|
| Feb. 1. |
102. Lord Hunsdon to Lord Burghley. |
|
Is sorry that resolutions can be no sooner had in matters
of so great importance. Perceives that Mr. Randolph is to
come down. Knows that he is well acquainted among
them, but doubts whether his credit is so good with
either side as to do any good. Desires the marriage of the
Duke of Norfolk's second son for one of his daughters. Is
sorry Monsieur is so scrupulous in his religion, which he
thinks might be tolerated. Fears that if he were a Protestant
there would be other devices to hinder. Believes that the
Queen will never marry, "there are so many hinderers, whom
God amend or send the devil to fetch them." If Lord Cobham's offence is such that Her Majesty thinks him not fit to
enjoy his office, he desires that he may have it, and so the
Earl of Leicester may procure this place for Lord Grey.—
Berwick, 1 February 1571. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1. |
| Feb. 2. |
103. Treaty between the Queen of England and the King
of Portugal. |
|
Treaty of alliance and commerce in accordance with the
articles of agreement of Jan. 1, 1572.—London, 2 Feb. 1571.
Draft. Endd. Lat. Pp. 4¼. |
|
104. Rough draft of the above corrected by Burghley.
Endd. Lat. Pp. 6. |
|
105. Draft of a portion of the treaty.
Endd. Lat. Pp. 3. |
|
106. Another copy, with a correction by Burghley.
Endd. Lat. Pp. 2½. |
|
107. Another copy.
Endd. Lat. Pp. 7¼. |
|
108. Article in the above treaty relating to the publication of
the prohibition to trade in Ethiopia and the Indies.
Endd. by Burghley as being denied. Italian. P. 2/3. |
| [Feb. 3.] |
109. News from France. |
|
Occurrents at Amboise since Jan. 22. |
|
1. The Queen of Navarre and the Pope's Legate are to be
received at Blois, whither the King removes about 4th inst. |
|
2. "The Legate passing by Montpellier where the Huguenots
be the greater number, who thinking it fit to do something to
please the King, made a lane that he might pass into the
town, through which he did, and crossed and blest till he
perceived they did no other reverence with cap or knee, but
only laughed at him, but after what sort he blessed afterwards
I leave the reader to think." |
|
3. Certain couriers going into Spain were rifled of their
packets about Chatelherault by masked persons. |
|
4. The King of Portugal is entered into the league against
the Turk. |
|
5. It is said that the King of Spain will send one of his
daughters hither to pacify the grandmother. |
|
6. Notwithstanding a sermon preached before him, in which
the Huguenots were likened to lepers, the King has condemned the town of Paris to recompense such losses as divers
particulars sustained at the late hurly burly about the cross. |
|
7. It is a common bruit throughout France that Sir Thomas
Smith brought over the Scottish Queen's process to have the
King confirm it by Parliament, and no man is offended withal
because the crown will have 100,000 francs by her death. |
|
8. By reason of the late suspicion between the Admiral and
the Guises, the Huguenots had 20,000 footmen and 7,000
horsemen in readiness, and will bring as many into the field
in six weeks warning. |
|
9. The Protestants here cry out against the Scottish Queen,
"Crucify, crucify." |
|
By Letters from Venice. |
|
10. Great preparations of the Turk who makes account to
have 330 galleys of his own charges, and stays besides of all
sorts and nations which be in his ports. The number of men
to serve by sea and land be 400,000 footmen, whereof
200,000 be Tartars, besides 100,000 horsemen. |
|
11. On Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 were two councils, where the Duke
of Guise caused a supplication to be presented to the effect
that notwithstanding the sentence given at Moulins he was
not satisfied as yet for his father's death, and therefore desired
redress at the King's hands, which was not allowed by those
present, the Marquis of Villars saying that in case it were
permitted to undo after that sort things passed a great "sight"
more would be touched and so much mischief ensue.
Endd. Pp. 4. |
| Feb. 4. |
110. Walsingham to Lord Burghley. |
|
1. Hopes that Burghley may be eased of his sickness so as
still to uphold their "staggering state." Touching the third
person, he sees it so full of impediments, weighing the matter
at home and abroad, as there appears no good foundation to
build on.—Paris, 4 Feb. 1571. |
|
2. P.S.—The writer of the new story is Voisin, and not as
he termed him in his other letter. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1. |
| Feb. 7. |
111. The Duke of Anjou to Maitland of Lethington. |
|
The King of France considering the state to which Scotland
is reduced by these civil wars and divisions, has sent M. de
Croc to aid in bringing about a reconciliation between the
two parties. Advises him to accept any reasonable conditions.—Blois, 7 Feb. 1572.
Copy. Endd. Fr. p. ½. |
| Feb. 8. |
112. Sir Thomas Smith to Lord Burghley. |
|
1. Told De Croc that he did not think that he would be
allowed to see the Queen of Scots, and that he must take the
late Queen of Scots for a person dead in this world, deposed
in her own realm, and now by all men's opinions condemned
and worthy to die in England, although as yet it be not done.
De Croc shook his head and said nothing, but that he was
sorry and knew that once Smith loved her well (thinks he
took him for Sir Nicholas [Throckmorton]). Smith said that
when the Queen's life was in hazard they could not love the
occasion of the danger.—Amboise, 4 Feb. 1571. |
|
2. Has had audience on the 6th Feb., and likes better every
day the marriage with the Duke of Alençon, and mentions
the advantages to be therefrom derived. Thanks him, as
also the Earl of Leicester, for having him in remembrance
touching the Chancellorship of the Order. Cavalcanti has
brought certain notes touching merchants. The poor man
has been evil troubled this fortnight and more with the gout,
so that by Burghley and him one may see that it is not scant
or fine diet that can keep the gout away.—Blois, 8 Feb. 1571.
Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 22/3. |
| Feb. 8. |
113. Sir Thomas Smith to Lord Burghley. |
|
Yesterday the Cardinal Alexandrino was received into this
town. "He is the Pope's nephew, a 'werish' man, and looks
like a fool." He was met by Monsieur and the Duke of
Alençon, and a great train of gentlemen on horseback, and was
conducted to the castle, where the King received him. He
did not bless one whit all the way as he came, but held his
hands before him together like a fool, or one that prayed.
Perceives by Sir Humfrey's letter that Burghley has talked
with Medley. Has written plainly to Sir Humfrey, but it is
time he were at home himself to take order in these matters.
Prays him to send Sir Humfrey down, and let him take some
handsome man with him, as if it be himself alone he is too
much "assotted" upon Medley.—Blois, 8 Feb. 1571. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1. |
| Feb. 8. |
114. Henry Killegrew to the Queen. |
|
Was sent for on the 3rd inst. at night to the Queen Mother,
who willed him to advertise Her Majesty that there were
letters come from the King's agent in Flanders making
mention that since Gerau D'Espes was arrived the Duke of
Alva had sent two persons, an Italian and an Englishman, to
Dunkirk to confer there with some who should prosecute such
practices as were in England begun, tending to the danger of
Her Majesty's royal person and perturbance of her realm,
encouraging the secret conspirators with hope of aid and
assistance. Craves pardon to utter the judgments of some who
have wondered at Her Majesty's wise and prudent government, and who think her "gests" shall be no less famous
than any of her progenitors have been if she take profit of
the late miraculous saving of her, and hereafter "assure
herself and her estate against the malicious enemies and
underminers thereof, which every man says may be so justly
and easily compassed, as unless she do the same it will call
her former policy and actions in question." They say there
is but one root the cause of all dangers, "the same in her own
wood," which by God's and man's law she may use as best
stands with her commodity. What she will do is earnestly
looked for. Finds by his own experience that the more she
seeks to assure herself the better her business speeds in this
court, where almost all have in their mouths, "Vita Conradini
mors Caroli, vita Caroli mors Conradini." She need not think
that whatsoever she does for her own preservation will be ill
taken here. If they saw her take the right way to assure
herself they would honour and love her ten times the more;
nevertheless, until they see her take that course, they must of
policy use "compiamentos nisi forte in tempore futuro, &c."
Hopes that she knows that charity in this case ought to
begin at herself, upon whose life so many thousands depend,
"and therefore accursed [be] whosoever shall persuade her to
fear or forbear to do that which God allows her to do."
Draft. Endd.: 8 Feb. 1571. Pp. 2¼. |
| Feb. 9. |
115. Sir John Forster to Lord Burghley. |
|
Has received a letter from Lord Scrope desiring his aid for
the subduing and overthrowing the broken people within his
office. Wishes to understand the Queen's pleasure whether
they may deal with them with the vehemency of fire and
sword. Renews his suit for the furtherance of his purchase of
Langley. The Regent of Scotland is at Leith, Lord Morton
has passed over the water of Dundee, and Lord Ruthven has
come to Jedburgh with 300 men to subdue the disordered
people there. On the 5th inst. the garrison of Edinburgh
burnt two granges of the Lord Morton's at Dalkeith.—
Alnwick, 9 Feb. 1571. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ½. |
| Feb. 11. |
116. Lord Scrope to Lord Burghley. |
|
The Lairds of Ferniehurst and Buccleuch having set forward
with 140 shot and their forces of horsemen against Jedburgh,
were encountered by Lord Ruthven with certain shot, who
overthrew all their footmen, and Ferniehurst has hardly
escaped to Martin Elwood's house in Tividale.—Carlisle, 11
Feb. 1571. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ½. |
| Feb. 11. |
117. Lord Hunsdon to Lord Burghley. |
|
Has sent to the Regent for a safe conduct for the marshal
and Mr. Randolph, but fears they will do little good, for the
only mark that both sides shoot at is money, and especially
the King's side, who say that the Queen promised to set up
the King, and aid them with money and all other things for
bringing the realm to obedience. There daily arises new
matter to increase the hatred between them. Ferniehurst
gathers all he can in order to burn Jedburgh. Complains that
there being so many of conspiracy of so notorious and heinous
treasons neither any of the principals are executed, or like
to be. Unless the rest have their deserts as well as the
Duke, the Queen might as well let him live. "It is small
policy, nor worthy to be termed mercy, to be so careless, of so
weighty matters that touch the quick so near." Would be glad
of the Duke's life, both for kindred, friendship, and the nobility of his house, but considering what peril the Queen stands
in would renounce him if he were his son.—Berwick, 11 Feb.
1571. Signed.
Add. Endd. Injured by damp. Pp. 1½. |
| Feb. 11. |
118. Instructions for Sir Thomas Smith, Walsingham, and
Killegrew. |
|
Certain of her Council having conferred with the French
ambassador upon such matters as have passed between them
and the French King's deputies, he propounded four points
which comprehended the differences between them. The first
doubt, touching the express mention of religion, after long
discussion remained undetermined. The second point moved
by the ambassador was for the form, manner, time, and
quality of the aid that should be mutually given, wherein he
pressed to have had the like manner as was used in the treaty of
1543; he in the end seemed to be satisfied that it should be at
the charges of the prince demandant. To the third matter,
which was about Scotland, it was admitted that the French
King and the Queen of England should send jointly to accord
the differences there, and that neither should send forces to
either party. Lastly, he offered that his master would yield
to any reasonable demands for the benefit of the English
merchants resorting into France. This is the sum of what
passed between the ambassador and those of the council who
were appointed to deal with him, who were the Lord Keeper,
the Earl of Leicester, Lord Burghley, and Sir Walter Mildmay.
Gives further instructions concerning the wording and alterations to be made in the different articles for the proposed
treaty which have been sent by them, and sends a commission
under the great seal for Walsingham to join in the negotiations.
Rough draft, corrected by Burghley. Endd. Pp. 11⅓.
Printed at length in Digges' "Compleat Ambassador,"
p. 154. |
| Feb. 12. |
119. Sir Thomas Smith to Lord Burghley. |
|
The Queen Mother understanding their goodwill to set
forth the second offer has sent a courier after De Croc, who
shall out of hand carry their packet into England. On
Sunday the 9th inst. there was running at the ring in
masque. The King had six like Amazons, Monsieur seven
besides himself, the Duke of Alençon as many, and their
bastard brother Monsieur the Chevalier as many like Albanois.
Wishes Hall the chronicler were alive and here to have made a
dispatch of that and the masque at night. At the running
at the ring the Queen Mother came from her place to them to
know if they had yet any word, and what the Queen thought
of the Duke of Alençon. The Queen Mother told Mr. Killegrew at night at the masque that Alençon's living was rather
more than Anjou's. It is pretended that there had needs be
much closeness used in this matter, or else many will be
stirred up to oppose it. The Pope's Legate has learned to
keep in his horns, and blessing where none or very few
esteem them.—Blois, 12 Feb. 1571. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 2. |
| Feb. 12. |
120. Intelligence from Abroad. |
|
1. Vienna, 6 Jan. 1572.—The Duke of Ferrara has left the
Emperor's Court; no one can learn why he came, some think
for his own personal advantage, some to serve the Emperor
or the Venetians, and others to demand the investiture of
Mirandola. |
|
2. Venice, 19 Jan. 1572.—The Venetians have offered to
give a galley or galliot to any man that will arm it, and that
what they gain one third shall come to St. Mark's, and the
rest to themselves. They have 25,000 footmen in readiness.
There is certain report that the Bishop of Aix has been
robbed not far from Ragusa. The Venetians have taken their
journey to the Levant with 70 galleys, and Bragadino comes
into the gulf with 25 galleys. News from Alexandria says
that when the Turk heard of the overthrow of his army he
commanded that the Bailiff and the Venetian prisoners should
be put to death; but the Pasha made as if half the army had
been saved, and that the right wing of the Christians had
been taken, whereupon they were sent to prison in the Tower
of Marmora. The Turk has no more than 40 galleys in
Marmora, a few that came from Cyprus, and 30 out of
Barbary. |
|
3. Naples, 15 Jan.—A gentleman whose hand the Marquis
of St. Croix [Santa Cruz] had caused to be cut off, thinking to
revenge himself watched the Marquis to kill him, but proceeded
so foolishly that the Marquis received no harm, and he was put
in prison, and is in danger of his life. The King of Spain has
written to Don John of Austria to gather 8,000 Italian
soldiers; Don John has sent to Germany to gather a regiment
of Dutchmen. It is thought the King of Spain will be content that the army make the enterprise of the Levant, and he
will make a particular enterprise in Africa. The Turk has
made Ocheali, King of Algeria, general of the army by sea;
he has caused the two castles of the straits to be fortified,
thinking that the Christians would attack Constantinople. |
|
4. Rome, 28 Jan.—The Pope makes great instance that the
Grand Master of Malta should give one of the great crosses to
the Chevalier Romagus, which he is loth to do, and has sent
three of his knights to persuade the Pope to the contrary,
saying that the Chevalier is only fit to be deprived of the
dignity that he has at present. The Duke of Urbino has
promised to send his son and 800 footmen to join the League.
The Signiory of Genoa have told the Pope that they have no
money, or means to make any. The Great Duke of Florence
has offered his son and 800 horses for one year to the
Emperor if he will break with the Turk. The Duke of
Parma having no money offers himself and 600 gentlemen at
his charge. The Dukes of Ferrara, Savoy, and Mantua have
made no answer. The French Ambassador has sent a courier
to the King, doubting that the Duke of Ferrara will take
Mirandola. |
|
5. Venice, 7 Feb.—Fiesco remains in England to know the
issue of the league between England, France, and Germany;
the King of Spain being suspicious of the said league has
given commission that Italy and Milan be in readiness. The
Duke of Nevers has told the Pope that, notwithstanding all
the instance that England has made, France will not make
war upon Flanders, and the Queen Mother has assured the
King of Spain to go forward against the Turk as a common
enemy to all Christians, and that he shall not receive impeachment or hindrance from her son. From Florence they
write of wagers 10 or 12 in the 100 that Cardinal Lomelino
or Paliotto shall be the next Pope. Signor Mark Antony
Colonna has sent a gentleman to be his agent with the King
of Spain.
Pp. 4. |
| Jan. & Feb. |
121. Duplicate of the above.
Endd. Pp. 4¼. |
| Jan. & Feb. |
122. Copy of the latter portion of the above.
Endd. P. 1. |
| Feb. 12. |
123. Christopher Ehemius to Henry Killigrew. |
|
Hopes that his negotiations in France will be successful,
and not be hindered by their adversaries and the Holy
League, by which they can gain nothing but their own ruin
and loss. Dominus Junius will tell his mind on the subject
to him and the Admiral. A league is proposed between the
Electors of Germany and the Venetians against the Turks.
Will not mention any foreign news, as he is sufficiently
acquainted therewith. Signed.
Add. Endd. Lat. Pp. 2¼. |
| Feb. 18. |
124. M. De Zwegenhem to the Queen. |
|
Complains of the support and assistance given to pirates
who were rebels against his master, detailing the various acts
of piracy committed against the King of Spain; and gives
examples of the kind treatment of the King to such English
subjects, who, being private traders, have been driven on his
coasts by weather. The King's subjects have been spoiled
of 800,000l., which should make up for the 300,000l. that the
English complain they have lost. It is meet that such hostile
manner cease, or Her Majesty appoint him to depart, lest by
his presence he avow these things, and makes ridiculous the
name of friendship in which he comes. He is there to
maintain amity, but thinks his stay is vain unless Her Majesty
take other order for the arresting of such strange dealings.—
London, 18 Feb.
Marginal notes in English. Endd. Fr. Pp. 5½. |
| Feb. 18. |
125. Lord Hunsdon to Lord Burghley. |
|
The Marshal and Randolph could not without peril ride
the weather has been so sore since their coming with extremity
of snow and frost, yet are they gone this day being very stormy
of snow to Dunbar. They are to have good regard what
necessity of money the King's side has, and upon their answer
will send them 4 or 500 l. for their present necessity. Is
sorry to hear of so many alterations as have been for the
Duke of Norfolk's execution; the principal cause of Mather
and Barnes' conspiracy being to destroy Burghley and the
Queen, and set the Duke at liberty, it is to be feared that
though they be executed, some others may be found as ready
to do mischief. Is grieved that his son is still in Her Ma
jesty's displeasure to the rejoicing of his enemies, for such a
notorious villain. As it appears that his enemies have better
credit with the Queen than he has, it is high time for him to
give over service. Desires him to get his son leave to go
beyond the sea for a time. There has been nothing since Her
Majesty's reign which has touched him so near.—Berwick,
18 Feb. 1571.
Signed. Add. Endd. Pp. 1½. |
| Feb. 18. |
126. Sir Valentine Brown to Lord Burghley. |
|
Though there is a warrant passed for 2,000 l. to be sent to
him 10 days ago he cannot get the money delivered here.
If he is not speedily helped with a loan, he will not only be
put to discredit with those with whom he has bargained,
but there will be some lack here. The storms are so great
that no man could travel these 10 days. Berwick, 18 Feb.
1571.
Injured by damp. Add. Endd. P. ¾. |
| Feb 20. |
127. Thomaso Fiesco to Earl of [Leicester] and Lord
Burghley. |
|
Expressing his regret at the ill success of his lengthy negotiations in the matter of the goods of Spanish subjects stayed
in England, and trusting that no evil opinion may be conceived
of him because of his efforts, as he hopes always to remain
in the good favour of Her Majesty.—London, 20 Feb. 1572.
Signed.
Add. Endd. Ital. Pp. 5¾. |
| Feb. 22. |
128. Answer made by the Council to Zwegenhem's Articles. |
|
1. The Queen was content that he should continue here if
it would do good for the continuance of amity betwixt her
and the King his master, hoping that he would not persist in
the crooked steps of Don Gerau d'Espes. The material points
of all his articles might be comprehended in two heads,
concerning favour supposed to be given to pirates, being rebels
to his master, and for the troubles that grow upon continual
arrests of the King's subjects' ships and goods. |
|
2. (1.) To the first, considering he said he met certain
ships lying in the narrow seas professing to serve the Prince
of Orange, it was said that neither by the Queen or by her
Council were they allowed to tarry upon the coasts, but,
contrary, all convenient means were used to provoke them to
depart. The Queen by sundry proclamations gave notice
that her subjects should not buy anything of them, victual
them, or otherwise relieve them. If they should bring to
land any of their prizes the same should be stayed and preserved to be answerable to the owners. Upon knowledge
that sundry Englishmen served in their ships, and that some of
the ships in their company were English, which were induced
thereto upon opinion that the Prince might lawfully entertain
them, proclamation was made that no Englishman should
continue in that manner of service under pain of punishment,
and because he complained that such orders and edicts were
not duly executed, it was said that commissions were sent
under the Great Seal of England to noblemen and others in the
countries upon the seaside, and that the commissioners found
sundry that had offended in secret relieving of them, which
were committed to prison, the goods by them bought stayed,
and restitution made. It is notorious that some Englishmen,
having commission from the Prince of Orange, upon publication of the proclamation, returned to the ports, and said they
would in no wise continue in that kind of service. Where one
Schonvall, a principal captain of the said Prince's, had taken
certain ships laden with goods of the subjects of the King of
Spain, upon motion made to the Lord Admiral, the Queen
commanded her Captain of the Isle of Wight to will him in
her name to restore them, for she could not nor would allow
that he should bring any such prizes into her ports or streams.
No words would prevail with him, being out of danger of
any shot from the land. Thereupon a charge was given to
the Captain to secretly arm some ships to take away the
prizes by force; but Schonvall in the night, having the wind
favourable, got away with his prizes. If any person shall be
named that has relieved them contrary to the Queen's proclamations, it shall be seen indeed in what sort he shall be
punished. It is notorious how last year a prize was recovered
from them, and the goods restored to their owners, notwithstanding that the takers vehemently complained of injury
therein done, and by way of suit declared matter to maintain
the lawfulness of their prize. The case yet rests undetermined, standing upon the question whether the Prince of
Orange, being a free Prince of the Empire, and having his
Principality of his title in France, might not make a just war
against the Duke of Alva. To this it was added that it was
not impertinent to ask him why he thought it reasonable in
so earnest sort to require the Queen to banish from her coasts
such as serve the Prince of Orange, whom he terms rebels and
pirates, when her manifest rebels and heads of rebellion were
not only suffered to come by sea into the King's countries,
but to be there provided of all favour, and be entertained
with monthly pensions in the towns and courts. It was
remembered to him how the Earl of Westmoreland, a principal head of the late rebellion in this country, the Countess
of Northumberland, wife to the other head of the same, one
Leonard Dacres (whom they call there Lord Dacres), and a
number besides of the principal heads and captains of the
rebellion, are there openly maintained with pensions from the
King's own treasury. How was it that the Countess of
Northumberland was solemnly brought of late to the Duke of
Alva by one of his sons, and accompanied with a great
number of English rebels, and suffered to make a solemn
oration to him? What was said by her, and answered by the
Duke, they report to their comfort to perist in their evil
dispositions. It is not unknown what practices they seal
therein against the Queen's crown and estate, matters, indeed,
fruitless for any effect, but worthy of some note while they
are so suffered. Besides this, how Louvain, an university
instituted for learning, is an open receptacle for all fugitives
and rebels coming out of England (as may appear by their
books published against the title, honour, and dignity of the
Queen), as though they had thereby a sanctuary to the defence
of traitors to their country. It was also said that, without
meaning to impute anything to the King of Spain, it could
not be unknown to Zwegenhem how many Englishmen,
fugitives from their native country, were entertained in Spain,
but none more notable than one Thomas Stukeley. How this
man, who had no penny, land, or livelihood of himself, nor of
any credit, could by fleeing into Spain be so esteemed there,
used in better sort than an ambassador, and suffered to expend
great sums of the King's money upon his vain pomps, is very
strange; yea, how such an error could be committed, as he,
being of no account in his own country, should be allowed to
sue to be the conductor of an army to invade it. Surely the
King was best advised when upon the Queen sending Henry
Cobham to him, Stukeley was demised with some reward to
depart towards Italy, otherwise experience would have shown
that he should have abused the King in any matter committed
to him against his country. |
|
3. (2.) It was declared that the inconvenience of the
arrests began upon the first general arrest made by the Duke
of Alva, by which he commanded all the Queen's subjects in
the Low Countries, with their ships and goods, to be arrested,
and in like sort those that should afterwards come into those
Countries. So did the Queen publish a like arrest in this
realm, though the same was not executed with such severity.
By the execution of the arrests in the Low Countries many
were so cruelly used that they died of famine, whereas none in
this realm suffered any such severity. After the first arrest
the Duke of Alva published new edicts against the bringing
in of English commodities upon pain of confiscation, which
was severely executed, and so continues, the like whereof was
not hitherto either ordered or put in execution. |
|
4. Therefore it was said to him that in both these causes so
much was required of the Queen as she should see were to be
answered by the King and his ministers. Whenever he or any
other should show sufficient authority from the King to treat
and so accord in his name for the reformation of anything that
hinders the amity, the Queen meant sincerely and plainly to
deal with the King as one that desires the continuance of the
amity, and that the subjects of both parties might enjoy the
same, as in former times has been between their progenitors.
Rough draft, in the handwriting of Burghley. Endd.
Pp. 7½. |
| Feb. 22. |
129. The Answer of the Lords of the Council to Zwegenhem. |
|
Copy of the above, French. Pp. 2. |
| Feb. 22. |
130. Another copy of the above.
Endd. Lat. Pp. 3¼. |
| Feb. 22. |
131. Copy of the above.
Imperfect. Fr. Pp. 32/3. |
| Feb. 23. |
132. Drury and Randolph to Leicester and Burghley. |
|
Find this country in great calamity and misery. Great
execrations of the people against the causers, and humble
prayers to the Queen of England to be their deliverer, either
by the means that are in hand, or by force against the
obstinate and wilful refusers of the King's obedience. Advise
them to stand in good hope by the experience of old. There
is no less honour to be had by bringing this country to
quietness than was in expelling the French out of this town.
—Leith, 23 Feb. 1571. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ½. |
| Feb. 23. |
133. Parties in Scotland. |
|
Names of the Lords in Leith:—The Regent, Argyle, Angus,
Cassillis, Morton, Buchan, Lyndsey, Ruthven, Maxwell,
Lovat, Dunfermline, Macgill, Justice Clerk, [Law] of Dun,
the Earl of Glencairn. Lords in the Castle:—The Duke,
Huntley, Galloway, Dunkeld, Seton, Home, Patrick Gordon,
brother to the Earl of Huntley, Lethington, James Balfour,
Provost of Edinburgh, Grange, Coldingham, Ferniehurst,
Robert Melville.
Endd. by Drury. Endd. by Burghley: 6 March 1571. P. 1. |
|
134. Another copy.
Endd. P. 1. |
| Feb. 23. |
135. Conference between Lethington and Grange and Sir
William Drury and Randolph. |
|
Certain notes containing provisions for an abstinence from
arms until such time as a formal treaty may be concluded.
All hostilities and mutual injuries to cease, and both sides to
have license to travel undisturbed about their lawful business;
watch and ward, however, to be kept by either party to
provide against surprise.
Endd. by Burghley: Feb. 1571. Pp. 1½. |
| Feb. 24. |
136. Lord Hunsdon to Lord Burghley. |
|
Encloses certain notes and articles. Order should be taken
for the landing of Lord Seton at Harwich. The ports and
landing places in England are so negligently looked unto that
anybody may land unknown that will. Not long since
sundry of the rebels landed at Harwich, Scarborough, and
Tynmouth, who remain close with their friends in York, the
Bishopric, and Northumberland. The Scots have a common
trade, under cover of being driven in by weather, of taking
land in some part of England, and so send three or four or
more along by land.—Berwick, 24 Feb. 1571. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ¾. |
| Feb. 23. |
137. Sir William Drury and Randolph to Lord Hunsdon. |
|
1. Give an account of their journey from Berwick to Leith,
and their honourable reception by the Regent and his party,
with whom they had conference, and in the end obtained
that if the town of Edinburgh might be made patent to the
King's subjects, they would agree to an abstinence. On the
next day they went to the Castle, where also they were most
honourably received, and greetings of great kindness passed
between them. After long debate they accorded to the
abstinence in such sort as his Lordship may see by the
enclosed writing; but as for their obedience to the King they
desired longer time, promising such answers as in duty,
conscience, and honour they ought to yield unto. This done
they rose from the table, and entered into private conference
with as many of them as were worth speaking unto.
"Lethington was charged to the very bottom of his soul, but
so as no offence could rise thereof, or suspicion that good is
not intended towards him if he deserve well at this time, in
whom we find the whole matter consists, so full of fear and
doubt of himself that if that were provided for we could not
doubt of the rest to have them fully as we would. The
Duke continues still in his simplicity; the Earl of Huntley
full of malice against his enemies; Lord Home led as
Lethington lists, which he gave us for a resolute answer;
Lord Seton malicious, vain, despiteful, neither honesty nor
reasonable; two worthy prelates neither learned, wise, nor
honest; Ferniehurst fretting and fuming for his last defeat,
more proud than witty or reasonable; but generally all concluding that peace is best, and that they are willing thereunto." |
|
2. Find great lack of money to pay the [Regent's] soldiers,
wherein they doubt either some mutiny or danger to themselves, and therefore desire that some one may be sent in
secret sort with money to serve for two months' pay. There
is more that moves them thus to write than is needful at this
time to be spoken of.—Leith, 23 Feb. Signed.
Add. Endd. Enclosure. Pp. 3. |
| Feb. 23. |
138. Notes for an Abstinence from Arms. |
|
Duplicate. See No. 135.
Endd. Enclosure. Pp. 12/3. |
| Feb. 23. |
139. Parties in Scotland. |
|
List of nobility and others at Leith and Edinburgh Castle.
Duplicate. Endd. Enclosure. P. ½. See No. 133. |
| Feb. 24. |
140. Lord Hunsdon to Drury and Randolph. |
|
Marvels that they should require him to send so much
money, seeing they know there are no such sums here to be
had, and that it is directly against Her Majesty's directions,
who would be content upon their full agreement to disburse
secretly payment for their soldiers for six weeks or two months,
but not otherwise. Does not know the number of their soldiers, sundry of whom being Englishmen, have returned to
this town in search of entertainment. They are to see that
the Queen is not abused by paying 800 for 300. If 500 li.
or 1,000 marks will satisfy their expectation for the time he
will send it upon their next advertisement.—Berwick, 24 Feb.
1571.
Copy. Endd. P. ¾. |
| Feb. 25. |
141. Advices out of Italy. |
|
1. Rome, 15 Feb.—It is thought that Bishop Salviati shall
remain Nuncio in France. The thunder that struck down
the pole of Castle St. Angelo was interpreted a great victory
to the Christians. The said thunder besides striking down
the apple and the angel from the pole broke an arm of the
other angel of marble that was on the great tower. This war
with the Turk will cause the Pope to furnish himself with
many treasures of the church to sustain the same. The
Cardinal Vermisenses [of Worms] has complained to the Pope
that all the offices should go for money, who answered that if
he had considered the calamities of the times and the intolerable charges of the See of Rome he would not have said
so much. |
|
2. Rome, 25 Feb.—The enterprise of Tunis is deferred, the
Pope having persuaded King Philip from it, who has written
to Don John of Austria that he should follow altogether the
will of the Pope. On the 15th instant the Pope commanded
that all the letters at the post should be opened, and four of
them who write news from Rome were put in prison. The
Cardinal Alexandrino has had great cheer and entertainment
at Blois, and requested the French King that he would marry
his sister to the King of Portugal, that he would enter into
the league, and that he would make no league with the
Queen of England; who made answer that the dealing with
the Prince of Navarre was so necessary for the quietness of
his realm that he could not satisfy the Pope; that he could
see no honourable place for him to enter the league, and that
he never meant to make any league with the Queen of
England. There is a note of such lords and gentlemen as did
not fight in the last journey, but rather hid themselves,
which is not to be had, but there are named the Duke of
Mondragon, two brethren Neapolitan of the house of Guery,
Flaminio Zaubeccaro, a Roman, and John Mathew Pallavicini.
They say Don John has caused to be chained fast in the
galley certain Spanish captains for the same cause.
Endd. Pp. 1½. |
|
142. Another copy.
Endd. Pp. 12/3. |
| Feb. 26. |
143. Sir William Drury and Randolph to Lord Hunsdon. |
|
Have considered the contents of his letter and repeat the
urgent necessity of sending money to the Regent. Grange
shortly makes a pay to his soldiers, and if the Regent has no
money to content his, he [is like] to be carried out of this
town to Edinburgh [and they to be] sent home like fools.
1,000 marks will not [suffice], so look for no less than . . . |
|
P.S.—Lord Seton has brought money and advertisement
from the Duke of Alva that they shall be furnished with men
and munitions, also that the practice of the Duke of Medina
Celi against England still continues. They of the castle and
town being restrained of coals determine to pull down the
merchants' houses of Edinburgh who show their obedience to
the King for fuel.—Leith, 26 . . . . Signed.
Endd. Injured by damp. P. 1. |
| [Feb. 26.] |
144. Advices from Scotland. |
|
In a quiet conference kept at Leith it has been agreed to
follow the order of the Church of England in the admission
of bishops and others, which the Regent has allowed and promised to have enacted by parliament as a law. Mr. John
Douglas, an aged learned man, has been nominated to the
Archbishopric of St. Andrew's. Ferniehurst and Buccleuch
intending to burn Jedburgh have conveyed about 100 harquebusiers into Teviotdale, and they of Leith have sent 100
harquebusiers to succour the town. A company from Edinburgh has burnt sundry houses at Dalkeith and taken away
such spoil as they could carry. Lord Ruthven has surprised
and captured Ferniehurst's harquebussiers, since which all
the clans who depended on Ferniehurst have made their submission. In the beginning of this month of February the
Lord of Lorne was married to the widow of the Regent
Murray. List of lairds and gentlemen of the Lothians and
Fife who being suspected of favouring those in Edinburgh
Castle have been committed to ward in Galloway and other
places in the west. Those of the Castle have concluded to
cast down 50 houses within the town, unless the owners pay
50,000 marks Scots. The Earl of Argyle has drawn some
chieftains of the Irishmen of the Scottish isles to Leith, who
by oath are bound to serve the King, as Maclean, Donald
Gorm, and Mac Leod. Lord Lovat has gone home with com
mission to make war against Huntley's brother and friends.
Lord Maxwell has married the Earl of Angus' youngest
sister. Lord Herries has made offer of submission. Lord
Seton came to the Castle on the 19th out of Flanders, being
landed at Harwich. The Earl of Argyle offers largely to
be at the Queen of England's devotion. Donald Gorm, a
lord of the outer isles, that was once in England in Queen
Mary's time, and had given him of King Edward's garments
(which, he has yet as he says), has offered his service to
the Queen of England with all his power. Overthrow given
by the garrison of Knockfergus to divers Irishmen.—26
February.
Endd. by Drury. Pp. 3⅓. |
| Feb. 26. |
145. Articles for an Accord in Scotland. |
|
Project for according the dissensions in Scotland by establishing a government composed of a certain number chosen
from either side, and also for the toleration of religion.
Latin notes in margin by Burghley.
Endd. Pp. 1⅓. |
| Feb. 28. |
146. Requests in behalf of the Queen of Scots. |
|
Certain requests given by M. de Foix to deputies of the
Queen of England touching the liberation of the Queen of
Scots and the pacification of Scotland, and providing that
nothing in the present treaty shall invalidate anything contained in former treaties between the realms of England and
France and that of Scotland. To this they replied that they
were sent to strengthen the friendship between England and
France, and not to negotiate concerning the late Queen of
Scots.
Endd. Lat. P. 1. |
| Feb. 29. |
147. Sir Thomas Smith to Lord Burghley. |
|
The ending of the league is, by the King's hunting, absence of some of the deputies, and such other matters, still
deferred. Thanks him for signifying to him the occurrents,
and for remembering him for the office of the Chancellorship
of the Garter. Has neither himself, or any other for him,
made motion for it. Desires very earnestly to come home
and set some order in the matter of the privilege when this
extreme cold, which has been since Candlemas Day, shall
cease.—Blois, 29 Feb. 1571. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. P. 1. |
| Feb. |
148. Occurrents from France. |
|
On the 15th February the Queen Mother and the Queen of
Navarre met, so that there is great hope that the marriage
will go forward. Captain Gryllye was lately sent by the
King to the Admiral to accord the differences between him
and the Duke of Guise. Cardinal Alexandrino departed on
the 25th inst. with no great contentment, being much
aggrieved to see such small account made of him by those or
the court. The King has appointed Marshal de Cosse to
ordain a place near Orleans for the exercise of religion. The
young Queen is certainly with child.
Endd. P. 1. |
