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June 16. |
1042. Valentine Dale to Lord Burghley. |
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1. There have been such bruits in this city by the space
of these two days, and so contrary and for the most part
untrue, that he thought it his duty to give advertisement of
as much as he could learn, lest some untrue report should be
brought over for truth. On the one part it is reported that
Rochelle is won, and on the other that the Dukes of Guise
and Longueville, the King of Navarre, and others, are slain.
Can learn nothing for truth but that they prepare another
mine and have brought ordnance to Port St. Nicholas about
the marshes, and that the Switzers work as day labourers to
rid away the earth of the breach. |
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2. They make their reckoning that they shall have the
town some time this month, whereunto they are put in comfort by some one who has come out of the town. If they
miss their purpose they mind to break up their camp and
make fortresses about the town. The capitulations of Poland
are kept here for secret matters, and as soon as he could get
them he sent them by way of Rouen on the 13th inst. Sends
both the orations of M. de Valence by this bearer; had much
ado to get them, for they were appointed to be translated into
French and corrected in divers places that might not abide
the light in these parts, and now they are kept to be suppressed. If there is anything worthy to be read of this
country these many years it is these two orations, as by them
the French designs may be perceived and understood. They
have invented a new way for the King elect to pass into
Poland by Marseilles, Pisa, and the Venetian and Turkish
dominions. Is much moved by the death of Dr. Weston, and
begs that the Queen will bestow upon him the deanery of
Wells, it being a mere donative and not subject to the rules of
other churches. Will endeavour to make his collection somewhat perfect, but as there daily increases matters to augment
the number of them that are dead, so the whole argument
touching them of the religion is cut off by the persecution
until some better time. The Scottish party here do much
dissemble their grief. Since Verac is come they will be full
of matters of England, and therefore he has already sent to
have audience, both to countenance him and feel their humours
whilst they are green. Cannot yet have it because the Court
is moving from Monceau to Madrid.—Paris, 16 June. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 22/3. |
June 18. |
1043. Valentine Dale to Lord Burghley. |
|
Yesterday there came advertisement from Rochelle that
the mayor was come forth to Monsieur to "parlement," and
very late there came a courier in all post haste with letters
that the pacification was concluded, and that the King-elect
[Anjou] was appointed to enter the town as upon yesterday.
Upon receipt of these news the Queen Mother sent to him to
come to Laigny this day to dinner for audience.—Paris,
18 June 1573. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 2/3. |
June 18. |
1044. Sir W. Drury to Lord Burghley. |
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1. On Monday last towards night delivered to the Regent
in presence of the Ambassador the prisoners committed to
him, viz., Lord Home, the Lairds of Grange and Coldinghame,
and Robert Melvil, whom the Regent intends to keep in
Holyrood House. In the meantime he sent the soldiers to
march to Haddington, and the next day, the 17th, the soldiers
being for the most part wearied, could but win to Coldinghame,
but this day arrived here. Abides the good hour in which
he would receive the Queen's letters for his repair up, without
which he fears neither he nor his wife can long endure. Has
been earnestly pressed by the Earl of Athol and others that
Lethington's body might be buried, and not remain above
earth as it does; thinks good to let him know thereof, to the
end the Queen's resolution therein. |
|
2. The hostages and Lord Livingstone are come hither.
Berwick, 18 June 1573.
P. 1. |
June 19. |
1045. Patrick Adamson to Killegrew. |
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Sends copy of verses in praise of Queen Elizabeth, which he
has sent to the printer Lekpreuik to be put into type. Desires
him to commend him to the Regent.—St. Andrews, 13 Cal. Jul.
Signed.
Add. Endd. Lat. P. 1. |
June 29. |
1046. H. Killegrew to Lord Burghley. |
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Trusts the sequel will prove more comfortable to him, only
desires him not to be won to sue for favor for the prisoners
until he sees their state, which he will bring with him, also
some articles rough cast touching the league, somewhat about
Border matters, and a request to have the Bishop of Ross
and Ferniehurst, with an offer to deliver the English rebels
here. Hopes somewhat touching the "great matter," whereof
he thinks good to warn him. Trusts to be homeward before
the 26th.—Edinburgh, 20 June. Signed.
Add. Endd. by Burghley. P. 1. |
June 20. |
1047. Remembrance of some matters for the Lord Treasurer. |
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Order is taken according to the contract for the hurt men
and the wives of the dead, and although the Castle was
rendered upon composition, besides the spoil that divers had
the Regent is content to give the soldiers of Berwick one
month's pay. Necessity not hope of favour at the Queen's
hands made the Castilians yield, for had they stayed six hours
longer the soldiers within had hanged Lethington over the
walls. Has copies of some other letters found in the Castle
which prove the French King's purpose to aid them, somewhat
there is concerning the money that was taken, but no great
matter touching the Duke of Norfolk's practice, which
Lethington did burn the night before he came forth. Will
gather what he can from Robert Melvil touching those
matters. Arbroath is to be rendered out of doubt, and the
Earl of Argyle is to besiege Paisley the 28th, if he deliver it
not before that time. The Regent has cassed all his soldiers,
having two hundred under Captain Home and given them one
month's pay; they go all to the Prince of Orange, and those
which served the Castilians go to Sweden under the Master of
Ruthven's conduct. The Earl of Angus' marriage confirms
the devotion of the house of Erskine. Buccleuch has slain
"Hopshawes," a great chief of the Elliotts, and in Annandale
there has been slaughter of late among the Armstrongs
which will make true men fare the better. The Regent longs
for a good governor to be sent to Berwick, whereof Killegrew
will open more of his mind; if France shall seek to renew
their league again he will never consent to any offensive
as it stood heretofore. The Earl of Huntley's brother
demands leave to go into France for lack of living in Scotland. The Papists yield to subscribe by the hundred, such
as refuse have no favour but the law. Lords Semple and
Rosse and many of their servants be excommunicated. The
sheriff of Ayr has found surety to do penance three Sundays
for adultery. Athol and Seton warned to subscribe, or feel
the smart of the law. Anderson of Aberdeen, a great learned
Papist, is brought to subscribe. The Countess of Marr and the
Master be yet forborne because of the King, but the Regent is
determined for avoiding of charges to bring the King's house,
his own, and the Castle of Edinburgh under one charge. The
Countess of Argyle and Lady Grange went over into Fife the
day of the general departure. Ladies Home and Lethington
remain in this town. Lord Home because of some of his
friends resort to the town was conveyed to the Castle the
18th, the rest be still kept in the Regent's house and honestly
used. Of such jewels as Grange had or were in his keeping,
the Regent can come by none yet, saving some that lay at
gage. Such hurt men as remain behind the General the
Regent paid for their surgery, and gave them money to carry
home them that were so desirous; only one labourer remains
hurt, who shall want nothing.
In the handwriting of Killegrew. Endd. Pp. 3. |
June 20. |
1048. — to Giacomo Spinola. |
|
1. Rome, 13 June 1573.—News from the Emperor's Court.
Troubles at the election in Poland on account of religion.
Siege of Rochelle. Great breach made by a mine, and repulse
of an assault. Galleys equipped to sail against the corsairs.
Question of precedence between the Knights of St. Maurice
and those of Malta decided in favour of the former. Troops
and artillery for the King of Spain. The dead body of
Antonio Monte, a Bolognese, found in the Tiber. Capture
of Turkish vessels. |
|
2. Venice, 20 June.—On Sunday a Florentine gentleman
named Francesco Ferri, whose father or grandfather killed
the old Prince of Orange, was found in a well tied up in a
sack. He was accustomed to wear a golden chain, which was
the cause of his death, for certain ruffians meeting him took
him into an empty house, where they murdered and robbed
him. Great storm of wind and lightning. The Grand Duke
has sent a present to the Archduke Charles and the Princess
of Bavaria, consisting of a lion and a lioness, apes, parrots, and
other animals. |
|
3. In Padua one Tappa, a famous master of fence, has been
slain by a Frenchman.
Add. Endd., with seal. Ital. Pp, 4. |
June 20. |
1049. News from Italy. |
|
Rome, 20 June 1573.—News of the sailing of the Turkish
fleet to the number of 300 sail. Preparations to withstand
them. Don John has 160 galleys and 40 other vessels, 24,000
Italians, 9,000 Spaniards, and 7,000 Germans. The Turk's
design is against La Goletta. Preparations by land and sea
in different parts of Italy. |
|
2. Vienna, 11 June 1573.—News of the Emperor's court
and the Diet. Spoils by the Turk in Hungary.
Ital. Pp. 3½. |
June 22. |
1050. Valentine Dale to Lord Burghley. |
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There has been lately an escalade given at Rochelle, in
which were very many gentlemen of name and divers others
slain and hurt, the manner whereof is very evil spoken of by
all men, for it is reported that during the time of the treata
of peace there came down secretly towards the evening a
good number of gentlemen of the best sort, by twos and
threes, into the fosse, as it were but only to walk for pleasure,
to the number of 80 or more, who on the sudden gave the
escalade and got the rampart, but found a mighty trench
before them, and so were constrained to turn on one side to
find passage. The King-elect and the whole camp cried
"ville gaignée." The Rochellois suffering them to come so
far, when they were entered set upon them both before
and behind with such fury that they were all either slain or
hurt, and the rest who were coming to succour the foremost
repulsed with great loss. It is thought there are about 60
gentlemen slain and hurt. It is reported that they have lost
so many that those remaining are not [willing] to give any
further assault, and are so out of credit with them of the town
that there is no more hope of pacification.—Paris, 22 June
1573. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 1½. |
June 24. |
1051. Pietro Bizarri to Lord Burghley. |
|
Ambassadors have been sent by the Pope and other Italian
potentates to the new King of Poland and to the Senate, to
congratulate them on the election. On the other hand the
Czar has taken up arms, and many of the principal people
in Poland and Lithuania do not approve of the choice. The
Emperor has offered the new King a safe passage through
his dominions. Intelligence from Genoa of the movements
of the Christian and Turkish fleets, and also of the sending
of reinforcements to Malta. Intended passage of troops
from Italy to Flanders by way of Luxemburg.—Augsburg,
24 June 1573. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Ital. Pp. 1¼. |
June 25. |
1052. News from Rochelle. |
|
Readiness of the Protestant gentlemen about Bordeaux and
Rochelle to rise, and movements of the party in Languedoc
and elsewhere. Famine in Saintogne. Plague in the King's
camp before Rochelle. Loss of several of his captains.
Rochelle well provisioned.
Endd: "24 June 1573. Reports of one come from about
Rochelle." Pp. 1⅓. |
June 25. |
1053. William Littleton to Lord Burghley. |
|
Encloses a packet of letters for Henry Cobham, and craves
pardon for his boldness in writing, and hopes that he will think
him a true and trusty servant to Her Majesty.—S.S. [St.
Sebastian] in Biscay. 25 June 1573.
Add. Endd. P. ½. |
June 26. |
1054. Sir W. Drury to Sir Thomas Smith. |
|
Finds by his letters that the Queen pleases within three or
four days to resolve for Lord Hunsdon's coming, and for his
repair up, for which he gives her most humble thanks. He
thinks it a very hard case if Lord Hunsdon's stay there
should at all hinder his (Drury's) repairing, having indeed no
just cause to provide for his wife's present state which somewhat concerns him, but in like for his own, which is so
grievous that unless he have the sooner help, he shall not need
to entreat for licence or anything else. In respect to his late
being in Scotland, he awaits nothing except the Queen's
resolution touching the prisoners. . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The present
state of Scottish causes he leaves to Mr. Killegrew the ambassador.—Berwick, 26 June 1573. Signed.
Endd. Very much injured by damp. P. 1. |
June 26. |
1055. The Regent of Scotland to Lord Burghley. |
|
Thanks him for the good quietness they that day enjoy, to
the furtherance whereof he has at all times shewn himself a
good instrument. Wishes if the Queen have to do with any
like enterprise hereafter, that good regard be taken in choosing
him that shall direct the forces, for at that time means were
taken to make the war long and terror given to the young
gentlemen of England of the difficulty to assault the house
without much bloodshed, wherein appeared the slender goodwill and forwardness of the commander. May justly give the
first praise of the expedition and success to the Queen's
ambassador, his lordship's brother-in-law, if the Queen may
be moved to send any ministers in time coming is a suitor
that he be employed. Touching the persons apprehended
in the Castle and reserved to justice, prays him to be a
mean to further the Queen's resolution according to justice,
and as their deserts have craved. It will be some satisfaction to the King's good subjects for the loss of their
friends, goods, and houses, when they see the chief authors
of the calamity receive the reward of their just deserving.
There is appearance to bring things to better order on the
frontiers as elsewhere, for which purpose he is drawn still to
entertain some men of war, and to bear greater charges than
the rent of this State may well sustain, therefore requires
his favour and goodwill that he may be supported by the
Queen at her good discretion. "The ground of the trouble
herewithal remains in her Majesty's hands and power, whereunto I doubt not her Highness will put order when she
thinks time." They have to acknowledge with thankful
hearts the Queen's great goodwill towards their King and
country, which to their power they are willing to acquit
with assurance of fidelity and friendly neighbourhood.—
Holyrood House, 26 June 1573. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 1½. |
June [26]. |
1056. Memorial of the Regent of Scotland to Killegrew. |
|
To present his letters with humble thanks for her comfortable aid. To deliver the notes of the offences wherewith
the chief persons apprehended in Edinburgh Castle are
chargeable, that he may have the Queen's advice returned
how soon conveniently it may be, for their long keeping
cannot but do harm. To declare his intention to bestow his
travail for quieting the Borders, and to request that commandment may be sent to the Wardens that they join with him
to have out fugitives and thieves, nor let their goods have
rest, and to stop any victual that is transported for their
sustentation. That Home and Fast Castles may be delivered
into his hands, without which no man will take the charge of
Wardenry of the East Marches, whereby also the living of
Home may be levied to his use, and for the discharging of
such promise as he made touching those hurt and slain in the
siege. He may report that never was injury offered to the
Countess of Argyle, nor had she cause to pass to that unlawful
company now divorcement is passed betwixt her and her
husband. The Queen's advice shall be followed touching the
two points of the pacification at St. Johnstone's referred to her.
They are willing to declare the Queen's goodwill and favour
with thankful hearts, and to enter into contract with her for
the maintenance and defence of the true religion, and to make
all convenient security that may tend to the weal and
surety of both the realms. As no invasion can be made
against one realm that is not to the hurt and prejudice of
both, if any force of strangers arrive from any foreign country
the Queen shall send forces to resist them. The Queen shall
not enter into any contract with any foreign princes wherein
this realm shall not be comprehended, and the King of Scotland shall be enemy to the enemies of England. If she and
her realm be invaded, or troubled by inward commotion, he
shall furnish such number of men as his realm may. Must
beseech the Queen that he be discharged of the contract for
recompense of the ordnance broken, in the siege and for the
powder and shot, for none of the ordnance were broken by
service, and the value of the powder and shot spent is greater
than he is able to satisfy, but also that the King be granted
some serpentine powder for the better furnishing of the Castle.
Has written to the Queen touching the delivery of the Bishop
of Ross and Ferniehurst. Has written to the Lord Treasurer
touching the great charges of the men of war. The ground
of the troubles yet remains in the Queen's hand and power,
and thereunto he doubts not she will put order when she finds
time.—Holyrood House, June 1573. Signed. The last
paragraph noted in the margin, "The removing of the bosom
serpent."
Copy. Endd. Pp. 4. |
|
1057. Another copy of the same.
Pp. 5. |
June 26. |
1058. The Regent of Scotland to Thomas Randolph. |
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No goodwill shall lack on his part to bring the matter
wished for by him to the desired "fyne." Killegrew has so
governed himself amongst them that they have almost forgotten Randolph, and they are sorry to want his (Killegrew's)
company. If his hap shall be again at any time to visit
them he shall be welcome, and in the meantime desires him to
let him know the common occurrents of the world, from
which charge Killegrew's being there has relieved him.—
Holyrood House, 25 June 1573. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ½. |
June 26. |
1059. Affairs in Scotland. |
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A collection of matters in Scotland during Killegrew's
embassy from the 26th January 1573 till the month of June
in the same year. Appointment of the Earl of Morton as
Regent by the Parliament, and capture of the Blackness.
Negotiations at Perth. Stay of Scottish ships at Scarborough,
wherein was M. Verac sent by the French King. Abstracts
of letters from the Queen of England to the Earl of Morton,
chiefly containing advice for the pacification of Scotland, and
directions how he should proceed in his government, together
with the Regent's answers. Proceedings in the Scottish
Parliament, &c.
Noted in the margin, and endd. by Burghley. Pp. 6½. |
June 27. |
1060. News from Italy. |
|
1. Venice, 27 June 1573.—They have received sketches of
a diabolical monster lately discovered in Verona, which they
think has been born of some woman and abandoned. The
ambassador has departed towards Constantinople with great
presents, for the purpose of negotiating a peace. On May
28th there sailed from Constantinople 125 galleys, and others
are being prepared which will raise the number to 300. The
Muscovites have entered Lithuania with 200,000 men. |
|
2. Verona, 20 June 1573.—Strange sketch of a creature
with claws and tail, which was found in the ditch of the old
castle at Verona and taken to the Bishop. The populace
scoffingly say that it was the soul of a Turk who died in
prison.
Endd. Ital. Pp. 2. |
June 28. |
1061. M. de la Mothe Fenelon to Lord Burghley. |
|
Informs him of the arrival of M. de Vergier, President of
Tours, for the purpose of rendering the Queen of Scots an
account of the state of her dower. Desires that he will furnish
him with a passport to the Earl of Shrewsbury in order that
he may obtain access to her, and also that the bearer, M. de
Vassal, may be allowed to accompany him, to whom he has
entrusted 2,000 crowns and certain cordial waters for the
said Queen.—London, 28 June 1573. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Fr. P. 1. |
June 28. |
1062. Sir W. Drury to Lord Burghley. |
|
Hopes that he will procure his licence for him, for which
he will be most bounden. Beseeches that the late arrival of
Lady Hunsdon at court, whereby it is thought her lord's
absence will be longer from Berwick, may not hinder
his request, his lordship knowing the unfeigned and great
occasions moving him thereto.—Berwick, 28 June 1573.
Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1. |
June 30. |
1063. H. Killegrew to Sir Thomas Smith. |
|
Being at Berwick he thought good to make as good speed
homeward as the packet, and therefore did not write, but
when he came to this town he was troubled with the stone,
so as for his life he shall not be able to make such haste.
Beseeches him to declare this much to the Lord Treasurer, and
to cause the enclosed to be sent to his wife. Left all well in
Scotland.—Alnwick, last of June. Signed.
Add., with seal. Endd. P. 1. |
June 30. |
1064. Valentine Dale to Lord Burghley. |
|
They spread things so directly contrary to the truth that
he has difficulty in sending news. They make countenance
as though they were not miscontented with the message of
Mr. Horsey, but mistrust that he has some privy meaning to
help them of the religion. Has set the matter of Thierry
Badoniere on foot again.—Paris, 30 June 1573. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ¾. |
|
1065. Occurrents. |
|
Articles are accorded to them of Rochelle that they should
have life, goods, and conscience at liberty, and that Montauban, Sancerre, and Nismes should also have free exercise
of religion; also that those of Rochelle may find a garrison of
themselves. M. Montmorency has been sent to the Emperor
to crave passage for the King of Poland through Germany.
The numbers up in arms in Languedoc, Dauphiny, &c. are
increased to 25,000 as is judged. Monsieur was proclaimed
King of Poland on the 18th inst. in the camp before Rochelle.
The Pope's legate, who is come with the rose of gold for congratulation, has been desired to stay till the King of Poland's
coming.
Enclosure. Pp. 1½. |
June 30. |
1066. Horsey and Dale to Lord Burghley. |
|
It has been secretly spoken since yesternight that peace
should be concluded at Rochelle, of which the Ambassador
of Florence has sent them word, and immediately after Cavalcanti also brought them word that he heard the same of
the Queen Mother at her dinner.—Paris, 30 June. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ½. |
June 30. |
1067. Edward Horsey to Lord Burghley. |
|
Has been very well received and heard both of the King
and the Queen Mother, and having delivered to them the
whole of his message, it has not appeared that they have taken
any grief at anything that he has said in Her Majesty's
behalf. Has not yet received answer concerning the dealing
for pacification for the Protestants, or his going to Rochelle.
When he first moved this matter to the King he answered
that divers offers had been made to those of Rochelle, who
would accept none. Horsey "in humble manner" requested
that he might see them, whereunto the King answered somewhat hotly that he was not to render account of his doings to
any. Horsey desired him not to conceive of his speech in
that sort, but rather that they might be published in England
to His Majesty's honour and the reproach of those who
obstinately refused his offers. The King then consented
either to send them to his Ambassador in England or to let
them see them. The Queen Mother found the deferring the
interview very strange, seeing no other princes had offered so
far as her son had done to come without conditions. Horsey
told her that his earnest dealings against the Protestants at
Rochelle was no small hindrance to his cause. She seemed to
say that he could do no less for his brother's service, considering that it appears by their refusing the King's offers that
their obstinacy proceeds rather of rebellion than religion.
(They have had large offers without any assurance, and been
so often deceived that now they remember the old proverb,
"the burnt child dreads the fire.") The conclusion of the
pacification at Rochelle has been sundry ways reported, and
yet it appears, both by the King's speech and by the sending
of 25 waggons with powder, that the town is not rendered
yet, nor like to be without more loss and greater charge
to the King. His brother is very earnestly pressed into his
new kingdom, but thinks he will be loth to depart leaving the town in that sort to his great dishonour. Means
to-morrow to urge his dispatch home or else to Rochelle.—
Paris, 30 June 1573. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 1⅓. |
June. |
1068. Siege of Rochelle. |
|
List of gentlemen and officers slain and hurt at the siege.
Enclosure. Fr. Pp. 2. |
June. |
1069. Instructions for Edward Horsey. |
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After delivering the Queen's letters to the French King, the
Queen Mother, and the Duke of Alencon, he is to say that the
Queen of England having been informed by the French Ambassador that his master was content that the Duke should come
over without assurance of marriage, and being required to give
her answer, she has deliberated with her Council, who at the
time, with the circumstances of sundry things happened in
France, required some stay in answering, especially from coming
over as soon as Rochelle was won, which would be very ungrateful to the greater part of the realm. He is to say also that
since the death of the Admiral and the great multitude with
him at Paris last summer, and afterwards infinite numbers
of others, manifestly slain only for their religion, there has
grown generally no small doubt of the good success of this
marriage, and that it has been thought meet by her Council
that she should deal plainly with the King, his mother, and
M. le Duc, to require to understand how their continual
proceeding so earnestly in this manner of persecution daily
of their subjects to death and destruction, with the hazard of
many of their own dear servants of great value, may be
otherwise interpreted than as the world judges, a determination generally as far as they may to root up all persons who
profess and exercise the reformed religion. Her meaning to
utter these conceits to the King is not to offend him, but to
discover the causes which move her council to advise her not
to be hasty in granting to the Duke's coming, until he gives
some better hope of his moderation in religion than he does
by continuing at the siege of Rochelle, which will be interpreted by her subjects that he will come to sue for marriage
with a sword imbrued with the blood of those who profess
the same religion that here he shall find generally received and
favoured. To show that she means nothing but well to the
King she offers to mediate between him and his subjects. If
the King shall agree herein Horsey may consider whether it
will be to good purpose for the help of those of the religion,
and so use his discretion to go to the camp and desire to speak
with some of the principal of Rochelle, and understand how
they like the King's offers; he shall also use some good speech
with the Duke to move him to be a furtherer of peace and
for the sparing of any further bloodshed, by which doing he
will gain great praise and the goodwill of this nation. As for
the coming of the Duke he shall determinately conclude that
he can give no hope of assurance that it can be grateful to
this realm until some other proceedings be seen there in
France. He is not to make the Duke's coming utterly
desperate until she may see some success of this other matter
for their safety that be of the religion. And for that cause as
he shall find the state thereof either likely to decline or otherwise to increase, so shall he accommodate himself either to
further them with some composition to save them with liberty
of their religion, or on the other part he may use more remissness in his dealing for the said composition. As for matters
of Scotland, he may say that seeing that they did but dally
the time, she came to an agreement with the whole nobility
of Scotland. except two or three "petty companions" in the
Castle, who for no persuasion would come to any reasonable
accord, and at the general request of the three estates in their
Parliament sent aid whereby the Castle was reduced and the
whole realm restored to a firm and general peace. In all this
action she has entered into no new league with Scotland, or
gone about to abolish or diminish any league between France
and Scotland.
Endd. Pp. 6. |
|
1070. Draft of the first part of the above in the writing of Lord
Burghley.
Endd. Pp. 7½. |
June. |
1071. Siege of Rochelle. |
|
M. Villeroy is expected to return to-day or to-morrow.
Preparations for a general assault are made in case the negotiations for peace do not succeed. As for the escalade whilst
the townspeople were amused by a feigned attack on the
Bastion de L'Evangile, Captain Guasq [Giazzo] and some
others with 11 ladders scaled the ramparts on the side of the
salt marshes with more than 60 men, but not being followed
by any more were driven out by the townspeople with great
loss, many gentlemen being killed and wounded.
Fr. P. 1. |
June. |
1072. [Valentine Dale] to the Queen. |
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At the coming of Villeroy from Rochelle it was taken for
a thing desperate that Rochelle would either be taken by
force without a long time, or that peace would be concluded
by reason of the escalade which was given during the time
of treaty for peace. Since that time on the 23rd inst. M. de
Ferragues came from Rochelle in post with certain capitulations, which were very long and much debated in the council,
and on the 24th M. de la Mole came with other articles more
to the contentment of the King, and this was the present
state here at the coming of Mr. Horsey on the 25th instant.
Their audience being deferred till the 28th, in the meantime
they had conference with the wisest of such as do travail
faithfully for the Queen, and namely with Bienvenu, a gentleman for the Duke of Savoy, and with Captain Thomaso, and
by much discourse found out that Rochelle is so well fortified,
and the soldiers without so much discouraged and weakened by
their losses and hurts in their former assaults, and those
within so constant and courageous, that the town cannot be
taken by force in any short time, and the departure of the
King of Poland comes on so fast that the King must be constrained to take such capitulations as are demanded by the
town. For the better furtherance whereof, to the intent that
the poor men should not think themselves utterly without
friends, they devised that it might be notified in the camp,
and consequently in the town by means of Thomaso (as of
himself), that Mr. Horsey was arrived from Her Majesty in
the favour of the cause of religion. On the 26th inst. the
Abbot of Guadagno arrived at the court with other letters
from Rochelle, and was despatched in all haste the 27th with
full resolution to make some end or other. They learn that
the difficulty stands only upon the manner of the assurance
for the performance of what shall be agreed on, for the King
is content to suffer them of Rochelle, Sancerre, and other
Protestant towns to have free exercise of religion, and also to
remit his garrison, and that M. de la Noue shall be governor
of the town for the King, with certain bands appointed and
paid by the Rochellois. Gives an account of Mr. Horsey's
audience with the King (see June 30) and Queen Mother.
They had some other talk touching the attempt of the Count
de Retz on Guernsey, and the relief of the Count of Montgomery's wife and children.
Draft. Pp. 10½. |
June. |
1073. Communication for the French Ambassador. |
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The Queen having imparted to her council the contents of
the last letters sent to her from the Queen Mother, and also
the Ambassador's late negotiation with her concerning the
coming over of the Duke of Alençon to sue to her for
marriage when Rochelle shall be recovered to the King's
obedience, she has commanded three or four of her council to
make report to him of what has been thought convenient to
be considered in this cause. This motion of marriage by the
Duke is well allowed and liked both for the greatness of his
birth and the friendship of the King and crown of France,
and also for the good qualities and virtues of the Duke
himself; yet there are many things which carry some show
of impediment which it is their office as her counsellors to
consider. Her Majesty has already weighed and passed over
the lack of his age, but as for the liking of his person that
can only be determined by interview, and they as her
counsellors do not think this time convenient for the Duke to
come, without some things are changed for the better in
France. It is well known that when the first motion of
marriage was made for M. D'Anjou there was no let so great
as the difference of his religion, and since that time how
things have been altered in France by the massacres at Paris
and other parts of the realm, to increase the difficulty for
religion, is over apparent and lamentable to be spoken of,
for what else has been done but killing and persecuting all
estates of people who favour the religion used in England.
Though the King's doings are not to be disputed by them,
yet seeing the Duke his brother is offered as their Queen's
husband, and that he accompanies his brother the Duke of
Anjou by arms to persecute those that favour the Queen's
religion, what can they think would ensue of his coming
into England from the victory and bloodshed at Rochelle?
Though there may be some persuasion that the Duke will
not attempt anything prejudicial here, yet the people will
not but repine against his coming until there is some moderation of the King's persecution in France. Nothing will
more further the Duke's marriage than his forbearing to be
an actor in this war, or that the King may recover the
obedience of his subjects without bloodshed, by permitting
them according to his former edicts to have free exercise of
their religion, to bring which thing to pass no prince may do
more good than her Majesty.
Draft in Burghley's writing. Pp. 4. |
June. |
1074. Advices from Italy. |
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1. Venice, 4 June.—Rumours of the death of the Grand
Seignior, and consequent proceedings in Turkey. Capture of
corsairs and release of Christian galley slaves. |
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2. Rome, 27 June 1573.—Oath of fidelity taken by the
grandees of Spain to the Prince Ferdinand. At Naples, Don
John of Austria has caused a Spaniard who was discovered
to be a spy of Occiali's to be drawn in quarters by four
galleys.
Endd. Ital. Pp. 2½. |