|
| April 1. |
715. Thomes Wilkes to Burghley. |
|
Since the return here of the deputies with the King's
answer, it is resolved that neither the truce shall be prorogued
nor any further treaty, but with strifes, until the King shall
have accorded what is demanded without any modification.
To that end the deputies are returned back to break off all.
The Prince of Condé and M. Meru departed hence the 28th
March, the one to take the avant guard, and the other to his
regiment. The Prince took with him the 200,000 crowns that
came from La Limagne d'Auvergne to pay the reiters for 15
days to satisfy for a time the debt of five months. Duke
Casimir refused to come to Moulins, and so kept the field with
the Dutch forces along the Allier. He has built a bridge about
two leagues beneath Becdaillier, the confluence of the Allier and
the Loire, where he leaves all his army and artillery, and so
means to march with Monsieur and the Prince directly to Paris,
with as much diligence as may be, where a battle may decide
this controversy. Monsieur keeps and garrisons Moulins and
Decize. The Viscount of Touraine is come into Moulins
accompanied with at least 200 gentlemen in very brave
equipage. The King has broken his forces of Frenchmen,
prays that it abbode not some practice by intelligence from
such as have most the ear of the Princes here, some men doubt
it greatly. M. de Biron is looked for here again. Men imagine
his relation to the King of their forces, and the disposition of
the Princes towards peace, may have wrought some good effect
in the King to grant larger capitulations. Monsieur is determined to have all granted or none.—Moulins, 1 April 1575
(sic.) Signed. |
|
Add., with seal. Endd. Pp. 1⅓. |
| April 1. |
716. Daniel Rogers to Walsingham. |
|
1. The Estates of the Low Countries are assembled at Brussels
to consult together for payment of the soldiers, without which
many and strange seditions must of necessity happen. Julian
Romero, who was sent against the mutinous Spaniards and
Italians, has not followed his commission in such manner as
was looked for. He has agreed with certain troops who,
receiving 40 crowns a man, are content to attend for the rest
till a new governor be sent. When Julian marched forth of
Brussels against the mutinous companies, men thought a fight
would have ensued, howbeit when they came nigh one
another they were friends, but the most part were not pacified,
but have departed towards Maestricht and Liege; and because
there arose another mutiny of the Spaniards and Almains for
their pay at Maestricht, Julian Romero was sent thither on
26 March. M. de Hierges arrived at Brussels on the same
day, and declared that it was not possible to keep the soldiers
in obedience, and defend the King's places in Holland, unless
present pay was sent to them, wherefore he returned with
4,000 crowns unto his charge, and 2,000 crowns are sent to
those before Zericksee. After Julian Romero's departure
from Brussels there was left but 200 Spaniards there who
wished to admit certain companies into the town, but the
citizens would not suffer any to enter, and compelled the Count
Barliamont to deliver up the keys to them. Whilst things
stood in this manner a post arrived out of Spain with the
King's letters to the States, desiring them to govern the
country until he appoints a Governor. This post went to
Spain and returned again in 25 days, which voyage has been
made in 14 days in time of peace when the ways were open.
There was great bruit in Spain that the son of the Prince of
Orange should be made Archbishop of Toledo. There is news
out of France that peace is either made or will be shortly,
and also that the Huguenots and reiters mind to set upon the
Low Countries. The Count Egmont's son has arrived in the
Low Countries. Two months past the King restored Egmont's
children to their father's lands upon condition that they
should be evenly divided amongst them, so that none of them
should be great or able to revenge injuries past. Don John
of Austria was called back to his charge by letters from the
Grand Master of Malta, who advertised him that the Turk
would shortly take the seas, and sail either towards Sicily or
Malta, and therefore requested him to provide as many galleys
as he possibly could. |
|
2. The greatest people here all say that the Queen of England
judges that it is better for her to prolong this war than to
procure a peace, and, therefore, aids the rebels with soldiers
and artillery. The Spaniards say the same, and threaten that
they will be even with England when they have made an end
here. The Admiral Sancho D'Avila sent forth certain ships
towards Zericksee, but they be all returned. The Gueux have
taken Ameland, and have many ships near Zericksee.
Anthony Standen, who since the defeat of Genlis, near Cambresis, has remained in this country, is now banished by the
King's order for having had over great familiarity with
Madame de Blomberg, mother to Dohn John of Austria. It was
thought that they were married. He is likewise deprived of
his stipend of 100li yearly, which he had by letters patent,
and is returned into France; he was very well thought of
here of the best of the country. M. Boischot has gone to the
Bishops of Cologne and Treves, with commission to treat with
them touching the levying of reiters, and to borrow money for
the King. They affirm at the Court that the Count de la
Marck, otherwise called Lunoy, is reconciled to the King, and
that he has his pardon. The Earl of Westmoreland was of
late at Louvain with Mrs. Harvey, he has otherwise his abode
at Cambray, and keeps not past one man and one boy. The
dissensions at Genoa are thought to be appeased. Concerning
Poland, they write that Prussia, Livonia, and Lithuania keep
their towns for the Emperor, but the most part of the warriors
stand by the Vaivode, and also the Turk will break peace with
the Emperor if he attempt anything against the Vaivode. The
Vaivode is infected with the Arian's heresy.—Antwerp,
1 April 1876. |
|
3. P.S.—The passport is come from the Court for the departure
of the ships of the Adventurers, with whom he means tomorrow to depart towards Flushing. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. P. 4. |
| [April 2.] |
717. "A Memorial for my Cousin Randolphe" and Apostilles. |
|
1. To decipher what assistance is given by Spain for the
continuance of the wars. |
1. The King has lent
200,000 crowns and the
Pope 50,000, according to
the league. |
|
2. To inform himself what
means the Duke and his associates have to continue the
wars. |
2. The greatest means
he has besides his own
revenues and the rest of
the princes and other associates is there where he
knows of. He well persuades himself not to fail
of it, considering forepast
promises. |
|
3. To know of Beauvais and
other martial men whether it
were not better for them, seeing
the King's intention to draw the
wars in length, so that the
wealthiest wear out the weakest,
to stand upon their guard in
such provinces and towns as
they are now possessed of, rather than make a peace without
surety, or to continue so great
forces as they have no way
employed, being entertained with
truces.
|
3. He will not accord to
any peace without good
assurance; in the meantime
means to employ his army
the best. |
|
4. Why do they seek not to
besiege Paris according to their
first determination. |
4. He draws on as fast
as he can; the only stay
of doing it before was
because he could not have
his forces together, and
such other necessaries as he
wanted. |
|
5. To advise Monsieur to beware of his mother, and that
there can be no peril so great
as to trust her. |
5. That is advised. |
|
6. To discover whether the
Marshal Montmorency, the peace
not taking place, will make himself a party with the Duke, as
also what other of the nobility
are affected to do. |
6. There is no doubt that
he and others who would
not declare themselves
before the breaking off of
the peace will after join
with him, whereof there is
good assurance. |
|
7. How the Court of the Parliament of Paris is affected to
Monsieur. |
7. Well enough particularly, though in open
countenance otherwise. |
|
8. Why Monsieur required not
that the house of Guises, the
authors of the troubles, be
banished the Court. |
8. He thinks it best to
let it be considered of by
the assembly of Estates,
being persuaded it would
not be granted him in particular. |
|
9. How in reason they can
be in surety so long as they
enjoy the King's "dare." |
9. He makes his reckoning to be in good surety in
the portion which shall be
allotted him, in so good
manner as he will be very
well content withal. |
|
10. How the Queen of Navarre
is affected, or whether she be
mistrusted by either party. |
10. Very well to Monsieur, and greatly suspected
of the other side. |
|
11. Whether Monsieur seek
any new partage, and where ? |
11. There is good hope
he shall have an ample and
sufficient portion, but in
what part of the realm is
not known. |
|
12. To have from the deputies
a note of the articles they stand
most upon, without the obtaining whereof they mean to break
into war. |
12. The contract made
with Casimir as to Metz,
Verdun, &c., and the contentment of the reiters. |
|
13. To inform himself which
of the deputies are held for
suspects and what opinion is
conceived of Beauvais. |
13. "Known, but not,
etc." |
|
14. If Captain Masino (del
Bene) repair to him to use such
communication as he would have
the Queen Mother to know,
whose turn he serves, and in no
case to seem to mistrust him. |
14–17. These may be
answered at leisure. |
|
15. Sir Arthur Champernoun. |
|
16. To give assurance of relief
in case of necessity. |
|
17. To recommend to the King
in the Queen's name the suits of
Sir Arthur Champernoun and
Mr. Warcup. |
|
Endd. Pp. 1¼. |
|
718. Another copy. |
|
Pp. 12/3. |
| April 2. |
719. Instructions to Randolphe sent in special Ambassage
to France. |
|
1. After conference on the matters he has in hand with
the ambassador resident in France, and receiving information
of the state of things there, he shall at the time of his access
to the King proceed thus:—That he is sent by the Queen to
do such good offices as may tend to the furtherance of the
treaty of peace between him and the deputies from his brother
and others. He is to put the King in mind of the advice she
gave him by a nobleman sent by her on his return from Poland,
which, if it had been rightly conceived, would have tended to
bring his realm in good union, and to give him to understand
by her hope that the dear experience of the advice of others to
continue the war will cause him rightly to weigh the matter. |
|
2. At his access to the Queen Mother he is to use the like
speech, adding, that it is conceived generally abroad that her
great travail has brought the matter to a treaty, and that the
Queen cannot but comfort her to proceed therein to bring the
King to some good conclusion, whereby she will reduce the
languishing state to recovery, and remove the opinion conceived
by some that she has her ear open to those who are most
inclined to the troubles. If she be inquisitive to understand
if he have any commission to deal in the marriage he is to
tell her that he has but commission to deal for the peace,
before the conclusion whereof the Queen cannot resolve to
proceed further, as she answered La Mothe and La Porte. |
|
3. The Queen thinks it convenient that he have conference,
secretly or otherwise, with the deputies for Monsieur, declaring
to them the purpose of his visit. |
|
4. He shall also let the deputies from Duke Casimir understand that she hopes they have charge from their master not
to consent to any accord unless that may be performed which
was promised by the Count Palatine and the Duke, whereof
she has to show a little obligation signed by both of them. |
|
5. In case the deputies shall require his assent or allowance
of any articles, he shall send a copy to the Queen, and forbear
to grow to any full conclusion until such time as she shall
return her opinion. |
|
6. The principal cause of her sending him is that she has
some cause to doubt that the King or his brother should
have some occasion to set foot, provoked thereto by the
Prince of Orange, in the countries of Holland and Zealand.
If he learn that the King is inclined thereto, he shall plainly
let him understand that the matter is so dangerous for her
and her estate that she cannot but oppose herself thereto by
assisting the King of Spain, and therefore that she wishes
him so to deal therein that there may be no breach of the
amity between them. He shall further say that she thinks
it rather honourable for him to send some special messenger
to Spain to persuade the King to grow to some accord with
his subjects, now aliened from him, by yielding such things as
they have reason to require, and he can in honour grant to
them, so that they may better concur in joining their force
together against the Turk, the common enemy of Christendom,
whose strength receives daily increase by this most unfortunate
discord. That if the King be inclined thereto, she would be
most glad to send some one to concur with him. If the King
of Spain refuse to yield to their advice, whereby it may appear
that he has an intention to alter the government of the Low
Countries by planting Spaniards and supplanting the natives,
a thing so prejudicial to both, then after the refusal thereof
they may think some good way for the impeaching thereof.
If he find Monsieur have any determination to deal therein, he
shall let his deputies understand that she cannot not only not
take it in good part, but that if he proceed without her privity
she will oppose herself thereto to the best of her power, and
therefore to advise him so to govern himself that she have
no cause to withdraw the good affection she has hitherto
borne him. If he make her privy to his determination
therein, she may not only allow thereof, but also in some sort
minister to his support. If he shall determine to proceed
without her privity she would have him lay before the deputies
of the religion that she will withdraw her favourable countenance from them, whereon depends their chiefest stay. |
|
7. He is to take some apt occasion to move the King and
Queen Mother to license him to go and visit Monsieur. If
they make any difficulty, he is to let them understand that
the assurance she daily receives from their ambassador of the
good intelligence between them and Monsieur makes them
require it as a thing that would be grateful to them. If they
assent, he is to signify to Monsieur that his sending grew
only out of his request for a minister of hers at the time of
this treaty, who might be a good instrument of the qualifying
of such difficulties as might rise. M. de la Porte moved her
to enter into a league lately concluded between Monsieur, the
Prince of Condé, and the Count Palatine, whereof he gave
her to understand she should receive ample information by an
express messenger from the Count Palatine; he shall signify
to Monsieur that no such messenger is come to her, and therefore not knowing what the league is she can yield no answer,
but when she shall be further informed therein, he shall receive
such answer as she can with her honour yield, and which she
hopes will satisfy him. If he or his deputies seek to understand if he have charge to answer the request propounded as
well by La Porte as Plessis touching a certain sum of money
he desired to borrow for the payment of his reiters, he shall
give him to understand that he was put in that assurance of
the likelihood of peace as she thought he should stand in no
such need of the money, and therefore she forbore to take
order in that behalf. |
|
Pp. 3⅓. |
| April 6. |
720. Dr. Dale to the Queen. |
|
Monsieur has received great contentment by her letters and
by the report of La Porte's negotiations. Duke Casimir
receives great comfort from her letters. Sends the articles of
the demands of the King of Navarre (see March 16), and a copy
of a letter from Monsieur to his deputies whereby he requires
them to further Navarre's request as his own. Monsieur writes
as earnestly to the King and Queen Mother for Navarre as for
himself. Guitery was sent to conduct the King of Navarre
towards Moulins, but forasmuch as the way is long and the
passage somewhat dangerous, Duke Casimir thought it best
not to attend his coming, but pass the Loire at Decize, and
if the peace were not made the King of Navarre should come
back over the Loire again at Saumur to join with Monsieur
near Paris. Monsieur wrote to the King that he could not
stay the strangers, but that they would draw near Paris if the
peace were not speedily concluded, and indeed they are about
Nevers, either to bring them to some capitulation, or else to
get some money of them. Notwithstanding the King has
sent Biron again to Monsieur to stay them with many fair
promises, but all in general terms. When the news came
of the passage of the reiters he was abroad riding from one
gentleman's house to another to show the Queen every fair
house in the country, and, namely, the Duke of Guise's, at
Nanteuil, which he has bought for the Queen. Now he has sent
for all his men-at-arms and footmen, both French and strangers, to repair to Paris.—Paris, 6 March (sic) 1576. |
|
Add. Endd. by Walsingham, 6 April. Pp. 12/3. |
| April 1. |
721. Monsieur to his Deputies. |
|
They are to procure the principal article of the treaty without any alteration proposed by the other side, should it be
refused, or difficulty made, they are to come to him. They
are particularly to insist on the article touching the late
lieutenant of Poitou, slain in his service, that his widow
and children be restored to their goods. |
|
Copy. Pp. 1. Enclosure. |
| April 6. |
722. Dr. Dale to Lord Burghley. |
|
He sees by the demands of the King of Navarre and
Monsieur's letter to his deputies how matters stand. If the
reiters come forward as they have begun, the King of Navarre
is to come over the Loire at Saumur to join with Monsieur
near Paris, and not to go towards Moulins as was first appointed.
The King assembles all his forces, French and strangers, to
meet about Paris.—Paris, 6 April 1576. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. P. ¾. |
| April 6. |
723. John Cobham to Lord Burghley. |
|
On the 29th March Mr. Harbert returned out of Holland
with the Prince's answer. The Admiral Boissot has, as he
says by the Prince's order, sent Julio Bernandes and four
others into strict prison, where they have neither bedding or
fire or any other meat but bread and water, besides horrible
threatenings of loss of their lives, which is done because they
will not agree to ransom. Does what he can by secret means
to comfort them. Trusts that he will be a mean to her
Majesty for the free delivery of the poor men, who are like to
suffer great misery and torment if she extend not her gracious
favour towards them. The "good lady," with the rest of her
company and her stuff and baggage, are delivered, but they
have taken away a chest with 13 pieces of velvet and 40 pair
of silk netherstocks. There is one Philips, an Englishman, in
prison at the Rammekins, of whom it is said that he would
betray Flushing and set their ships on fire. Zericksee as yet
is not victualled. It was thought that Amsterdam would
have surrendered to the Prince, who sent 12 ensigns of footmen, but they came three hours too late, so that all was
discovered. This day the Admiral and the Governor of
Zealand be gone with all the force they can make to encounter
with 17 ships which are come to Browershaven. There is but
a month's victual in Zericksee, so that it is like to be the
King of Spain's again. Begs him to be earnest for the
delivery of these poor men. They have stayed four ships
which came from Antwerp because there are four of their
ships stayed in the West Country. If they be suffered to
have this liberty of spoiling they will offend all Christendom.
—Middleburg, 6 April 1576. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Pp. 22/3. |
| April 6. |
724. Dr. Dale to Walsingham. |
|
Has nothing to write of but the agreement of Monsieur and
the King of Navarre. He (Walsingham) is looked for by all
men, and he longs for his coming. Now upon the coming of
Monsieur's army the King will be reduced to accord to some
reason or never. The town begins to be arranged already,
because the King is in no better readiness. If Monsieur
might have either Nevers or Charente in his way they should
have a stir here. The common opinion is that he should do
much good among them, for they lack a stickler.—Paris,
6 March (sic) 1576. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. by Walsingham. P. 1. |
| April 6. |
725. Dr. Dale to Smith and Walsingham. |
|
Sends the articles of the demands of the King of Navarre.
The King of Navarre was appointed to have met Monsieur at
Moulins, but the King would not suffer them to have passage,
notwithstanding any suit that Monsieur could make by his
deputies, in consideration whereof Duke Casimir concluded
to pass the Loire at Decize, and that the King of Navarre
should pass the Loire back again at Saumur to meet Monsieur
near to Paris if the peace were not concluded, so that the
forces of Monsieur be a sort of hedge between the forces of
the King and Navarre until he could join with Monsieur. In
the meantime he remains at Poitou and has at his commandment
800 horses and 3,000 footmen. He looks daily for M. Rohan
and the son of Jarnac and divers others with greater forces.
This town is much amazed with the passage of the reiters
over the Loire. Monsieur has written to the King that he
cannot stay the reiters if the peace be not speedily concluded.
The King has sent Biron to him with great promises. Divers
of the "Vant-courriers" approach towards Montargis.—Paris,
6 April 1576. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. by Walsingham. P. 1. |
| April 8. |
726. Proclamation at Brussels. |
|
Directing the better observance of the provisions of the
"Joyeuse Entree" touching the non-employment of foreigners
in any post or office in Brabant.—Brussels, 26 March 1576. |
|
Copy. Endd.: Published in Brussels, 8 April 1576. Fr.
Pp. 22/3. |
|
727. Copy of the above.
Endd. Fr. Pp. 22/3. |
| April 9. |
728. News of the Court of France. |
|
1. Saturday, 31st March, was the conclusion of the peace
made and the war ended. The Queen Mother goes to Guienne,
if the peace takes effect, to obtain thereto the signatures of
the Duke, King of Navarre, and Prince of Condé, which she
will find there. |
|
2. The peace was broken on Monday the 2nd April, and
the deputies departed. The Queen importuned them so
much that she made them return. There are not six persons
in the Court who know what is demanded or accorded;
certain it is that Monsieur demands Anjou, in Brittany.
There is accord made for the religion. The reiters of the
Prince of Condé are in Limousin, and are no longer in
Auvergne, the people of that country having given them
200,000 livres to get rid of them. The Princes are at Moulins.
The Duke of Maine was there, but is returned by order of
the King to Paris. The army of the King is in garrison,
awaiting the conclusion of the peace. The reiters of the Duke
Casimir are provided by the command of the King. There
are 6,000 reiters for the King at Metz, and 8,000 Swiss at
Dijon. Besides what Monsieur has in France, there are 4,000
reiters yet for the Duke. The Italians march for the King,
under the conduct of M. de Nevers, to the number of 8,000
Italians and Grisons, footmen and horsemen. The Count of
Egmont has been at the Court a fortnight. The King of
Spain has promised the King 4,000 Spanish harquebussiers.
Marshal Danville still keeps his government. Marshal
Montmorency and MM. Montpensier and Biron are with Monsieur at Moulins on the part of the King. M. de la Verdin is
at Laval with seven companies of footmen and a company of
horse, being unwilling to cross the Loire during the quarrel of
M. Bussy and the King of Navarre. |
|
Endd.: 9th April. Fr. Pp. 2¼. |
| April 10. |
729. Dr. Dale to Lord Burghley. |
|
1. The truce is ended without prorogation. The army of
Monsieur marches hitherwards, and is between La Charité
and Montargis. The deputies are come back to make report
to the King that the Princes like nothing of his answers, and
to know his resolution whether he will grant anything
further, otherwise to depart from hence. The Queen Mother
is minded to go again to Monsieur, but she stays for safeconduct from Duke Casimir, for she trusts not well the
strangers. Duke Casimir would not meet Monsieur and the
Prince of Condé at Moulins, but sent word by deputies that
he would not be delayed any longer by vain treaties. The
King assembles his forces and fortifies his towns strongly.
The Queen Mother has much ado to entertain this treaty from
breaking off. Sends letters from Wilkes, some of a stale date.
Has written to Walsingham what he can learn of the preparation of ships on the coast. Sends these letters by Lord
Oxford.—Paris, 10 April 1576. Signed. |
|
2. P.S. (slip of paper).—The King of Navarre writes himself,
"Le Roy de Navarre lieutenant-general representant la
parsonne de Monsieur filz et frere du Roy par tout la
Royaume." |
|
Add., with seal. Endd. P. 1. |
| April 10. |
730. Dr. Dale to Walsingham. |
|
Cannot perceive by the Prince of Orange's man that the
ships he writes of should go that way. Has been careful of
it since the first time it was told him.—Paris, 10 April 1576.
Signed. |
|
Add., with seal. Endd. by Walsingham. P. 1. |
| April 10. |
731. Dr. Dale to Smith and Walsingham. |
|
1. The King was very instant to have the truce prorogued,
but the strangers would not consent thereto. It is thought
the King will make more large offers to the deputies than he
did before, otherwise they are minded to make little abode
here. The King makes account to have 5,000 reiters, 6,000
Swiss, 10,000 French harquebussiers, 3,000 French lances, and
4,000 harquebussiers on horseback, but men think he will
come short of it. The towns in all places hereabout are fortified, and the fortifications of Saint Denis and of the faubourgs
of Paris are much hastened. Sends the style of the King of
Navarre.—Paris, 10 April 1576. Signed. |
|
2. Postcript the same as in Burghley's letter. |
|
Add., with seal. Endd. by Walsingham. P. 1. |
| April 13. |
732. Answers of the King of France to the Deputies. |
|
1. Free exercise of religion is accorded throughout all the
kingdom, except in Paris, and within four leagues thereof, and
the Court and two leagues thereof. |
|
2. There will be composed a Chamber at Paris of two
presidents and 16 councillors, who will be half Catholics
and half of the religion, and at the other Parliament a Chamber with two presidents and 10 councillors, half Catholics
and half of the religion. At Montpellier there will be at the
Chamber of the Parliament of Toulouse 18 councillors, notable
persons, half Catholics and half of the religion, with advocates, procureur-general, greffiers, civil and criminal, &c. |
|
3. They of the religion shall have eight towns of those
that they hold, the rest of the towns they hold to be put in
full liberty, as they were before the troubles, with no more
garrisons than necessary, and all persons shall enter into
their houses, goods, &c. |
|
4. They shall have the same estates, offices, charges, goods,
and rights as they enjoyed before the 24th August 1572. |
|
5. The King declares all "arrets," judgments, and executions against the Admiral and others shall be pronounced void,
and that the Admiral's children shall be restored to lands
and goods. |
|
6. There shall be no pursuit with regard to the actions
done at St. Germain-en-Laye, and Bois de Vincennes. |
|
7. The King will suffer the Prince of Condé to remain in
his government and give him the town of St. Quintin or
Coucy at his option.—Paris, 13 April 1576. Signed: Henry
Countersigned: Fizes. |
|
Fr. Pp. 3. |
| April 13. |
733. [Davison] to Walsingham. |
|
Can receive no speedy answer to his negotiations, which
he ascribes to their diverse humours, as the more earnest
Spaniards make no great haste to further a peace as men
who make their gain by fishing in these troubled waters; but
others of good note assure him that the country in general was
never more desirous to embrace the same. The government
rests with the Estates until the King may send a Governor of
his blood, who make more despatch of matters in one day
than the late Commendator in ten. They published last
Sunday an old placard that all who were not Brabanters
born, bearing office within the said duchy, should give over
their charge by a certain day; whereupon there have been
divers Spaniards and others to the Court to make suit for the
contrary, but to little purpose. 50,000 florins have been sent
for the pay of the soldiers in Holland, Utrecht, and other
places, which it is doubted will little satisfy them, considering there is due to some three years' wages, and to him who
is least behind 21 months, of whom there be Bas Almains,
High Almains, Walloons, and Spaniards about 15,000, besides
360 mariners appointed to 24 ships. They have been in
council to pay the Almains that lie in garrisons, and are not
employed in Holland, whom they mean to dismiss, who are
in number 3,000 or 4,000 men. The Duke of Arschot came
into the common house of the States to pray for the maintenance of 8,000 soldiers for Zealand, 12,000 for Holland, and
3,000 cavalry. There is sudden news that certain companies
of the Germans in France are marching towards the frontiers,
which makes men fear some sudden exploit. Certain Englishmen coming to serve the Prince of Orange, to the number
of 125 were lately taken at Browershaven by the Spania s,
most of them are already committed to the galleys, and the
rest prisoners at Antwerp, to be shortly despatched with no
less rigour than the others. The poor men have made their
supplication to the merchants of Antwerp, who have sent it
him, but he dares not travail herein without warrant. Can
get no redress in Venner's case. Complains of Mr. Cotton's
unnatural dealing with his own nation. There is news from
Italy that the Genoese be accorded, and that the Turk is not
feared this year by reason of the great mortality and dearth
of provisions in his country.—Brussels, 13 April 1576. |
|
Endd. Pp. 12/3. |
