|
| Dec. 2. |
1049. The King of France to Elizabeth. |
|
Begs her to command restitution to be made to Captain
Nipiville, who was by the force of the wind and the sea
obliged to take refuge in one of the ports of her dominions
and there despoiled of ships and goods by her subjects, and
himself made prisoner.—Blois, 2 December 1576. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Fr. Royal letter. |
| Dec. 3. |
1050. Dr. Wilson to Walsingham. |
|
1. Not knowing what has become of his servant John Watson
whom he sent from Antwerp with despatches on 20th
November, he sends Mr. Rogers with such advertisements as
are here at present. After coming to Brussels on the 23rd he
understood the States dealing with Don John of Austria unto
whom M. de Ruissinghen was sent the 17th, who returned the
22nd, with declaration of the great supply that he would have,
namely, of five bands of Almains of Charles Fugger's company,
and five of horsemen of M. de Hierge's charge, and Namur
given to him, and then he would enter into the matter of
pacification, and show that he had authority to send away the
Spaniards, affirming that he will maintain their ancient
liberties and accord with the States in all things so that no
alteration be made in religion nor the King's authority
diminished. The States not liking such assurances have sent
back that they cannot admit his authority or allow his demands
till they see his commission, and would gladly see the
Spaniards depart before the meeting together, and would have
the accord made with the Prince ratified in all points. This
Ruissinghen is a suspected man with the States for that he was
secretly two days in the Spanish Ambassador's house in France
before he came hither, and that he should have in pension
8,000 crowns of the King of Spain. The States have sent
four other commissioners after him with authority to speak
largely, and for resolute answer to all their demands have
appointed the 12 Dec. for the furthest day. Sends herewith
M. de Champagny's discourse lately made here, and three other
advices for Don John sent out of Spain, and also the accord
with the Prince and States, together with the commissions
thereunto annexed. The Prince makes great means to have
Ecluse from the States, and if he have the same it is thought
that he will come here and strengthen their weakness, which
is very great. Money is their chief want. Divers have
prayed him to be a means for 200,000 angels with the Queen,
to whom he has answered that he has no commission to deal
in such a matter. Has just received a letter from him dated
19 Nov., and thanks him for his French news, whereby
although he understands nothing of any intention from thence
towards this country, yet speeches continue of a great good
will of many great personages to come hither as Marshals
Cosse and Bellegarde, M. Biron, and Philip Strozzi, declaring
further that the Duke of Guise offers 4,000 harquebussiers and
2,000 horse towards this enterprise to divert the wars of
France to the Low Countries, and do some good to himself
that way. Does not believe all these things, yet there is
something in practice. This country has no good liking
generally of the French, whom of once they receive amongst
them they shall hardly send home again. Will hereafter use
the cipher if he is commanded to tarry any longer, or has
further commission, for now that Don John has come Rodas'
authority ceases, and if the Prince of Orange is called here he
has no authority to deal with him as her Majesty's agent.
Desires to know the Queen's pleasure herein, and for that this
country is unmercifully clear, he spending daily treble his
allowance begs that he may have 400li that he may not want,
for there is no credit to be had here of any. Has forborn the
delivery of the Queen's letter to the magistrates of Bruges as
the English merchants are now very well used there. Will
do for the merchants what he can as he has done already. |
|
2. P.S.—Has got by good means a copy of D'Aubigny's instructions, which he sends, and also King Philip's ciphers.—
Brussels, 3 Dec. 1576. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Pp. 3. |
| Dec. 4. |
1051. The States of the Low Countries to Lord Burghley. |
|
Desire his favour and assistance for M. de Swevenghem, whom
they have sent on a mission to the Queen of England.—
Brussels, 4 Dec. 1576. Signed: Cornelius Weellemans. |
|
Add. Endd. Fr. P. 1. |
| Dec. 4. |
1052. The States of the Low Countries to Walsingham. |
|
Counterpart of the above.—Brussels, 4 Dec. 1576. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Fr. P. 1. |
| Dec. 4. |
1053. M. de Swevenghem's Commission. |
|
Authorising him to go into England and raise the sum of
200,000 angels for the service of the States of the Low
Countries.—Brussels, 19 Jan. 1577. |
|
Copy. Endd. Lat. Pp. 3. |
|
1054. Similar instrument in French.—Brussels, 4 Dec. 1576. |
|
Endd. Pp. 1⅓. |
| Dec. 6. |
1055. The States of the Low Countries and Don John of
Austria. |
|
1. The deputies sent by the States General to Luxembourg,
3 Dec., desire him to cause all the Spaniards to withdraw
from the Low Countries and release their prisoners without
ransom, observe the league made by them with the Prince of
Orange, and grant an amnesty for all past matters, and suffer the
States to assemble and maintain their privileges. If he will
agree to the above they promise to accept him as their ruler,
to maintain the Roman Catholic religion, renounce all leagues
and alliances with foreign potentates, dismiss all foreigners
who are in their service, and prevent the entry of the French
during the existence of the fortnight's truce. They further
beg that Don John will content himself with such a guard as
the King had on the occasion of the Joyous Entry. Luxemburg, 3 Dec. |
|
2. Answer of Don John agreeing to all these conditions.—
Luxembourg, 6 Dec. 1576. |
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Copy. Endd. Fr. Pp. 4½. |
| [Dec. 6.] |
1056. Philip II. to the States of the Low Countries. |
|
Professes his desire for the prosperity of the Low Countries,
and his wish to receive those of Holland and Zealand back to
his obedience and to pardon what is passed. M. de Ruissinghen
has informed him of the seizure of certain of his Council of
State, and what has happened since. In order to show the
confidence that he has in them, and his intention to govern
them as a patrimonial country and not as a province, he has
appointed his brother, Don John of Austria, as Governor and
Captain General of the Low Countries and Burgundy. Understanding their wishes he has given Don John charge to cause
all the foreign and Spanish soldiers to be withdrawn, and in
the meanwhile has sent orders to all the governors of garrisons
and others to keep quiet. In accordance with their request
he is willing to receive and pardon those of Holland and Zealand, provided that for the future they live according to the
Roman Catholic religion. |
|
Endd. 1576, "Minute of letter from the King which Don
John of Austria shall send to the States." Fr. Pp. 2. |
| Dec. 7. |
1057. The Deputies to the States General. |
|
Send them copies of Don John's answers to their requests,
with their reply to his answer. Have had audience with Don
John, who declared amongst other things that he would send
some persons of authority to treat with the Spaniards for
their speedy departure. He has further asked for safe conducts for the said persons.—Luxembourg, 7 Dec. 1576. Signed:
Adolf de Mettenlo. |
|
Copy. Endd. Fr. Pp. 1¼. |
| [Dec. 7.] |
1058. The Effect of Don John's Letter to Rodas. |
|
The letters written by Don John unto Rodas for the English
merchants of Antwerp were to this effect, that the ambassador
of England had made to him earnest request in the Queen's
behalf for restitution of such goods as in the late spoil of
Antwerp by the Spaniards had been taken from the English
merchants, and their ships, persons, and families released, also
that their bonds entered into with divers soldiers might be
discharged. Whereupon Don John having special commendment from the King to satisfy her Majesty to his best, requires
the said Rodas to cause diligent search to be made for their
goods, and the same recovered to their behoof, and without
any further empeachment to suffer them to depart or stay at
their own choice and pleasure. Likewise by another special
letter he ordered that the bonds should be discharged, but if
they were already paid, then any such convenient satisfaction
should be made as the said Rodas could best devise. The
like order he gave for the restoration of their writings and
books of accounts. Also for the goods of Lord Windsor, &c.
He wrote also very effectuously for the speedy restitution of
the goods of Mr. Hatton, Captain of her Majesty's guard. |
|
Endd. Pp. 1¼. |
| Dec. 8. |
1059. Don John of Austria to the Queen. |
|
Informs her of his appointment as Governor and Captain
General of the Low Countries, and sends M. de Castel with
a letter from the King to her.—Luxembourg, 8 Dec. 1576.
Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Fr. P. ½. |
| Dec. 8. |
1060. Dr. Wilson to Walsingham. |
|
Understands that Don John cannot satisfy the States in
their demands by the 12th inst., and therefore desires a longer
time, and it should seem then will be a fortnight longer
granted. The taking of Groningen castle has much encouraged
the hearts of the governors here. It is said that plenty of
treasure is found in the castle, which M. de Byllie, the captain,
had gathered together. It is reported that M. Bresit, a gentleman of Brussels and captain under Byllie, was wrought by
the States to do this feat. The Spanish governor of Zutphen
was taken with Byllie. Of the 17 provinces the States have
now all save Luxemburg and the Marchasate of the Empire,
which is Antwerp. Of places of strength the Spaniards have
only Antwerp, Lierre, and Maestricht. Great means are made
for the taking of Maestricht, and it is said that some of the
Spaniards there have been slain by the boors of the country.
The States are both to grant any further time to Don John,
hearing that the Pope and the Emperor have lately sent to
him. The Duke and Champagny are still in hand with
Wilson for the borrowing of money, for which purpose M. de
Swevenghem is sent. They fear they will have to call in the
French, being warned by the Prince of Orange to take heed
how they trust Don John.—Brussels, 8 Dec. 1576. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. P. 1. |
| Dec. 8. |
1061. [M. de Ruissingen] to the Duke of Arschot. |
|
Informs him of the satisfactory progress of the negotiations
for pacification with Don John of Austria. It will be necessary
that the Duke and others should come nearer to Namur for
the purpose of facilitating conferences. Don John has determined to send to the Spaniards to inform them of the King's
intention that they should withdraw and to make the requisite preparations, and also to treat for the release of their
prisoners, for which purpose it will be necessary to draw up a
list of those who are detained on either side.—Luxembourg, 8
Dec. 1576. Signed: Maximilian Vilani. |
|
Endd.: "Copy of a letter from M. de Rassenghen to the
Duke of Arschot." Fr. P. 1. |
| Dec. 8. |
1062. The Duke of Arschot to Don John. |
|
Informs him that there have been intercepted and brought
to him 26 letters from the King to Rodas, the Spanish and
German officers, and divers other persons, which letters have
as yet been kept from the States, but as they are advertised
of them he does not know how they can be much longer
considering the suspicion in which they hold his Highness.
He must not be surprised if they open all the packets, for
they do not know what to think, seeing the delays that have
ensued after so many good offers made on the part of his
Highness and the King. Mr. Ruissinghen reported that Don
John was sent with so few people to show the trust that the
King had in the people of the Low Countries, and further
that it was intended that the Spaniards should withdraw and
that justice should be executed on the culpable before the
States should lay down their arms. He has nevertheless
taken into his company Don Alonzo and Felices as is thought
through the advice of the Spanish Ambassador in France, who
is entirely embued with the opinions of the late Commendator
and Rodas. Reminds him that long ago his father, Charles V.,
said that the pride of the Spaniards would be the cause of
his losing his estates. Warns him that the people of the Low
Countries are not to be led by the nose like oxen, and complains of his corresponding and taking council with the
Spaniards and requiring a cipher from Roda. All his intercepted letters show that he is making common cause with
the Spaniards. Complains also of his sending letters of commendation to the Almain colonels, who, with Sancho D'Avila,
were the authors of all these commotions, notwithstanding the
complaints that the States had made about them. If he
relies on the Spaniards and follows their advice he will lose
the country and possibly the religion, and cause foreigners
to be called in to overthrow their tyranny. In this case they
will be obliged to warn the King of what has happened, that
he may know their dutifulness, and that they may be exculpated from that which will happen.—Brussels, 8 Dec. 1576. |
|
Endd. Copy. Fr. Pp. 3. |
| Dec. 8. |
1066. Paulet to Burghley. |
|
1. The Estates began their first sitting the 6th. They will
breed rest or no rest to this realm, but there is no good to
be expected where no good is intended. The Estates will
dispense with the King for his promises past, and the King
promises to observe inviolably all that shall be resolved.
They have sworn together against God and his church, and
have agreed not to endure any other religion than the Romish.
Cannot learn that the officers of the King's finances have
raised the values of their moneys of late.—St. Die, 8 December
1576. Signed. |
|
2. P.S.—Prays him for cyphers of the Duke of Guise and
others. Recommends M. Cavalcanti to his good favour, whom
he found always ready to pleasure him to his power. |
|
Add. Endd. by Burghley. P. 1. |
| Dec. 8. |
1067. Occurrents. |
|
There has been of late sent from Paris to Luxemberg for
Don John of Austria 1,700 crowns. One Escoubette, (Escovedo) Secretary to the King of Spain, is passed this last week
towards Luxembourg, three of his company carrying little
mails behind them full of money. So it may seem he has
no great store of money when it is sent to him so far by so
small portions. He was promised to receive out of Italy
1,000,000 crowns, as also 200,000 crowns from Antwerp. But
some think that as the sickness in Italy has disappointed him
of his purpose there, so the troubles of Antwerp have provided
him of a better sum. The deputies of the Low Countries are
yet at the Court attending the return of Fontpertuis, who
indeed arrived at the Court the 5th and in secret manner
and is departed from thence. It may seem strange that
Fontpertuis sent hither expressly by the King may not be
seen at his return, whereby it appears that this negotiation
for Flanders is covered and disguised with some notable dissimulation. Is much deceived if the States of the Low
Countries be not much abused, and if the French have any
good meaning towards them. The Ambassador of Spain tells
him there is great hope of the agreement of the Low Countries
and the King of Spain; but he says to his better friends the
King will never agree with them, and that the Inquisition
shall never be taken out of that country. The reiters which
departed from hence are at the devotion of Don John of
Austria; Bassompierre, one of their generals, having been at
Luxembourg to this purpose, and it is thought that the Duke
of Guise has made this bargain. One of the principals of the
league of Picardy is appointed to levy 2,000 harquebussiers
and five companies of light horsemen in Picardy for the
service of [the Prince of Condé]. Montmorency has sent Plessis
to pray him to advertise the Queen he never advised the
Queen Mother the taking in hand the enterprise of the Low
Countries; that neither he or Danville did ever procure Monsieur's marriage with the House of Spain, and that a Christian
cannot allow of this kind of marriage, which is more seemly
for dogs, and that he is not ignorant he is charged with
these things in England. Don John of Austria conferred with
the Queen Mother at Chenonceau besides Tours as he passed
towards Paris, where the Holy League of Trent has been
newly ratified; and the Cardinal D'Este being lately departed
towards Rome is to assure the Pope of the full resolution
of both Kings to suffer no other religion than the Romish.
The King of Navarre is at Agen, where Danville has been
with him three days. The Prince of Condé is at St. Jean
d'Angeli, La Noüe with the King of Navarre, and Beauvais
la Nocle at La Charité, and Thierry, it is said, in Pont St.
Esprit. Cannot learn that the King has any other forces near
to Blois than 1,200 Swiss, 600 French, and the gentlemen of
the household. The delaying of the Estates has served to
good purpose as well to discover the affections of such as use
the French liberty of speech, as also to confirm them little
by little to the King's will, so as there may be no contradiction in the open Parliament. Some of the deputies of the
religion are repaired to Blois to protest of the nullity of the
Estates, which troubles the whole assembly. The clergy and
Commons are resolved they are to be punished as perturbators
of the common quiet, but the nobility affirm that this would
be against the dignity of the King and assembly. The 6th
arrived M. Rochepose, the Ambassador at Rome, from Blois,
it is thought he brings some Catholic council worthy of that
Catholic seat. |
|
Partly in cipher. Endd. by Burghley. Pp. 2½. Enclosure. |
| Dec. 8. |
1065. Paulet to Walsingham. |
|
Received his letters at Orleans on the 1st, from whence he
is repaired to this good village, where all the ambassadors
are lodged poorly. Though [Du Pin] has declared to him
the cold disposition of the Queen touching the recommendation of the Edict to the Estates by some man to be sent
of purpose, yet he departed from her in great hope she would
perform his desire, and prays him to recommend this matter
again to her. [Du Pin's] precise dealing does rather hurt
than good; he takes great pains to draw out from others,
who beat him sometimes with his own weapon. Has had
good sport to see his cunning dealing touching the Low
Countries, wherein he has found he has smelt his niceness.
He may perchange bow under the burden of his expenses,
but it will not break him. This bad world and this grave
assembly banish all new fashions, so his wife has provided a
simple toy called a contenance, and prays him present it to
the Queen if he shall think so good; sends also a toy to Lady
Lincoln, which he prays him to deliver. Cavalcanti is desirous to be recommended to his good favour, and indeed he
is willing to pleasure him to his power, and professes great
fidelity in all honest and reasonable causes.—St. Die,
8 December 1576. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Pp. 12/3. |
| Dec. 12. |
1066. M. de Mauvissiere to Burghley and the Privy
Council. |
|
The Queen promised to him at her last audience that certain
ships laden with wines for Picardy and Normandy, which
had touched at Rye, should be released. Nevertheless the
matters have turned out otherwise, and the merchants have
had taken from them 80 tuns of wine. He had himself
bought six or seven tuns of the merchants at 13 livres and
given them money on account thereof. Prays them that
that which is just and reasonable may be done herein.—
London, 12 December 1576. Signed. |
|
Add., with seal. Endd. Fr. Pp. 1½. |
| Dec. 14. |
1077. Instructions for Edward Horsey sent to Don John. |
|
1. Is to declare to him how that as soon as the Queen heard of
the late alteration of the whole of the Low Countries she sent
over Dr. Wilson to the Duke of Arsçhot and the Privy Council
there, who have taken upon them the present government,
to discover whether there was any disposition in them to
withdraw from the King's obedience, and to offer her good
services with the King for the pacification of the troubles
there; but in case he should find such a disposition then not
only to dissuade them therefrom, but let them directly know
that she would give the King all aid to compel them to return
to their ancient obedience. He shall further declare that
immediately upon the despatch of this message the Baron
D'Aubigny arrived from the States to give her to understand
that the cause of the said alteration proceeded from the great
spoils and intolerable outrages committed against them by
the Spaniards, desiring her in no sort to think anything
sinister of their proceedings, but to be a means with the
King that he would hearken to their humble supplications,
and take some speedy way of redress otherwise than by arms
for the appeasing of their present calamities, protesting most
religiously that their intention was in no wise to withdraw
from his obedience. Thereupon her Majesty sent Sir John
Smith to the King to present unto him the said supplications
of his distressed subjects, and also hearing of Don John's
arrival in the Low Countries, has sent to him to seek by all
means possible to bring them to pacification, wherein if he
shall not take present order he will put in peril the loss of the
whole country through a secret combination wrought by provocation of the French, whereby in case they shall not receive
speedy satisfaction of their demands they are promised all
succour and help from France to withstand his attempts.
He may consider how much it imports the King to grow to
some peaceable end with them rather than strive with a
people resolutely bent to run any course rather than to endure
the oppression which they have long time felt. The time was
when they strove only with humble requests on scrolls of
paper; now they demand the same with the sword in their
hands. If upon laying before him the perils that may ensue
upon the said combination, Horsey does not find in him some
good disposition to grow to a good accord with the States,
but rather incline to prosecute the matter by force, he shall
declare to him that the case is so full of danger to the Queen,
either if France should come to have an interest in those
countries, or on the other side if their form of government
should be altered by the overthrowing of their ancient liberties
by maintaining foreign forces there, she is fully resolved,
rather than suffer these great inconveniences, to aid them with
all the might and power she can. On the other side, in case
Don John shall make it appear that contrary to their protestations they have any meaning to withdraw themselves
from the King's government by standing upon such hard
points as were not honourable for the King to agree unto,
she means (if he shall require it) to join her forces with his
in opposing them and their fautors. In order that he may
deal substantially with Don John in this behalf, Horsey is, as
he passes by Brussels, by means of Dr. Wilson, to confer
secretly with some of the principal of the States, whom he is
to acquaint with the cause of her sending him over, being to
procure their quietness and liberty, with due obedience to the
King, and desire them to inform him upon what difficulties
the matter chiefly rests between them and Don John. If he
discovers a plain meaning in them by their hard demands to
withdraw from the King's obedience, then he and Wilson are
to use all good persuasions to reduce them to some conformity
in that behalf. On the other side he shall let them understand that in case Don John shall not yield to their reasonable requests, whereby it may appear that he intends to
prosecute the matter by force, he shall assure them that the
Queen means not to see them oppressed, but will assist them
by all good means she may. |
|
2. If he learns that they proceed in their intelligence with
France, he shall as well with persuasions and offering assistance as with threatening them that she will join with Don
John in opposing them, do what he can to impeach the same,
for he shall understand that of all the perils she can imagine
this conjunction with France is the most dangerous for her.
During his residence with Don John he is to observe both by
his outward actions and by any secret intelligence which he may
procure how he is persuaded of the Queen's sincere meaning
towards the King of Spain, and whether he has any affection
that she should interpose as a mediator between him and his
subjects; also what forces he prepares and what he looks for
either out of Germany, France, or Italy. |
|
3. Appoints Richard Bingham to go over with him.—
14 Dec. |
|
Rough draft corrected by Burghley. Endd.: 14 Dec. 1576.
Pp. 6. |
|
1068. Copy of the above, with additional instructions to prosecute
the suit of the English merchants spoiled and put to ransom
at the sack of Antwerp. |
|
Pp. 32/3. |
| Dec. [14]. |
1069. Certain considerations set down by Mr. Horsey
concerning the Conferences to be had with Don
John. |
|
The former negotiations with the States and the King of
Spain. The peril that is likely to grow from the French
practises. The danger that must arise to her Majesty from
a continuance of civil war. If Don John yields to reasonable
demands, and they stand upon terms not fit for subjects to
ask, then her Majesty will aid him with all her forces against
the States. To inquire of Don John's forces. To demand
restitution of the merchants' goods. |
|
Endd. Pp. 2. |
| Dec. 15. |
1070. Articles on which Don John of Austria is willing
to Treat of Peace. |
|
1. To withdraw all Spanish and other foreign soldiers from
the country. |
|
2. All offices to be filled by natives of the country. |
|
3. Make restitution of their spoils. |
|
4. To maintain the ancient privileges. |
|
5. To assemble the States General. |
|
6. An amnesty for the past. |
|
7. The Prince to bear the blame of any contravention. |
|
8. The towns and fortresses to be held till the completion
of peace. |
|
9. The Catholic religion to be the sole one tolerated.—
—15 Dec. 1576. |
|
Endd. Fr. P. 1. |
