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| March 11. |
663. William Herle to Lord Burghley. |
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Received his letter on Thursday, and yesterday afternoon
Paul Buyz came to him, whom he told that it was hardly
believed that the Flushingers should be so used by the passengers of Dover as to cast their men overboard, and that it
was rather likely that the Flushingers laid purposely in wait,
for the ships and the lady, being in sight of her Majesty's
castles of the Downs, which showed small respect towards her,
especially as the lady, Mr. Cobham, and all their company are
still prisoners. Further, some that were well affected towards
them were both sorry and angry at the insolency of the
Flushingers, whom honour persuaded to chasten, but that the
respect for the common cause moved rather their amendment.
Whereunto he answered, as he and his colleagues had done to
the council, that they were not come hither to have in charge any
other thing; but what was solicited by Mr. Hastings in Holland
from her Majesty wherein they had humbly obeyed her in
coming hither in the sharpest season of the year to present
themselves, their lives, goods, and country to her sovereignty
and protection, and make her the greatest prince that had
been in England of many years. It grieved them very much
to hear of these daily complaints against the Flushingers, and
they had already written in earnest sort to the Prince of
Orange and the States that redress might be had, although
the lady thus taken was lawful prize, the King of Portugal
having proclaimed those of Holland, Zealand, and Rochelle as
open enemies, and so to be taken of all his subjects, whereby
the ambassador may repute it a great grace of her Majesty to
receive his spouse by her means again. The said Paul Buyz
entreats that there may be a due regard of equity had to their
side, thinking it very strange that four of their ships having
more than 300 men should be stayed in the west country to
their extreme charges these 14 or 16 days long before this
chance happened, which may breed inconvenience, for men-ofwar provoked be hardly bridled on the seas, and neither her
Majesty's own navy be so wholly at commandnent but that
disorders unprovoked are many times committed by them.
He therefore suggested that commissioners should be appointed
to reside on either side to examine into all complaints of spoils
on both sides. But this was not the principal point he said that
he came to Herle for, which was to urge him write to Burghley
to obtain some direct and absolute answer in writing from the
Queen, so that they might have something to justify their
doings upon their return with what speed and secrecy that
may be; and said that he would have waited on his Lordship,
but that he wished to avoid the Spanish ambassador, who
had even endeavoured to kill them by means of certain Italians.
After this he mournfully complained of the danger he had
brought on himself by his affection to the Queen, especially
as by their treaty here his whole nation had been brought
into an immortal hatred never to be reconciled with the King
of Spain, who as the most vindictive Prince alive will never
forget that they have offered to renounce his sovereignty.
Further, he said that he had sundry times given good hope of
aid and assistance to the Prince of Orange and his country,
whereupon they have stayed their enterprise and designs,
which have thereby failed; the whole blame of which will
be laid to his charge. Whereupon he repeated upon what
good words he had grounded his hope to conclude all things
to the advancement of the common cause, and so was bold
to advertise them as he did: first, that her Majesty said that
she was glad of their coming in time for all respects as her
ambassador out of Spain would be at the Court in two or
three days by whom she would be instructed fully of the state
of all things, and therefore better able to proceed with them,
of whose cause she was fully satisfied that it was just and
honourable and worthy embracing, and that she would deal
therein and put the matter in deliberation to her Council,
assuring them on the word of a prince to deal briefly and
sincerely with them; and in order not to protract time she had
sent one to the Commendator, and also Mr. Hastings to the
States. After this they proceeded to deal with the Council,
showing them the justice of their cause and the commodity
that would arise to the Queen answering all objections so that
no part seemed unsatisfied; the Council then as men who well
liked the first part proceeded to the second, and asked them
of their strength and condition and revenue, to all which
demands they answered. Their request for a loan of 100,000li
being ill digested they were referred over to the Parliament to
have the matter debated there to have the general consent
of the realm in such a weighty matter. And now another
course is proposed to them for her Majesty to deal for them
by way of peace and reconciliation; but Buyz asks what
assurance they can have, as it cannot be contracted with any
heretic except for the purpose of deceiving and entrapping
him. They are ready to obey her Majesty in this course of
peace if she assures them that the matter taking no place she
will receive them into her protection, and if she will in the
meantime aid them with a loan of 30,000li to keep them on
their advantage during the treaty. Buys humbly wishes her
Majesty would do somewhat by one of these means to conserve
her reputation with those of Holland and Zealand. Their
expenses in this journey and negotiations have been above
2,000li which they account well employed so as they be well
taken of. He concluded with admonishing Burghley and the
Council to have a good regard to Champagny and his doings,
who breeds as great a monster haply to the prejudice of her
Majesty and her estate as ever did Chapin Vitelli whilst he
negotiated, for the Scottish faction lives and has many
favourers, and many and dangerous may be the parts that
may be played upon the "plainseing" of Don John of
Austria. There are 60,000 men in arms in Flanders to defend
themselves from the insolence of the Spaniards, and with
one good countenance she might have them all at her devotion,
and give such laws to her Spanish enemy as would cut off all
his malicious practices for molesting her by advancing that
"bosom serpent the Scottish Queen" or any of his bastard
race with her.—Redcross Street, 11 March 1575. Signed. |
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Add. Endd. Pp. 9½. |
| March 13. |
664. [Daniel Rogers] to Burghley and Walsingham. |
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1. Since his letter of the 7th instant from Antwerp, has understood certain things of the States not unworthy of their
notice. After the Commendator's death, by consent of the
Council were chosen for governors the Duke of Arschot,
Ernest Count Mansfeld, and the Lord Ruissingen, the
Governor of Ypres, who is of good house, and well friended,
and who follows the humours of the Spaniards. The new
government is greatly troubled in keeping soldiers in obedience
and providing payment for them, even as the Commendator
before his death, whose end was shortened by these cares.
They of Amsterdam, who have been an especial stay for the
King in Holland, sent to the Commendator to show him in
what necessity they were, in so much that daily their soldiers
died of hunger, and beg him to have compassion on the town,
and to consider the great losses of ships and houses they had
suffered through the war, amounting to 7,000,000 florins,
besides taxes and loans, which last they demanded back again
as the only means for their defence. On the Commendator
answering that he had no money, he was told that he would
do well to make peace. This was done six days before his
death, at which time it is reported that he grievously repented
that he had not embraced the peace offered at Breda in July
last. The conditions were that the strangers should be with
drawn and the Estates duly called together, and that the
Prince should stand unto that which was by them concluded.
Truth it is that the Prince judged that the strangers being
departed the Estates would not renew war for religion's sake;
whereas there be 17 provinces of the Low Country by whose
numbers his party might have been overcome. Remembers
that the Prince told him in November last, on his proposing
a certain device for withdrawing the Spaniards and leaving
the country to its ancient privileges, that even if these two
things took place he should be compelled to attend a massacre
of Paris continually, and therefore was resolved to alienate
the provinces of Holland and Zealand from the King of Spain
by all means possible. Cannot tell whether the Prince would
now propose the said conditions unto which in July last almost
all condescended unto, except Monsieur Champagny and his
like, who said it was to bring the King into "tutele" and
make him a ward unto the Estates. The Commendator to
avoid the envy borne to him for refusing these conditions,
called a council of the clergy, and asked their advice, who
fearing that their dignity would go to wrack, thought best
that the Spaniards should remain, by which means he excused
himself unto the rest. The Bishops of Antwerp, Bruges, and
Ypres were against the rest, and never since would come in
council. The Estates thereupon sent the Marquis de Havré
into Spain to open these things to the King, who has not yet
returned. In the meanwhile they cease not to put in execution such enterprises as before the Commendator departed
were concluded. They of Dunkirk are commanded to provide
six ships for the victualling of Browershaven and attempting
the Brille, and the soldiers seem more ready to obey than they
were. Understands that the Prince means to go into Zealand.
There is a bruit that the Italians who fled towards France
were defeated by the Count of Roche in Artois. If the
Prince were able to make the like exploit against Antwerp
which he did last year it might take good effect, as the people
are much stirred up by the death of the Commendator. It is
feared that the Turk will come this spring towards Sicily.—
Bruges, 13 March 1575. |
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2. P.S.—Certain Englishmen, about 60, who served the
Commendator at Nieuport, under Captains Cotton and Clerk,
are in prison by Mr. Pallison's means. There is also one
Nollard, who heretofore was suspected as though he would
have betrayed Yarmouth to the Duke of Alva, has a pinnace
at Nieuport, and has come hither of late. There is one Ivy
likewise, whose father dwelt at Limehouse, who has played
divers knaveries. |
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Copy. Endd. Pp. 5. |
| March 13. |
665. Sir Robert Constable to the Privy Council. |
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Encloses a certificate of the charges for the work needful
to be done about Berwick. New tools are required, and a
farther store of timber to serve if any sudden need shall
happen. Desires to know their pleasure touching a certain
Scotchman dwelling at Ford, and one John Carr, of Hetton,
who are charged with being connected with the circulation of
counterfeit money. Is the bolder to write, as there is so
much of this money abroad.—Berwick, 13 March 1575.
Signed. |
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Add. Endd. Pp. 1. |
| [March 13.] |
666. Works at Berwick. |
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Note of the wants of certain necessary provisions for the
fortification and defence of Berwick. Total estimated cost
486li 9 4.—Signed by Robert Constable and Rowland Johnson. |
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Endd. Enclosure. Pp. 2½. |
| March 13. |
667. M. Villiers to Lord Burghley. |
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The 6th of last month Monsieur was at Limousin, 30 leagues
from Rochelle. M. de la Noüe has been to Rochelle, and has
agreed that the town shall enjoy its ancient privileges, and
that Monsieur shall appoint a receiver for the taxes, which
shall be disposed of by the Council of Monsieur. The town
has given four cannons to Monsieur, with their necessary
equipage. The Archbishop of Nazareth has come to Monsieur
on the part of the Pope to induce him to return to the King.
—13 March. Signed. |
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Add. Endd. Fr. Pp. ½. |
| March 14. |
668. William Herle to Lord Burghley. |
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Is sorry that the usages of the Flushingers has been such
as to provoke their friends here greatly against them. The
Prince is fain to tolerate many things with them contrary
to equity for the cause's sake. The dealing too roughly with
that rude kind of men by correction may breed great inconvenience, whereby her Majesty may be brought into the
quarrel to her greater charge than if she should maintain
their whole action, and by their ruin weaken her own estate.
Paul Buyz himself desires to have the Queen's answer in
writing that it may serve to justify his fidelity and diligence
against the calumniations which will be opposed unto him.
Reminds him that these poor men have been at charges
of more than 2,000li with Mr. Hastings in this voyage and
otherwise, which they are ill able to bear. It is given out
very maliciously amongst gentlemen and soldiers, and those
of good sort who profess the religion, that his Lordship has
been the only let and overthrow of this Holland service, by
dissuading her Majesty from that enterprise, where otherwise
the Earls of Leicester and Sussex were earnest furtherers of
it. They judge very hardly that the poor men being sent for
by the Queen have been contrary to her promise by indirect
dealing, so long delayed here, to their utter undoing at home
and abroad. They say Mr. Walsingham dealt justly with
them, in that he assured them from the beginning that they
would obtain nothing here, but lose their time. They say
these unworthy proceedings with foreign nations make the
English the most hated men in the world, and to be contemned
for mere abusers as those who put on religion, piety, and
justice for a cloak to serve humours withal and please the
time, while policy only is made both justice, religion, and God
with them. His Lordship's enemies are, however, compelled
to say that he is more subject to evil judgment for his good
service than for evil itself. Conjectures that this former
speech arises from an emulation between Chester and Hastings,
whereof it seems that the very secrets that the Council and
Queen have dealt in with the Hollanders are betrayed abroad,
and the charging of the overthrow of this business upon his
Lordship is spread amongst many.—Redcross Street, 14 March
1575. Signed. |
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Add. Endd. Pp. 2. |
| March 15. |
669. William Herle to Lord Burghley. |
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Has let Paul Buiz understand the good estimation that
Burghley has of him, but withal the great hindrance that
these insolencies have procured to the cause in general. He
has assured Herle that they shall not happen again, and
desired that one or two commissioners might be appointed
to reside on either side to examine and determine all complaints. He added (striking his hand on his breast) that his
Lordship was the only man who had dealt sincerely with
them and truly favoured their cause, and yet was forced to
give them hard words according to the alteration that time,
parties, and occasions ministered, which kind of free proceeding he preferred to all other. He was very desirous that
he and his colleagues might receive their answer from his
Lordship, and further that he would say in secret to her
Majesty from him that now things standing in Flanders and
Brabant as they do by the death of the Commendator and
by the displeasure that the people have in general of the
Spanish Government, he will entertain such a disposition
in the minds of their leaders (which he is able to do)
towards her Majesty, as she, without seeming to deal with
anything, shall direct all, without whom they will depend
of none, whereby Spain if it receive any grace it shall be by
her, and France, whose levity he well knows, shall have but
hard favour in practising any novelties. Seeing these causes
are weighty, Herle desires that his Lordship will write him
somewhat in answer again that in may appear that he has
discharged his part as a good subject of her Majesty.—
15 March 1575. Signed. |
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Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 2. |
| March 15. |
670. Alexander Hay to Henry Killegrew. |
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His welfare is earnestly wished for by many honest men
here. As for the "poor man's" suit against Lord Robert,
the time is very proper, as he is still in Edinburgh Castle,
and no great hope of his speedy delivery. His Grace has
written to the Governor of Berwick touching the false coining
on the Borders. The matter will not be well tried if some of
good judgment and authority be not sent to inquire of that
pest, as many are touched therewith in Northumberland.
Carmichael is in Teviotdale. They of Tindale have made an
incursion on Lord Angus' lands of Jedburgh-forest. Here
there is no manner of alteration. The Regent is now at
Dalkeith with the Lord of Argyle and sundry other noblemen. The misliking and murmuring at Edinburgh is much
qualified. Adam Gordon is yet at Blackness.—Edinburgh,
15 March 1575. Signed. |
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Add. Endd. P. 1. |
| [March 16.] |
671. Articles of the King of Navarre. |
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The King of Navarre prays that these articles be added to
those given to the deputies:— |
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1. That the King shall avow that all that has been done
has been done for his service, and those concerned therein be
placed in full enjoyment of their goods, dignities, offices, &c. |
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2. That the King of Navarre command in his government
of Guienne extending from Pilles to Bayonne, in such manner
as his ancestors have done, and that in his absence he
appoint and present a Governor. That all captains and
governors obey him as the Governor and Lieutenant-general of
the King, and that he have the providing of the necessary
garrisons. |
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3. That all his lands and seignories shall recognize no
other government than he appoint, and that all towns and
fortresses belonging to him shall be at once surrendered. |
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4. That his right to his kingdom be preserved, and that
his subjects shall not be taxed for the service of the King of
France, according to their ancient immunities. |
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5. That all gentlemen being his servants, officers, or
subjects shall come and go and traffic freely through all
France without molestation. |
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6. That his officers and servants shall enjoy such privileges as if they served the Royal Family of France. |
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7. That he and his heirs be discharged from the guarantee
given by himself and late Mother towards the purchases of
ecclesiastical property, and for the entertainment of the
reiters. |
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Presented to Monsieur at Ville Franche, 16th March, by
Fervaques and Berziaux. |
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Endd. by Dale. Fr. Pp. 12/3. |
| [March 16?] |
672. Articles from the King of Navarre to be presented
by the Deputies. |
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1. After the peace, that the King of Navarre, his wife and
sister, shall have their sovereign territories and those held
under the King, in order that the King of Navarre can give
order to the affairs of his country after his long absence
therefrom. |
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2. That the treaties made between his ancestors and those
of the King of France be continued and confirmed. |
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3. That the King shall help him recover from the King of
Spain his kingdom of Navarre beyond the Pyrenees, from
which his great grandfather John was in 1512 expelled by
Ferdinand, King of Arragon. |
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4. That the pension of 46,000 livres which his grandfather
Henry enjoyed in part recompense for the loss of his kingdom be continued and certain assignations made therefor. |
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5. That he be restored to the enjoyment of the seignories of
his ancestors, the Duchy of Nemours, Comtés of Comminges,
Boulogne, Castres and La Marche, and Vicomtés of Narbonne, and Soule. |
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6. By reason of the right that Françoise of Brittany,
espoused wife of Aleyne Sieur d'Albret, father of John of
Navarre, had to the Duchy of Brittany, Charles VIII.
accorded to them 25,000 livres de rente, afterwards, in 1496,
altered to 6,000 livres, the country of Gaure and the town of
Fleurance, (which place had been given to the King of
Navarre, by Charles VII., and the gift confirmed by Louis XI.)
The King of Navarre prays the King to make him recompense, in that he and his predecessor have never enjoyed the
6,000 livres de rente, nor entered in possession of Gaure and
Fleurance. |
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7. The late King granted 200,000 livres to the late Queen
of Navarre for the celebration of the nuptials of himself and
his Queen, the King's sister, which has never been paid.
There is also due 120,000 livres, arrears of the pension of the
late King of Navarre. He prays the King to deal with him
as favourably as he can for payment. |
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8. That the King will command expedition of justice in
his causes. |
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9. That if any offices or benefices fall vacant in seignories
of the King of Navarre, he have the nominating and presenting of such persons as shall seem fit. |
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10. That the King would preserve to him in his lands and
seignories his privileges and accustomed sources of revenue,
such as the Droit de tabellionage and de sceaux. |
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11. That the bailiffs, stewards, and judges of the King of
Navarre hold inquisition on the scandals and abuses committed in his seignories by persons who have intruded into
benefices. |
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Endd. by Dale. Fr. Pp. 3. |
| March 16. |
673. William Herle to Lord Burghley. |
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1. His letter received this morning not a little comforted
his dulled spirits to see the honourable and religious affection
he bears to these matters of Holland, which also satisfies
Paul Buyz, who vows himself wholly for her Majesty, and
makes himself bold to entertain others of the Low Countries
in the same devotion towards her. He promises that his
nation shall have intelligence with no other strangers than
as it shall please her Majesty to allow. Touching Champagny,
it is likely that he desires her Majesty to be the author of a
peace between those men and King Philip, to the end he may
procure more favour of the country if it be procured by his
mediation, and thereby exclude the authority of the Spaniards
which he mislikes not so much as he fears, for by the letter
intercepted by the Hollanders and delivered to Burghley it
appears that he is shrewdly menaced by them. During his
being here they have thrice examined by torture a prisoner
at Antwerp of sundry matters about him. Yet another way
he has an ill a meaning as the worst, that having established
a government to his own fancy to introduce the Inquisition
which shall trouble and confound things as ill as before.
Assures him that he advertised him of those matters spread
about him for the true and zealous duty which he bears
towards him. |
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2. This evening Paul Buyz advertised him that they had
received news in letters from Calais that one M. de Revers
had passed by out of France sent by the King to speak with
these commissioners here to stay their actions from dealing
with her Majesty, as he would presently send a good force
into Zealand and be master of it whosoever said to the contrary. Haukin, the Governor of Flushing, is a mere Frenchman.
Don Pedro Swazzo, cousin to the late Commendator who was
drowned in the passage of Gravesend, had about him 500
crowns, and bills of exchange for 5,000 more, as he was no
merchant, and had but one man in his train, the jealousy is
somewhat that this furniture was for some practice.—16 March
1575. Signed. |
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Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 3. |
| March 16. |
674. Commission to the Bailli of Nieuport. |
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Ordering him to release the ship of Captain William Cotton.
—Brussels, 16 March 1576. Signed: J. de la Torre. |
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Copy. Fr. P. ½. |
| March 16. |
675. Dr. Dale to the Queen. |
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Sends letters he has received from Monsieur and Duke
Casimir, and has had conference with the deputies that are
come from them. Their concern was to thank her for her
good favour, and to desire her to further their cause in this
present treaty, requiring, as her servant, his help and advice.
Declared her good intention, and supposed they would further
understand very shortly. Profered to deal with the King
and Queen Mother in any point requisite. They have done
nothing but made their oration and presented their demands,
to which the King has answered that he is desirous of peace
if their terms be not altogether unreasonable; he has appointed certain to consider of the demands who have sat
continually thereabout these two days. Perceives both sides
are very willing to have quietness, and the strangers cannot
abide to have the matter lingered for things wax scant in
their army and round about the place where they lie by reason
of the great spoil that the King's army under the Duke of
Maine has made in all that country.—Paris, 16 March 1575.
Signed. |
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Add., with seal. Endd. by Walsingham. Pp. 2¼. |
| March 1. |
676. Duke Casimir to Dr. Dale. |
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Has sent the Sieur de Starkenburg and Beutterich, his
councillors, as deputies for treating peace, to whom he has
given directions to hold conference with him.—Vansac, 1 March
1576. Signed. |
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Add. Endd. Fr. P. ⅓. Enclosure. |
| March 16. |
677. Dr. Dale to Lord Burghley. |
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Has written of all matters to the Secretaries and to the
Queen.—Paris, 16 March 1575. Signed. |
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Add., with seal. Endd. P. 1. |
| March 16. |
678. Dr. Dale to Walsingham. |
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Has sent 40 crowns to Wilkes.—Paris, 13 March 1575.
Signed. |
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Add., with seal. Endd. by Walsingham. P. 1¼. |
| March 16. |
679. Dr. Dale to Smith and Walsingham. |
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Monsieur is in possession of Moulins. See no likelihood
of his having Decize, as they of that town have fortified themselves. Bourges begins to submit willingly to Monsieur as
though desirous to be under his protection rather than the
government of the King's officers; and so has Limagne, which
is one of the best parts of Auvergne, to be defended from the
outrageous dealings of the King's army. Understands that
the company of Puygalliard, the chief stay of the King's army,
has forsaken him, some gone to their houses, some to Monsieur.
Sends him the name of the deputies to consider thereby
whether so great a number be likely to further or hinder the
conclusion. Doubts much lest they lack some one of credit
above the rest to direct their actions, for he perceives the
inferiors begin to be in jealousy of the credit of the others.
Hitherto Beauvais la Nocle bears the greatest stroke, but not
without some misliking of some of the other. They have
had access to the King. The chief man appointed to deal
with them is La Mothe, as one that is counted fine, and can
hide his fineness very well under the cloak of much plainness.
The King of Navarre is passed the Loire at Saumur with
500 horsemen and 2,000 footmen, and appoints to join with
Monsieur. The deputies for Monsieur have spoken to the
King to have passage for Navarre over the Vienne, and to
have some town near Moulins to remain in during the treaty.
The Swiss that are come for the King are removed from
Chalons-sur-Saone and are appointed to lie at Auxerre to be
further from the reiters according to the treaty. The Pope
lends the King another 100,000 crowns by the procurement
of the King of Spain, who promises to recompense the Pope
with ecclesiastical promotion for his friends in Spain. There
is one come out of the Low Countries to the King since the
death of the Commendator either to make offers or to demand
aid. Their wants no goodwill on this side, if their power
were according, it is much spoken that these men of war shall
be rid that way if the peace take place. It is much noted
that the Duke of Guise has departed with Nanteuil by Dammartin to the King for the Queen, and has St. Dizier and
Vassy strong places in the frontiers in exchange. They of the
religion have taken Montelimart in Dauphiny. It is said there
is some new stir about Bordeaux by them of the country that
favor the King of Navarre.—Paris, 16 March 1575. Signed. |
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Add., with seal. Endd. by Walsingham. Pp. 2. |
| March 17. |
680. M. St. Aldegonde to Walsingham. |
|
Begs him again to procure their despatch from her Majesty,
as their stay can be of no service to her but may be of great
hindrance to themselves, and may even prevent them from
doing her service.—17 March 1576. Signed: Ph. de Marnix. |
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Add. Endd. Fr. Pp. 1. |
| March 19. |
681. Mr. Hastings to Lord Burghley. |
|
1. The cause of his coming yesterday was partly touching
these complaints of the merchants, by which he is troubled
and those of Holland much hindered. If they will neither
colour or assure strangers' goods but deal with their own
doings, they may trade safely without any disturbance, and
after the trade will come wholly into their hands, for these
questions rise only because those of Zealand seek to cut off
their enemies' trade, wherein he cannot blame them. Another
matter he had to move, which was touching Paul Buyz, who
now hearing of a peace in France and the French to repair
thither, is in a perplexed state, as are the rest of his in Holland.
Whoever considers the old and continual friendship between
France and Scotland and their powers to be joined with the
Low Countries should behold England but hardly neighboured,
and lament the lost occasion so just, honourable, and profitable.
Trusts he will send for Buyz once before his departure, who
can show him more of this French preparation.—Lambeth, 19
March 1575. Signed: J. H. |
|
2. P.S.—Having as her Majesty's servant received such
courtesies at the Prince's hands, he cannot but signify these
tokens of their goodwill and affection towards her. |
|
Add. Endd. Pp. 2⅓. |
| March 20. |
682. William Herle to Lord Burghley. |
|
Has told Paul Buyz of his Lordship's inward affection to
the cause of the Hollanders, who is so satisfied of his favourite
inclination towards the cause and his good opinion privately
of him, that he says he will depend on him whilst he lives,
and would rather suffer himself to be torn with wild horses
then join with the French or any other strangers who might
prejudice the Crown of England. Paul Buyz thanks him and
desires he will procure him a despatch or answer in writing
from her Majesty grounded upon that negotiation that Mr.
Hastings had with them; also that she would secretly lend
them 30,000li, for which she shall have as good assurance
from the States as if the money were still in her coffers.
Thus all these long negotiations and assurances from her
Majesty will not seem to have carried no fruit nor the commissioners to have betrayed their trust and the Low Countries
prevented from losing all hope of dealing with England again.
He also assures Burghley that the French will attempt somewhat presently in Zealand, which will be to her Majesty's
great danger and charge; but if her friends and well willers
minds be not too much withdrawn by unkindness from her,
there may be good remedy used to encounter any of their
attempts. He also wished that England was better served
with intelligence, being of opinion that the French King and
the Huguenots were agreed since the time that La Mole and
La Porte were here last, whatsoever semblance was made to the
contrary. As for the Queen sending into Flanders for a
ceasing of arms, that is not the course they must take, and
it would be but a train and mockery to their estate; also
as for money they required present aid to be grounded on
certainties and not upon seasons and irresolutions.—Redcross
Street, 20 March 1575. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. with seal. Pp. 2½. |
