posts arrived, bringing the letter of which copy is inclosed. He
has orders, with advice of the aforesaid Bishop and others having
authority in these parts, to see that all their charges, and those of
the rest of the lords and gentlemen in their company and their
servants, shall be borne and defrayed at the Prince's sole cost, it
being his mind that no Englishman should be at one penny charge
here. It is the Prince's desire that they shall remain either here,
or at St. James [Santiago], or Logrono [Coruña], as they please,
until his coming, which shall be in all possible haste, as he means
to depart from Valladolid hitherward within eight days. The
Prince has taken that order with them, because, he says, he considers after their voyage how painful it were for them to come so
far into the country as the Court is, the passage being so ill, and
provision so hard to come by; and that the country were not able
to serve both him and them, if they should come down together,
their number being so great. Hear that the Prince has appointed
the Queen of Portugal, with a Council, to govern his dominions,
and has already sent for her, which they think will make him tarry
so much longer to set order on these things. However, the Master
of the Posts shows them that if she does not arrive speedily, the
Prince will leave Valladolid in post to meet her, although he believes she will be with the Prince in the course of eight days.
[Two pages.] |
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Duplicate of the preceding, dated 27th April. [Two pages.]
Incloses, |
|
191. I. Philip, Prince of Spain, to the Earl of Bedford and
Viscount Fitzwalter. Has received their letter of the
18th, and therewith much pleasure in hearing of their
safe arrival. Requests them to credit the bearer Raymondo de Taxis, Chief Master of Posts to the Emperor,
who will explain his views, and to rest and solace themselves after their voyage until he arrives, which he trusts
shall be shortly. Valladolid, April 22. [Spanish. Half
a page. Copy.] |
|
191. II. Copy of the preceding. [Spanish. Half a page.] |
|
191. III. Translation of the preceding. [Half a page.] |
April.
[Circa 27.] |
192. The Council to Dr. Wotton. Two days ago the French
Ambassador had presented letters to her Majesty from his master
complaining of denial of justice in general, and of the breaking of
the shallop at Margate and impeachment of passages to Scotland in
particular. Her Majesty said these trifles, as compared with her
grievances in France, should be looked into, and referred him to the
Council for further reply. Their conference with him, wherein they
let him be aware their certain knowledge of facts was not to be
stifled with fair words. His strong professions. Perceive by his talk
that he trusts to be shortly licensed to return, and that his brother,
who is now here with him, shall supply his place. The Lord
Admiral is ordered to go with about 40 of her Majesty's ships to
escort the Prince of Spain, and is to be joined by others of the
Emperor, who are strictly commanded to attempt nothing prejudicial to French vessels, unless they are attacked by them. This he
shall declare to the King. Marvel that they have heard nothing
from him touching the despatch sent to him by his servant, before
Easter. The Emperor's Ambassador has promised that so long as
his master's ships are with the Queen's, they shall show no hostility
to the French. If he sees any likelihood of peace to arise from
Cardinal Pole's visit, he is to apprize the King and Constable that
her Majesty will spare no pains that may help thereto. [Draft,
autograph of Petre. Five pages.] |
April 28.
Valladolid. |
193. Ratification of the Treaty of Marriage between Queen Mary
and the Prince of Spain. [Latin. Eleven pages.] |
April 28.
Guisnes. |
194. Lord Grey to the Council. Marshal St. André and M. Ville
bon are addressed towards these frontiers in all speed with a very
great number of horse, and as their exploit, whatever it may be,
requires expedition, it is ordered that their foot come with more
leisure and also in great power. Although the French report that
they re-victual Ardres, yet perceiving no cause of such access thither,
suspects they assemble to attempt hitherwards or against the Emperor's dominions. Stands circumspectly on his guard, and last
night gave warning to the Captain of Gravelines, wherein he has
proceeded upon special letters from her Majesty, signifying the terms
of amity which exist between her and the Emperor. For this refers
himself to their honourable corrections. [One page. Indorsed by
Petre.] |
April 28.
Paris. |
195. Dr. Wotton to Queen Mary. Is credibly informed that the
Emperor's Ambassador has a secretary or servant who communicates
to the Ambassador of France all that passes between her Majesty
and his master. Will write of this more fully, which he trusts her
Majesty shall receive shortly, if he may have post horses, and his
letters be suffered to pass, as he somewhat doubts whether they
shall. Therefore at all adventures thinks it good to send these few
lines by way of Dieppe. [One page. In cipher, deciphered.] |
April 28.
Paris. |
196. Same to same. An Italian named Portinaris, who long
served in England both her Majesty's father and brother, dined
with him, and at his departure gave him the inclosed writing and
requested him to peruse it. Perceiving its contents can do no
better than send the identical paper. Some of the Council know
the man far better than he does, and therefore can better inform
her Majesty of him. If she shall think it meet that any answer
shall be made upon his request, when her pleasure is known it shall
be done. [One page.] Incloses, |
|
196. I. A memorial from Portinaris, stating that he had
been 28 years in the service of King Henry VIII. and
King Edward VI., and in reward of his services was
made keeper of Sandon Castle in the Isle of Wight, with a
salary of 100l. sterling per annum, also had the superintendence of the tomb of King Henry, with 24l. per annum,
and was one of the 50 gentlemen pensioners, with pay of
46l. 13s. 4d. yearly. That the Duke of Somerset, on the
pretext that he could not be at all these places at once,
and that it was necessary for the dignity of King
Edward that a distribution of offices should be made,
had deprived him of all except the gentleman pensionership, promising to remember him when times were better.
Had in vain remonstrated with the Duke. His testimonials from the Council certifying his successful
repulse of the French when they attacked the Isle of
Wight, and his engineering abilities in mining Boulogne.
Is married to an English woman, and for their support
had been obliged to go to France and accept employment
on the fortifications in Piedmont, for which he had been
handsomely paid. Now, seeing their military and naval
preparations, fearing to be ordered to Scotland, and
unwilling to serve against the English, he is resolved to
leave France, and therefore beseeches Wotton to intercede
for a restitution of his appointments, and for his being
employed by her Majesty. [Italian. Five pages.] |
April 28.
Paris. |
197. Dr. Wotton to Sir William Petre. Supposes he now
looks daily for the Prince, and when he is come, then, as they
say, Novus rex, nova lex. Begs to be informed how he shall use
himself in his writing, as he does not know what order is taken
therefor at home. Supposes that he knows Portinaris, who is fain
to return to England, as appears by his request sent herewith.
Will be glad to know what answer her Majesty desires shall be
made to him. Portinaris would wish the matter kept secret and
known to few, for fear of danger. [One page.] |
April 29.
Paris. |
198. Dr. Wotton to Queen Mary. Sir William Pickering, in whose
company the rebels here at first much rejoiced, but whom they
now greatly mistrust, departed hence secretly on the 25th inst. in
the company of Thomas Danet, who likewise would not do anything which might turn to her Majesty's prejudice, nor follow the
rebels' minds. They intend to go to Lyons, and thence to Italy and
Germany, thinking they might depart the more secretly, because
Peter Carew and others of the rebels had gone on the preceding
day to the Court, which is now at Anet. But on the morrow
after Pickering's departure their absence was perceived by two
English merchants inquiring for him at the inn which he frequented; and the Staffords lying there, and hearing of it, made
such search that they found he was gone, but whither no one
could tell. Supposing, however, that Wotton had sent him in
post to her Majesty to declare what he knew of their proceedings,
they at first were minded to have sent in post a person after
him, who overtaking him should have slain him with a dag,
but the man chancing to be then out of the way, they finally
determined that Thomas Stafford, and, as he takes it, Sir Robert
Stafford, should take post and ride to the Court to advertise the
French King. Wherefore he thinks that Pickering and Danet
will be in great danger of their lives ere they get out of France,
especially because the former having promised to go to Court with
Peter Carew, the King will make a great matter of his breach of
promise. The day before he left, Pickering told a servant of Wotton
that towards the end of summer the French King, by Carew's
provocation, intends to land the rebels and others at Lee in Essex
and the Isle of Wight, where they reckon to land easily and either
to march on, if met, as they say they will be, by any number
of other Englishmen, or else to fortify themselves there. Also that
all her Majesty's communications with the Emperor's Ambassador
were betrayed by a corrupt secretary to the French Ambassador,
which Wotton believes is true. Moreover, that Carew has an
Englishman, name unknown, who frequently goes as a spy to England. If Pickering and Danet escape, (but God knows how they
shall !) recommends her Majesty to show them mercy, as both are
willing and able to do her service. Also, recommends Edward
Randall of Kent, and Staunton, who are equally resolved on fidelity
to her Majesty, but who cannot as yet escape from the rebels,
whose movements they will communicate; they are the principal
men of knowledge and experience of war among them. Randall
says that the French King knows so much of her Majesty's
affairs at home, that he fears what Wotton writes of him may come
to the King's knowledge; and that the King will on their landing
in England join a number of Scots to the rebels, who urge him to
make war against England in name of the right and title of the
young Scottish Queen to the crown thereof. Further, that the
King has sent for De Thermes, and though it is commonly thought
that he will return to Corsica, yet Pickering says he is recalled
for the purpose of going to Scotland again. The Italians here say
that although it was thought that the Turk and the Sophi would
have sat still this summer, it now appears otherwise; and it is
reported that the King of Algiers' navy comes here very shortly
to join with the French; but Wotton thinks that King is not
very well able to spare any great navy of his own at this time.
[In cipher, deciphered. Four pages.] |
| April 29. |
199. Queen Mary to Dr. Wotton. His letter of the 17th has
been received. Although such answer has been previously given to
the doleances set forth by the French King and Constable, as ought
to have well satisfied them, desires him at his opportunity to state
that no new impositions or restraints have been placed on articles
of commerce, that the letters of the Ambassador, which during the
rebellion had been taken out of the Chancellor's house, could not
be found, and therefore neither these, nor any others, had ever been
given to the Emperor's Ambassador to be deciphered; that the box
and money had been restored to the courier, whose suspicious
manner of going at such a time and by such his unaccustomed way,
with his inquiring for the rebels and such like circumstances, was
the sole occasion of his stay; that the statement as to the Ambassador's house being watched, or access thereto forbidden, is utterly
false; that touching the Ambassador being turned out of his house,
the fact is, he had for more than half a year been lodged in that of
Lord North, who, to his own inconvenience, had for the time vacated
from courtesy to the Ambassador, and now requiring it, the Ambassador has with his own free will and consent been placed in Bridewell, one of her Majesty's own residences, a place, as she thinks,
meet enough for any Ambassador, and such as he pays no rent for,
which is seldom used in France with her Ambassadors. As for
denial of passage through the realm to Scotland, none but suspected
parties have ever been interrupted; nevertheless there is now good
cause to be well ware unto whom liberty of such passage shall be
granted, not only for the practice attempted by D'Oysel (which
however much denied is clearly manifest), but because of late at the
passing of the Bishop of Ross there has been discovered a very foul
and unfriendly part attempted by one Pringle, one of the Bishop's
train, and devised, as he says, by the Queen Dowager of Scotland,
the Earl Bothwell, and the said Bishop, as may be seen by Pringle's
own deposition sent herewith; wherein also it may be seen that
this Bishop has been not only a deviser, but also a chief stirrer,
practiser, and procurer from time to time. And although such dishonourable dealing might by law have justified the detention of the
Bishop, yet he has been suffered to pass with warning only. As to
the frigate, if they will not believe what has already been told them
no more can be said. Is surprised at the favour shown to such a
traitor as Carew, and his impudence in seeking to excuse himself;
for although he pretends his enterprise to have been only against
the Prince of Spain and strangers, the same was to the manifest
danger of her Majesty's person and the whole realm, grounded upon
his misliking of religion. Wotton may confer with Pickering and
the other fugitives as he thinks convenient. Six or seven days ago
the French Ambassador had audience of her Majesty to complain that
some English vessels had spoiled certain French ships and carried
them to Spain, and that some other French ships had been stayed in
Ireland. He had been told that such matter had not been heard of,
and that no English ships of war had gone to Spain but those conveying the Lord Privy Seal and Lord Fitzwalter, who would not
attack any of the French King's subjects unless first provoked
thereto, and if he would declare who had committed the spoil, order
for justice would be taken. As to those said to be detained in
Ireland, had ascertained from Sir Edmund Roos, late Vice-Admiral
there, that he had on his own responsibility ordered some French
vessels, accused of piracy, to be stayed until inquiry could be made.
Orders have been issued, that they shall be released on finding
surety to abide such action of law as may be raised, and indeed
Roos should have been punished for acting without authority, had
not the Ambassador himself interceded for him. Sends a note of
spoils lately committed by the French on some of her Majesty's
subjects in the West country, and a supplication from the merchants
of Southampton, for which desires him to seek redress. [Draft,
corrected by Petre. Fourteen pages.] |
