Elizabeth: May 1573, 16-31 | British History Online

Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 10, 1572-1574. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1876.

Citation:

'Elizabeth: May 1573, 16-31', in Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 10, 1572-1574, ed. Allan James Crosby( London, 1876), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/foreign/vol10/pp336-353 [accessed 22 November 2024].

May 1573, 16-31



May 16.	963. — to Giacomo Spinola.
	Insurrection in Switzerland. Death of Stephen Battori, the son of the King of Transylvania. News from the Court of Spain and from France. The naval preparations of the Turk proceed slowly on account of the plague and other hindrances. Liberation of galley slaves taken in Cyprus, and negociations for the restoration of that island to the Venetians. —Venice, 16 May 1573. Add. Endd., with seal. Ital. Pp. 1¼.
May 16.	964. Valentine Dale to Lord Burghley.
	Has stayed the moving of Badonaire's cause at his own request. Pinart is now returned; he went with great hopes of pacification, by reason that Montgomery had withdrawn himself from Rochelle, and great offers were made to them of the town that they should enjoy all their privileges and full liberty of religion, so that they would acknowledge the King's authority and admit a garrison. Upon this Brantome and Douartes were sent into the town for hostages, and two citizens came into the camp, but in conclusion they of Rochelle, understanding that Montgomery had taken BelleIsle, made absolute answer that they would neither admit a garrison or make peace for themselves, unless the edict of January might take effect throughout all France, and so the treaty broke off. Further, they say that Montgomery has left BelleIsle, but not unfurnished, and is come near Rochelle, whereof they are all in "a damp" at the court; and whereas the King had determined to remove to Compiegne, he now breaks off his hunting and pastimes, and has his council closely attending upon him with such silence that men mistrust some greater thing than is yet known. The Count De Retz, to whom the King had departed with BelleIsle, is in great displeasure because it was not better furnished, to the great grief of the Queen Mother. The victuals which were wont to come in great store to the camp from Britanny are now cut off. Monsieur affirms that he will not away from Rochelle before it be won, and his hope is for lack of victuals, by intelligence; and by making a mine. There are 500 Swiss arrived at the coast for the guard of the King, and it is said the rest, about 5,000, are towards the camp. The Cardinal of Lorraine is come to Paris with great countenance to help forward the sale of the church lands for the maintenance of the King's wars. The Scots ambassador has been at the court to make his moan, for they have news of the matters of Edinburgh, and sent twice before he had audience. Monsieur daily vaunts that he will give the assault shortly with all his force, and will not endure this dishonour.— Moret, 16 May 1573. Signed. Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 1¼.
May 16.	965. Occurrents of 16 May.
	News of the capture of BelleIsle by the Count Montgomery. Taking of several strong places in Dauphigny by the Protestants, who number 2,000 harquebussiers. On the 24th ult. there passed by Chambery of Spaniards and Italians 3,000 harquebussiers and 1,200 horsemen sent to the succour of the Duke of Alva. News from Vienne about the Emperor, the election to the crown of Poland, and the Sophy. Successful sortie from Rochelle. The Marquis of Maine is coming to Paris to seek the perfect cure of his leg. List of towns and strong places held by the Protestants in Guienne, Bearn, Languedoc, and Dauphigny. Pp. 2. Enclosure.
May 17.	966. Sir Valentine Browne to Lord Burghley.
	Thanks him for the acceptation of his suit for William Scopham. Wilton has served well, but now being grown into years is not so apt as he has been; could well be contented to take one of the pensions that falls here. The General does all that he may to have things perfect before the battery begins by mine and platform. Cannot extend his money to more than the 22nd of the month. The General presses to have some portion of money beside ordinary wages or charges to remain to answer all events, whereof he desires direction. For four or five days more he can by credit enlarge if the same come not in time. Yesterday night some friends of the Castilians out of the trenches shot to them an advertisement tied to an arrow which, by shooting clean over the Castle, lighted in the trenches on the other side among the soldiers, the effect whereof being in plain speech was of the covenants between England and Scotland, and the bringing in of English forces; the rest was in cipher not yet deciphered.—Berwick, 17 May 1573. Signed. Add. Endd. by Burghley. Pp. 1²/3.
May 17.	967. H. Killegrew to Lord Burghley.
	Wishes himself able to relieve him of his burden, but sees the impossibility thereof otherwise than by doing his duty, and does not mistrust that after hard news he shall hear better. This day at one in the afternoon some of the pieces began to speak such language that it made them in the Castle think more of God than they did before, and all men to think the enterprise not so hard as before they took it to be. The General does not doubt the matter, and yet captains and soldiers desire that places may be thought unexpugnable that their honor and desert may be the greater. Sees no cause to complain of the Scottish forces, or fear of betrayal, unless he would say it is a thing may be done, and so it may be answered with great reason, "if the sky fall we shall take larks." For anything the men can want above the Regent's promise, he will see it performed, likewise if any soldier have cause to complain of ill usage, either in lodging or victualling, let them come to him, and he has offered openly to see it remedied. The causes why he thinks the time long are want of skill and want of hands not to fight but to labour, at the first coming the soldiers should have put to their hands, but they have kept themselves for the battle, no exploit or enterprise has been done more than was before by the Scots, nor well could without hazard of men before this day and yesterday. The Englishmen begin to play their parts to the comfort of the Scots without and the terror of those within, and "upon my word in all doings the Scottish soldiers arm in arm with the English in like case, the gunners with ours, &c." Trusts this friendliness will with the emulation of honor make both strive who shall climb foremost if it come to the assault. All the pieces for battery be planted saving six cannons, which could not be done until now because the approach was dangerous and the place required great work in preparing, which has made the General and all others say what proved not that the battery should begin such a day, according to which speeches he has written. If there be anything to be feared in the achieving of the enterprise with speed it will be want of powder, whereof the allowance is short of the proportion sent up by Captain Errington by 15 or 17 last. When the battery shall be once laid, which they say will be the 21st of the month, the matter will be at a point before the end of the same. It has been hitherto with less blood than if the ordnance had sooner been planted, and this conjecture they have to lead them that they want store of powder within, for they suffered all the ordnance to be planted and shot yesterday all the afternoon without harm from them. At the first there was a great and lamentable cry within heard plainly of divers. Wishes all the rest were as sufficient to discharge their offices as the gunners. The artillery has been so long in planting that they within have had plenty of time to build at every place where they may be annoyed. Wishes for more powder, but before this comes to his hands is sure it will be too late to send it from London. Robert Hamilton who came last out of France is sent to the Duke, between whom and the Regent there is great kindness. This peace has renewed certain old private debates between sundry noblemen, to wit the Earl of Athol and Mackintosh, about a great slaughter committed in the Highlands. There is some trouble between Lord Drummond and Lord Ruthven upon the dispossession of the old Lady Drummond, aunt to Lord Ruthven. Sir James Irwin confessing nothing in effect is to be sent prisoner to Blackness. A messenger that came with letters in cipher from the French Ambassador is taken, and shall be hanged because he is a Scottish man and would have gone into the Castle, whither some good fellow shot an arrow three days past, which had about the head thereof two bills, the one in cipher the other not. The enclosed is the effect of that in cipher. The other was a copy of the articles passed between the Regent and the General touching the Castle. Upon this proclamation was made that all soldiers or others who served in the last troubles against the King, and now out of the hands, should depart and not come within four miles of Edinburgh during the siege on pain of death. The like was made of the wives of the soldiers of the Castle remaining in the town. The Regent has a guess at him that wrote the cipher and shot the arrow, it should be young Barnboghe, Grange's nephew. Mr. Cecil says he came to learn to be a soldier and not an ambassador, and therefore continues with the General; the Regent has bidden him be no stranger with him or his friends. There is none small or great but does like well of him, and for one thing above the rest, which is for serving of God at the times convenient.—Edinburgh, 17 May, at night. Signed. Add. Endd. Pp. 6.
May 14.	968. The Cipher shot into the Castle.
	The number of the Englishmen are not past six hundred. The Castle was thought in the beginning a light matter, but now it is thought a stronghold. They are undermining the fore block-house and think to blow it up. The Marshal is lodged in Robert Gurlaw's house. If they would bestow a shot on that house when the Marshal and his company are in it they shall be advertised by the shot of two harquebusses out of a house, the windows whereof shall be stopped with straw. The Englishmen and Scottish men are "mellit" through with the others in the trenches, and keep stark in the night. But if they would assay them, it would be done in the daylight with thirty men or thereabouts at the fore point of the block house, for there is no good watch kept there in the day. If they be scant of men let him have a sign, and he will hazard to come in and bring men with him. If they suffer the powder to lie where it was, they have taken in hand to shoot at it and set it on fire. Rochelle is not won. In cipher, deciphered. Endd. P. ½. Enclosure.
May 18.	969. Sir W. Drury to Lord Burghley.
	Had good success yesterday by discharging and sending into David's tower and other parts thirty-four demi-cannons, a show of the good will they bear and owe them for their obstinacy, which by the cannoniers were so well bestowed that no man could better have wished them spent. After the first "tier" of ordnance was discharged, great cries and shouts were made by the women of the Castle, terming the day and hour black. Notwithstanding the soldiers within showed themselves in no small companies here and there, but especially they showed many on the top of David's tower, with great pride displaying two ensigns, and shooting at every advantage they saw very near. But in fine the cannoniers plied them so cunningly and well, and drove them so clean from the tower top, that they once durst not look out or show themselves. Prays that more powder may be sent to Berwick. Caused three demi-cannons to be levelled at the place where he judged in the night they would gather them unto, which fell in the place where they wished.—Edinburgh, 18 May 1573. Signed. Add. Endd. P. 1.
May 14.	970. The Cipher shot into the Castle.
	Copy of the enclosure to Killegrew's letter of the 17th May. Endd. P. ¼. Enclosure.
May 18.	971. Sir Valentine Browne to [Lord Burghley].
	The battery is already begun with those pieces that be already placed; it is looked that to night or to-morrow the whole does set on. Has this morning sent to the camp the fifty pioneers out of the Bishopric, and has received letters from Drury for more money, wherewith he furnishes him with one hundred pounds. It seems they mean to employ much more provision than was looked for about the engines. Beseeches him for a new supply of money, the days will be run out on Friday next.—Berwick, 18 May 1573. Signed. P. ½.
May 20.	972. Valentine Dale to Lord Burghley.
	Understands from Rouen of the rigging of the ships at Dieppe and along the rest of the coast, and though they do and will pretend that it is done to withstand Montgomery's attempts, yet he desires to know whether he shall make to the King any motion thereof. The King has again sent to Rochelle further articles of pacification. The Cardinal of Lorraine has come very triumphantly to the Court. They have already made loans in Paris, until their sales may be made of the church lands. They be in the more jollity here, because they do not hear that Montgomery attempts so much to succour Rochelle, but makes himself strong about BelleIsle, where they do not fear him much. It is not yet well known what is the cause of the imprisonment of the young Rhinegrave, some say for evil words used of the King and Queen Mother, touching the massacre of Paris or the overthrow at Mons, and some for secret and indirect practise with the Prince of Orange. They are nothing sorry here for the loss of the Duke of Alva upon the seas. It is reported that Marshal Tavannes is dead.—Moret, 20 May 1573. Signed. Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 1⅓.
May 20.	973. Pietro Bizarri to Lord Burghley.
	Movements of the German and other troops intended for service in Flanders. Orders have been given through all the ports of the King Catholic that the Venetians are not to be molested. Don John of Austria has commanded that all the coast fortifications in Apulia should be inspected and put in a good condition of defence. Munitions of war are also to be sent to La Goletta. The ambassador of Venice has informed the Cardinals appointed to receive him, that if he cannot have audience with the Pope according to the tenor of his commission, that he will return home again as he has been directed to do. Levy of troops in Savoy and Milan for the service of the King of Spain. Signor Gio: Egolpho à Knorringen, a canon of Wurtzburg, has been made Bishop of Augsburg.—Augsburg, 20 May 1573. Signed. Add. Endd., with seal. Ital. Pp. 1¼.
May 21.	974. Queen Elizabeth to Catherine de Medicis.
	Has learnt by her letters and those of the Duke of Alençon, and also through M. de la Mothe Fenelon, the great desire that the Duke has to come over to England in the matter of the marriage, and has been required to declare her good will, and grant the necessary safe conduct for the said journey. Cannot promise to accept him as her husband before she has seen him. If they will assure her that no offence will be taken, whatever the event may be, she will grant the safe conduct required for his journey.—Greenwich, 21 May 1573. Copy. Fr. P. 1.
May 21.	975. Queen Elizabeth to the Duke of Alençon.
	Is obliged to delay granting his request for a safe conduct for certain reasons which she has communicated to the Queen Mother, as she can never consent to accept any person as her husband before having seen him.—21 May 1573. Copy. Endd. Fr. P. ¾.
May 22.	976. H. Killegrew to Lord Burghley and the Earl of Leicester.
	Since his last writing the pieces beat their defences, and then they began the battery in two places, which the Castle, having been cold all this while, began to impeach with hot shooting, but in vain, for none was hurt with their great shot, but a common soldier was slain with a small shot. This stayed a little the General's ordnance from battering, and made him direct them for the dismounting of those pieces which might hinder his battery. By this means Sir Henry Lee's breach was in more forwardness, which lies at the northwest side of the town at their postern gate, so that he was fain to breathe him, lest he be too forward. If the General want not powder, the matter in two days will be ready for the assault, which he sees men willing to give. Some faults have been committed through negligence or want of skill, that have made him become a pioneer these two nights, for making two mounts to flank the breaches. The mine is not come to the place but as near as may be, but the General has so many things to do that he cannot answer all that is to be done. The gunners to his judgment have done their part best of any of their quality. Although he has no office pertaining to the wars, yet must he be doing somewhat, because the General has not the help he looked for, yet Sir Henry Lee, Sir George Cary, Sir Francis Russell, Mr. Cecil, and Mr. Knowles be both painful and vigilant. The powder is not yet come from Berwick, which is some discouragement. —Edinburgh, 22 May. Signed. Add. Endd. Pp. 2.
May 23.	977. Sir Henry Lee to Lord Burghley.
	Of his former suspected doubts there is no sign; they remain doubtful yet hope the best, each man's force is ready to with stand the worst. Craves his favor for the better furthering of that licence which it pleased him to get for him from the Queen.—Edinburgh, 23 May. Signed. Add. Endd. Pp. 1⅓.
May 23.	978. Sir W. Drury to Lord Burghley.
	On the 21st the cannoniers began to batter David's tower and a curtain where the night before the Castilians had placed certain cannons to annoy a mount called by his own name, from which they suffered them to shoot many shots against their wills. When they began they ceased not from shooting till they had sent twenty-five cannon shot, whereby the cannoniers, labourers, and some others were often buried with earth, during which service although so hot he lost not a man, neither any hurt but one whose head took a knock with a stone. All this while the cannoniers ceased not, by whose perfect shooting into their "lowpes" their ordnance was so well displaced that they could no more send that day, forgetting to send as they had promised cannon for cannon. Their small shot they plied the English with all this time, as they do them day and night, whereby one was slain and two or three others hurt. How they speed within he cannot judge by reason of the height they dwell on. After finishing hereof a great part of David's tower fell. The understanding of the powder to be sent does not a little glad him. Mr. Cecil does very orderly behave himself.—Edinburgh, 23 May 1573. Signed. Add. Endd. P. 1.
May 24.	979. H. Killegrew to Sir Valentine Browne.
	Trusts he is better of his sickness, whereby he may better take substantial order for Verac and such like at their coming, whom the Regent will not have come hither. If Lord Livingstone come, let him stay till the Regent's mind be known, and James Livingstone is not to be suffered to come till the Castle be at some other point. The powder came surely and in good time. The King has had the small pox and begins to be well again; at Stirling all the youth almost were infected with the same disease. The Regent acquits himself well, and the Scottishmen will not leave the company of the English, if the matter come to assault; all this while they have lived brotherly together without dissension. Trusts he will return Verac with speed to London, and send some one that may see his doings by the way; there is a Scottish boy that brought a letter from him, who is hanged for his labour. The cipher is supposed to have been intended for Lethington, although the messenger delivered the same to Archibald Ruthven.— Edinburgh 24 May. Signed. Add. Endd. Pp. 2.
May 24.	980. Sir Valentine Browne to [Lord Burghley].
	The ship with the ten lasts of powder is arrived at the haven in safety. Has dispatched advertisement to the general to know his pleasure what should be done with the same.— Berwick, 24 May 1573. Signed.
	P. ⅓.
May 26.	981. Valentine Dale to Lord Burghley.
	1. The President of Tours is now at the court to have his dispatch unto the Queen of Scots, touching the account of her dowry upon the passport of the Queen's Majesty. He seems a man of a very inventive head, and is taken to be a man of practice, and chosen expressly by the Cardinal of Lorraine.
	2. Jacomo, Mr. Walsingham's man, sent word from Paris, that the Scotsman who came over with silks to the Scottish Queen, vaunts that, notwithstanding all the diligence which was used, he conveyed letters to her and brought letters from her which he carried under the "toas of his feete." As for Monsieur's mine at Rochelle, they of the town have made a very deep ditch along inside the walls, and pits in their bulwarks to "event" any mine that should be made under the same. From the camp it is advertised that Montgomery sent in a ship privily to Rochelle with 25 barrels of powder, and has promised the town aid within 15 days. They make great rejoicing here at the election of Monsieur as King of Poland; but are much grieved with the matters of Scotland. The Cardinal of Lorraine is much made of at the Court, and is busy gathering the clergy to make money.
	3. Tavannes is not yet dead, but so sick that Madame de Retz came to the court upon hope that her husband should have his office.—Moret, 26 May 1573. Signed.
	4. P.S.—Commends the diligence and fidelity of the bearer Thomas Vale. On the 18th instant there was a skirmish before Rochelle, where the townsmen lost 30 good soldiers, and the others about 60, amongst whom there is great moan made for Puygalliard, governor of Angers. Notwithstanding their humble submission and great presents, the Pope cannot be induced to be reconciled to the Venetians. The King's ambassador has written out of Spain, that the King of Spain made the Venetian ambassador a mild answer, that if the Venetians thought good to make their peace with the Turk he was not offended. The Venetians have sent Messer Andrea Badovero to be their ambassador resident with the Turk. The Turk minds not to make any great preparation this year. Such forces as he has by land he is determined to employ against the Sophy. Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 3¼.
May 26.	982. The Count of Montgomery to Lord Burghley.
	Has just arrived, and sends the bearer, his son, to inform him of what has passed during his late voyage. Intends to start with the first fair wind for the Isle of Wight, and desires that he will send instructions by the bearer as to what he shall do next.—Plymouth, 26 May. Signed. Add. Endd. Fr. P. ¼.
May 27.	983. H. Killegrew to Lord Burghley.
	Sees no cause to doubt of Hamilton or Huntley, or of the good success of the enterprise by force or treaty. Verac's man is to be dispatched to his master with answer that he cannot come hither. Means to carry Mr. Cecil before his return to see the King, the Blackness, and Dumbarton. The Castilians desire to speak with him and the general whereupon there is an abstinence; the Regent cannot with the King's honor and the concurrence between the Queen and King in this action suffer them to treat without he be a party; will do the best he may that he be not offended, for by the "sorte" of Rochelle there is need to keep him and this country in good devotion. The Scottish will not be behind at an attempt against the Castle.—Edinburgh, 27 May. Signed. Add. Endd. P. 1.
May 27.	984. H. Killegrew to Lord Burghley and the Earl of Leicester.
	About 5 o'clock at afternoon the Captain of the Castle and Robert Melvil, for whom Sir Henry Lee and George Fleck the Regent's servant went in, came to him and the general and to the Lord Boyd for the Regent. The effect of their demands was to have surety for the lives and livings of all that were within, that Lethington and Lord Home because of particular quarrels might go into England, and Grange to remain in Scotland, with a licence to depart the realm if he found himself ill-used, that they might have their goods within the Castle, and to deliver the rest with their obedience to the King and Regent; farther that the Countess of Argyle might not be delivered into her husband's hands. To all this it was answered that he should put his submission and petitions in writing and deliver the same in the morning at 6 o'clock, and he should receive answer. The ship with powder is come to Leith. The Regent confesses that he was suitor to stay Verac in England, willing him not to come here but on his peril; his man is commanded to depart in the morning under pain of imprisonment. The Regent would have Verac returned to London, and heed taken he take not shipping to land in any other place.—Edinburgh, 27 May, at night. Signed. Add. Endd. by Burghley. Pp. 2.
May 28.	985. Sir W. Drury to Lord Burghley.
	Desired Killegrew to inform him of the winning of the Spur, which if it had been well manned, or had had but the accustomed number, which were under twenty, would hardly have been gotten. Mr. Cecil does well, and only stays to see an end, which by fair means or force will be seen within five days, and then he will return to the house at Burghley. Will not hearken to the requests of the Castilians farther than the Regent and the Ambassador shall allow of. The ten lasts of powder came yesterday.—Edinburgh, 28 May. Signed. Add. Endd. P. 1.
May 28.	986. Sir W. Drury to the Privy Council.
	Stood at first in good hope to get the Spur from the Castilians by undermining, and so to have blown up part of the wall, but perceiving it to require a longer time than might be spared, as well in that the service grows towards ripeness for the assault, as to keep them occupied from working themselves into new strengths, did on the 26th in the morning scale the same by force of men, and not long after enjoyed it. That time of day was best liked being the time those within the Castle were accustomed to take rest, and that the danger of the ordnance might be eschewed, and every man's part therein better perceived. Before the enterprise was put in execution some soldiers were appointed to attempt the breach at the back of the Castle, to draw them to defend the same, in which attempt eight soldiers were hurt and slain, and at the winning of the Spur twenty soldiers, or thereabouts. Not long after the Castilians sent word they had good desire to speak with him, and after speech together for more than two hours it was promised that this day they would give in writing their minds. The powder come hither yesterday.—Edinburgh, 28 May 1573. Signed. Add. Endd. P. 1.
May 28.	987. Conditions of the Surrender of Edinburgh Castle.
	The Castle of Edinburgh being recovered by the forces of England shall be rendered with the munitions, jewels, &c., to the King's behoof and the Regent in his name, within such convenient space as shall be appointed. The whole prisoners being within the Castle shall come forth single without armour and submit themselves to the mercy of the King and Regent, and shall all be pardoned and suffered to pass where they please except Lord Home, Grange, Lethington, John Maitland of Coldinghame, the Bishop of Dunkeld, Robert Logan of Restalig, Robert Melvil, Alexander Creighton, and Pitarrow, who shall be reserved and kept until the knowledge of the Queen's advice. James Mossman and James Cockey shall likewise be reserved prisoners. The soldiers shall be suffered to bring forth their own bag and baggage. They of the Castle must give declaration of their acceptation or refusal betwixt this and nine hours of the night.—Holyrood House, 28 May 1573. Endd. by Killegrew. P. ²/3.
	988. Another copy. Endd. P. ²/3.
	989. Another copy. Endd. P. 1.
	990. Another copy. Endd. P. ²/3.
May 29.	991. Surrender of Edinburgh Castle.
	The Regent with the advice of the secret council ordains a herald or any other officer of arms to pass to the market cross of Edinburgh and other places needful, and there by open proclamation charge all the King's subjects that they suffer the soldiers and others within the Castle who have been pardoned to pass where they please, and in no wise to attempt to do them violence or injury in body or baggage, or use any manner of reproach in word or action against them, under pain of death. Endd. P. ½.
May 30.	992. Advertisements from France.
	1. M. de L'Autray upon suspicion that he was an espial being put on the rack at two several times, confessed that there were certain gentlemen of good account in the camps at Sancerre and Rochelle who advertised the townsmen from time to time of all their enterprises. From the 13th inst. until this day there have been done three sundry exploits upon the Bastillion de l'Evangile; in the first M, de Guatz entered by surprise, but in the end was driven out with loss; in the second he and M. de St. Colomb were sore hurt; in the third it is reported that one Besme (who in the late massacre at Paris slew the Admiral) had his thigh stricken quite off with a cannon, and a great number besides slain or hurt. On the 21st the Rochellois sallied out and "cloyed" four great pieces of artillery, and brought away with them six ensigns. Monsieur was determined to give the general assault on the 28th inst. MM. de Retz and Fiasque departed on the 22nd with 20 ships and six galleys to drive Montgomery out of Belle Isle, and he perceiving them too strong for him has forsaken the isle.
	2. News from Flanders of succours of Spaniards and Germans who have lately come to the Duke of Alva.
	3. Those of Navarin daily increase in numbers. Six ships have entered Rochelle. The clergy are to meet very shortly at Paris for the granting of their money. There is a rate made that they should pay 60,000,000,000 franks (sic) for the payment of the King's debts. They impute the election of Monsieur to the worthiness of his person and to the oration of Monsieur de Valence, others judge that it was through fear lest the Emperor's son being so mighty would make the kingdom hereditary. It is agreed that the clergy shall contribute 300,000 crowns to the charges of Monsieur. The King has dismissed his men of arms to refresh themselves till June 20. The Marshal of Poland is looked for very shortly as ambassador from thence. Endd. Pp. 2½.
	993. Copy of the above. Endd. Pp. 2.
May 30.	994. Sir W. Drury to Lord Burghley.
	Thought good to address Sir Henry Lee to the court to report on the good conformity grown to with the Castilians; his diligent travail and service in this exploit deserve great commendation. Has willed the bearer to declare to him touching his own particular, which he beseeches him have consideration of.—Edinburgh, 30 May 1573. Signed. Add. Endd. P. 1.
May 31.	995. Ralph Lane to Lord Burghley.
	North has already spoken with Spillman, and received from him a letter from the Duke of Alva, which he sends herewith. Sends also a note of the articles subscribed by the Duke which Spillman keeps. To-morrow or the next day there comes a Spanish captain like a merchant, who is to take their musters, and who brings order for the disbursement of so much money as is expressed besides the 12 lasts of powder. Lewis Larder's offer touching the surprising of Flushing is not liked by the Duke. By this new order they must be ready in Lowestoft Roads the 25th of June to be bestowed where the Duke's commissioner shall appoint.— London, 31 May 1573. Signed. Add. Endd., with seal. P. 1.
	996. Agreement for the Hire of certain Ships by the Duke of Alva.
	Twelve ships of charge to be ready in Lowestoft Roads by the 25th June, whereof the Admiral to be 140 tons, with six cast brass and six iron pieces, and six quarter slings, 40 small shot, and 20 bows and 40 sheaves of arrows, with 120 men; the other vessels to be furnished in proportion to their size. The captains to be bound as Catholic professors to serve the Duke against all princes except the Queen of England, and to receive as many soldiers as it shall please the Duke to put in them, and to land them in what country soever the Duke shall direct. The time of service to be four months, and the ships to have one French crown a ton. Pay and allowance for victual given. 500l. to be presently disbursed in prest. Pp. 1½. Enclosure.
May 31.	997. Valentine Dale to the Queen.
	1. Had procured audience against the very time that he received her letters, which was the 27th instant, of special purpose to "feel" some such matter of the King and Queen Mother as might be meet for Her Majesty to know. And because the King was then presently ready to take his horse towards his hunting, besides his usual shortness, he had the less particular speech with him, and when he began to declare Her Majesty's great good will to understand of the quietness of his realm, he answered shortly that she should be assured of the like amity of his part, which he hoped would now increase, both by the new good fortune of his brother, and by the further alliance which he trusted should grow by the matters begun between her and his brother. On Dale's reminding him what great regard Her Majesty thought there should be to foresee that it might not be any diminution of amity between them, if things should not take such effect as was wished, he said that he thought all should be well, and so shortly ended. The Queen Mother was very desirous to know what was Her Majesty's inclination towards M. le Duc. Dale said that there could be no doubt of her good liking to the amity between the two realms, but he was expressly commanded to remind her to have great care that the matter might be so dealt that there might be no occasion of diminishing of that amity if the matter should not take place. She answered that her son would abide that danger, but that she hoped that all things would be to his expectation. Talking of the election of Monsieur to the crown of Poland, she made account that he would pass by way of Calais and Dantzic, as it is to be doubted what will fall out between Germany and them. Could get nothing out of her touching the affairs of France, but that Montgomery either was or shortly should be driven from BelleIsle.
	2. At a later audience the Queen Mother assured him of the sincerity of M. d'Alençon's desire to visit the Queen after the taking of Rochelle, which she doubted not would be shortly won by force, and that he would think his travail well bestowed however it happened, and also for the King's part they would not mislike anything howsoever it fell out.— Moret, 31 May 1573. Signed. Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 3¾.
	998. Copy of the above. Pp. 7.
May 31.	999. Valentine Dale to Lord Burghley.
	Has written unto Her Majesty at large, and particularly his whole doings, whereby he may perceive that the desire of M. le Duc to come into England is not feigned. The matter of Rochelle cumbers them all. Thanks him for Thomas Wilks, his secretary, who is sufficient for that college and a better place. Knows that the statutes will bear him out, as he was of that college [All Souls] himself. Complains of the dearness of everything in France, and thinks it is requisite that the Queen should appoint some one living or other on him who shall serve her there.—Moret, 31 May 1573. Signed. Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 1⅓.
May 31.	1000. Valentine Dale to Lord Burghley.
	1. Sends him a copy of his letter to the Queen. Their own commodity here moves them to be desirous of Her Majesty's amity, and therefore they will condescend unto anything, but as touching the performance it lies in God's hands. The Scottish matters are canvassed here with the Cardinals of Lorraine and Guise by the Scottish Queen's Ambassador, but he cannot perceive any hope that they have, and therefore the Scots of that faction were never more submissive. The Ambassador came to Dale himself to move him for Vergys, that is coming over for the Scottish Queen's accounts, wherein he gave him courteous answer; but when he began to enter into further talk that England dealt sore with them at that time, he passed over into other matter. They are at their wits' end for Rochelle and wish it had been never begun, fain would the two Dukes be about their own business and let the matters of the realm alone; they will not tarry for composition, and wise men think the assault will be over dangerous and doubtful. Sends him his collection of the French estate as he gathered it in England. Gondi has been sent to him and the other ambassadors with news of the publication of the King of Poland's election, and in the end opened to him that they heard, that the Queen of England armed her ships. Told him that it was to waft the wool ships for doubt of them of Flushing.—Moret, 31 May 1573. Signed.
	2. P.S.—Brulart is sent to Rochelle of late with most large articles of pacification. The young Queen is much made of, to the end she may pacify her friends in Germany. The Queen of Navarre has been sick of late, and is not with child at this present. Sends him a plot of Rochelle; although Monsieur lies in the dike under the curtain, yet the rampart is theirs of the town, and what trenches or fosses are within are not known, but there are divers gabions and platforms which command the rampart at the place of the breach. There happened a fray yesternight between the servants of the Pope's Nuncio and those of the Spanish Ambassador, wherein two of the Nuncio's servants are hurt. There is like to be some business about it. Pp. 3½.
May 31.	1001. Sir Valentine Browne to Lord Burghley.
	Without speedy supply of money the Queen's charge will be the longer continued for want of pay, which now upon the cassing of the bands must needs be had. The whole of the bands, except some to attend the ordnance that may stay for want of wind, will be retired within eight days. Has extended the pays only to the 2nd June, so that the days that shall be more spent in that realm must be borne with such money as may be gotten among the merchants, to be repaid in English money, which being beneficial to them, they must be forced unto. Trusts the service being brought to this prosperous end will be comfortable to the Queen and Council. —Berwick, last of May 1573. Signed. Add. Endd. P. ²/3.
	1002. Siege of Edinburgh Castle.
	Prests and other payments made for the army in Scotland since the last reckoning, viz., for the space of 16 days, beginning on Monday the 18th May, and ending on Tuesday the 2nd June 1573, amounting to 1,255l. 7s. 8d. There is laid out more than is received in the 16 days 7l. 5s. 6d. The charges to continue in tarrying about the dismounting of the ordnance and retiring to Berwick are esteemed at 10 days, to be fully finished the 12th June, and so the whole money to be supplied for the cashing of the charges 1,137l. 15s. 6d. Endd. Pp. 3. Enclosure.
May.	1003. News from Italy.
	From Naples there is news that the Turk has put to sea with 300 galleys as is thought for La Goletta or Malta. Preparations made for the defence of Malta, and movements of the King of Spain's navy. The Venetians are disarming, and are desirous of a peace with the Turk. Endd. Ital. Pp. 1½.
May.	1004. Names of English Catholic Gentlemen of the Faction.
	Sir Thomas Cornwallis, Sir Henry Jernyngham, Sir Edward Bennyfield, Sir Thomas Lovel, Mr. Hayer, and Mr. Rows, of whom the meanest gentleman may dispend a thousand marks yearly. They have the mass and other Catholic service in their own house, and come not to their parish church, neither will they come to this heretical and schismatical service now used in this realm of England, supported by the Duke (of Norfolk). Sir Nicholas Strange, chamberlain to the Duke, a cold Protestant. Sir Richard Fulmerstone, his treasurer, a Catholic; his comptroller is also a Catholic. Mr. Barker, his secretary, a Catholic. Mr. James Guilford and Mr. Nicholas Myne, his collector at the court and London, both Catholics. Mr. Haselte, his collector for his matters concerning the law, a Catholic. Endd.: "Found in Edinburgh Castle." P. 1.
May.	1005. Advices from the Duke of Alva.
	Middleburg and Armuden have been revictualled, and Haarlem is so closely blockaded that the Duke hopes soon to be able to punish the rebels inside that town. On the 9th May, 1,300 of the enemy endeavouring to seize on the dikes between Amsterdam and Utrecht were defeated by certain garrisons in the neighbourhood. The Duke desires that the Queen will prevent her subjects from coming over to trouble the dominions of his master. On the 8th May those of Flushing sustained a great defeat from the Spaniards. In addition to the Spanish infantry which came from Italy, there have been levies of troops in Germany to uphold the authority of the King. Endd. by Burghley. Span. Pp. 1¼.
May.	1006. Advices from Italy.
	1. Vienna, 12 May 1573.—Election in Poland. Threats and promises of the Muscovites and Turks.
	2. Venice, 23 May.—Reported intended interference of the King of Spain in the affairs of Pitagliano in behalf of the Farnese family. Disarmament of the Venetian fleet, with the exception of 12 galleys for the purpose of guarding the gulf from corsairs.
	3. Rome, 26 May 1573.—News of the Papal Court. Skirmish near Pitagliano. Unsuccessful attempt of Montgomery to relieve Rochelle. Capture of a corsair. It is reported at Turin that the Duke of Medina Celi will marry a daughter of the Prince of Orange, who will then lay down his arms and be restored.
	4. Padua, 18 May.—At Padua there have fallen drops of a red colour like blood, and the writer encloses some leaves stained by them. The common people regard this as a portent. Endd. Ital. Pp. 5½.
May.	1007. Advices from Italy.
	1. Venice, 30 May 1573.—The Duke of Anjou has been elected King of Poland, to the great displeasure of the Czar of Muscovy. Depredations by corsairs.
	2. Genoa, 15 May.—Account of preparations for an expedition to go to Goletta.
	3. Naples, 15 May.—Departure of the son of Ali Bassa.
	4. Rome, 23.—Expected attempt of the Turks upon Goletta. News of the Papal Court. Siege of Rochelle.
	5. Vienna, 20.—Discontent at the election of the Duke of Anjou. Endd. by Burghley. Ital. Pp. 4¾.
[May.]	1008. Election of the King of Poland.
	"A pleasant discourse upon the French King, Charles IX.; offers to make his brother King of Polonia; and upon the prophecy that Queen Mother shall see all her sons kings." States that the prediction that Catherine de Medicis should see all her sons kings was the cause of the suit of the Duke of Alençon for the hand of Queen Elizabeth, and also of the candidature of the Duke of Anjou for the crown of Poland. Recapitulates the different promises that Charles the Ninth has made to the Poles; with comments on each of them, principally inveighing against his tyranny, perfidy, and inability to perform his engagements. Prophesies an evil ending to Charles, his brothers, and the Queen Mother. Endd. Lat. Pp. 4.
[May.]	1009. Rough Notes concerning the Siege of Edinburgh Castle.
	The names of such as were in the Castle when it rendered, in number 200 men, women, and children. There were at the siege 1,500 Englishmen and 500 Scots. There were, one with another, 30 pieces of artillery. Part of the spoil of the Castle was given to the soldiers, the cannons, munitions, &c., were left to the King; if the Englishmen by force had taken it, it was decreed they should have had the whole spoil except the artillery, and so should have enjoyed it for the space of three days. The Castle was besieged in five places, where were erected mounts. Names of the captains, thirteen in number. The siege was begun 29th April, and the Castle was taken 28th May 1573. Causes of surrender. 1. Lack of water, the well within the Castle was stopped and defiled with ruins; the other, which was without, could not serve them for there was a mount made to hinder them; another water there was which was unknown to them without, and taken when the Spur was taken, out of which they were wont to have a pint a day for each soldier. 2. Divers sick. 3. Divers hurt. 4. Not many to maintain the Castle, which had no space to take any rest, they were so plied and outwearied. 5. Divers divided in opinion from the rest. 6. Some were no soldiers, and came from friendship only. 7. No aid was to be looked for; James Kyrkcaldy being taken coming out of France with powder and other things necessary. Verac had the last leave to go thither, but as he came to Berwick the Castle was rendered, and afterwards he sending for a passport from the Regent he was answered he should tell his master that he sent another man, for he was but a knave, they knew his dealings so well. Ten do stand upon the Queen's mercy. Executed of them that were taken the Laird of Grange, Constable of the Castle, James Kyrkcaldy, his brother, and two more. The battery began on Trinity Sunday, 17th May. Partly in Latin. Pp. 4.