|
|
|
Nov. 21.
|
450. "An ANSWER made by the MARQUIS of HAVRECH and
ADOLF DE MEETKERKE, containing the solutions unto
such articles as are objected for the stay of their
negotiations."
As to the 1st and 2nd articles, the establishment of a Council
of State seems to provide sufficiently for the good direction of
public affairs, whether the Archduke is admitted or no, since
everything is to be decided by a 'plurality' of voices.
As to the 3rd and 4th, it is certain that the States agree very
well amongst themselves, and that hitherto there has been no
likelihood of division among them, for they still continue in a
firm resolution to resist the government of strangers, and to cast
off the tyranny of the Spaniard. In this behalf no scruple need
be conceived at the late arrest of certain persons suspected by the
people, for it was done with good intention, being likely to turn
to the safety of the country. Some have already been released by
order from the Estates, to whose command the people have shown
themselves very obedient.
|
|
5. The Prince of Orange only left Brussels the better to put
into execution what has been resolved on by the Estates, touching
money matters, the levying of Almains, the finishing of the fortifications
of the said town, and ordering the government and policy
of the same, which we hear he has done, with the help of the Count
of Bossu. The Prince has constantly good intelligence with the
Estates, who do nothing without his advice, insomuch that they
have committed to his discretion the form and manner of bringing
the means from England.
|
|
6. It seems that this may be remedied by the establishment of
the Council, in which all causes will doubtless be dispatched with
greater expedition. We will not fail on our return to declare to
the States what prejudice may grow to them thereby, and that
"without good remedy be applied thereto," it may turn to their
utter ruin, promising that forasmuch as we are of the said Council,
we will do our best for redress thereof.
|
|
7. There is none of ripe judgement but sees how profitable the
amity of these two countries is for the stay of such practices as are
intended against us, by reason of the credit her Majesty has got
in the world through her wise and prudent government, and we
will not fail to declare to the States how much they are beholden
to her for her desire to restore the amity between the countries.
It is not to be presumed that we have conceived any suspicion of
this nation because we have entertained a small number of Scots,
who had before served the States ; for it is well known to the
world that this country is full of good captains, gentlemen and
gallant soldiers, whom we know to be well affected to our common
cause.
It is certain that the long experience of the Prince of Orange
has won for him the credit of a very sufficient captain. We
beseech her Majesty to assist the States with her advice, and
persuade them to use the services of certain leaders whom she shall
name to them, although they are now furnished with a good
number chosen by the "Council at Wars," to assist Count Lalaing,
besides others in the provinces and frontier towns, namely, the
Count of Bossu, MM. de Mourbeke, Capres, la Motte, Goignies,
Crecques, Bailleul, d'Eure, Jandbergh (or Santberghe), Steenbeck,
Presles, and others.
The Estates have brought into the field the old garrisons of
Hainault, Artois, and Flanders, as well as of Holland and Zealand,
and all the bandes d'ordonnances on horseback, who being old
soldiers well trained, and having always resisted the forces of
France, it is likely they will not yield to the Spaniard.
The enemy has not, as yet, got any advantage, for since Don
John's retirement to Namur, our men have taken from him all
the support he had in Antwerp, Dendermonde, Bois-le-duc, Bergen-op-Zoom,
Tholen, Breda, and Steenberg. The States have
assembled the rest of their forces to make resistance against the
town of Namur, to whom they have been forced to pay arrears.
Thus they have not been negligent in doing their endeavours ;
and it is to be considered that a whole army furnished as is required
cannot be raised in an instant.
|
|
13. This is answered by what has been said on the 1st article.
There is no jealousy to be feared, as the Council of State is established
by the consent of all the provinces, and in virtue of the
Union every man is bound to maintain what is resolved on by the
States.
|
14. It appears by the great assistance promised daily by all the
provinces that there is yet substance enough to continue the war
many years, if need were. Yet the States cannot but beseech her
Majesty, for the better expedition of their affairs, to aid them with
the loan of 100,000l, to be employed in this notable enterprise.
"Wherefore we pray her Majesty not to look upon the aforesaid
difficulties, but to assist that poor people which so many years has
been vexed and afflicted with tyranny, and generally to assist the
nobility, who perceived her good will and affection to relieve them
in this extremity, will not fail hereafter to show themselves thankful
for the same."—Windsor, 21 Nov. 1577.
Translation. [Original in Relations Politiques, vol. X. p. 3.]
Endd. (by L. Tomson) : The Marquis' answer to the objections
made unto him.
4 pp. [Ibid. III. 118.]
|
|
[Nov 21.]
|
451.
First two paragraphs of the above. Fr. ½ p. [For.
E.B. Misc. II.]
|
Nov. 22.
K. d. L. x.
114.
|
452. The STATES-GENERAL to DAVISON.
We have received yours of the 12th, with the request of Captain
"Edewaert de Wodeshaue" (Edward Woodshaw), and in reply we
thank you for the good affection you show to our cause, as well
as the gentleman for his good offers, assuring you that his service
could not, on your recommendation, be otherwise than agreeable
to us. But since we have, as we think, for the present sufficient
soldiers, both horse and foot, we are sorry that we have not at this
moment the means of gratifying you, nor of receiving the gentleman
into our service. On the first opportunity, however, when
we require to augment our forces, we will not fail to bear him in
mind.—Brussels, 22 Nov. 1577. (Signed) Cornelius Weellemans.
Add. Fr. 1 p. [Holl. and Fland. III. 119.]
|
|
Nov. 22.
|
453. LEICESTER to DAVISON.
I wrote to you lately by Chester at more length than I would,
and yet "spiced with a little coller," which you must consider and
temper ; but I am sure you weigh all things as they ought, and
hath [sic] cause to judge of our cause as well and better than we.
It is more than strange that so wise men make so little reckoning
of time that ought to be so precious. In six weeks and more we
heard nothing of their propositions, which we returned to them
very soon.
But why should I enter into this again? My errand to you at
this time is chiefly to let you know of a matter concerning yourself,
which is this. While her Majesty sent you chiefly to the
States generally, and to reside among them, it is said you only
follow the Prince, and negotiate with him only ; which though it
be the surest way, is yet, in some respects, not the most convenient
way, for these people are still jealous and ready to suspect the
Prince, and will do so far sooner if they think her Majesty's respect
is not more general than particular. Again, to do the office 'you
were appointed to them all,' will not hinder any good purpose
that may proceed from the Prince, but rather avoid the suspicion
they are inclined to, but to 'salve' this must be used with great
discretion on your part, and specially that no bone be cast between
the Prince and them ; for this methinks it may satisfy, if the
cause appears to be hitherto that the Prince is now governor in
that part where you have most to do, and that there are too many
for you to treat with all ; and I think their resolutions shall be
'easiliest' and soonest known for you at his hands. And that her
Majesty has blamed you for so 'seldom' advertisements considering
their great causes, and how much they touch herself also
to know their proceedings, which you finding . . difficulty
to come by at all their hands . . driven to attend
their principal officers for. And . . desire to know,
seeing some alteration is made since your coming to them, by the
appointment of his government, . . whom you shall
repair, whether to him or themselves. And withal, with such as
you may be bold withal, per[suade] them to more speedy resolutions,
and to be more careful to impart their weighty causes in
time to her Majesty, finding her so disposed toward them as she is,
than they have been ; for you will not believe how much it has
. . her to see their slow and doubtful means of proceeding,
so much that their own ambassador here has scant heard
from them these six weeks. I perceive by your letter to Mr.
Secretary that the Marquis has complained of your advertisement
of the discord, and the Prince's departure from them. If they
charge you with it, I think you have . . reason to answer
it, not confessing so full as adve[rtised], for it was not so, but that
the coming of th . . . him at first, the coming of Matthias
after, with the contrariety among them for one and the other
was . . enough for you to say somewhat of it being in the
. . . . . ; but herein in any wise take heed in going [?]
to great offence, or to cast some bone between the . . . help
to solder all fast, and to break nothing. We . . now
by the States' advertisement to the Marquis that . . .
desire our men as well as money and the order of it re[ferred] to
the Prince. If it be so we shall hear shortly, I am sure, for we
know not yet how to direct our course . . . . were it time
and high time. I hope though I hear soon from the Prince his
good opinion is not changed. You are you [know] my especial
agent to him, and I trust you make him keep it so still, for I
honour and love him with all the power I have.—Windsor [?]
22 Nov.
Add. Endd. 2 pp. Damaged. [Ibid. III. 120.]
|
Nov. 23.
d. L. x.
116.
|
454. WALSINGHAM to BURGHLEY.
I send Mr. Davison's solution to the doubts sent to him by which
you may see the course of these proceedings in the Low Countries.
Her Majesty means to defer her answer to the Marquis until the
end of next week. In the meantime, with your good favour, I
repair to Odiham, there to remain five or six days.—Windsor, 23
Nov. 1577.
Holograph. Add. Endd. ½ p. [Ibid. III. 121.]
|
|
Nov. 23.
K. d. L. x.
117.
|
455. "Solutions" referred to in above letter.
|
|
1. What is the true reason of
the restraint of the Duke of
Aerschot and the rest at Ghent,
and whether the Prince or any
other of the States were privy
to it beforehand?
|
1. The cause is touched particularly
in the justification of
the Gauntois, which I have
already sent ; and the matter
executed without the privity of
the Prince or States.
|
|
2. If all are guilty of the
practice with Don John, and if
not all, which? How many are
suspected who are not arrested?
How Champagny escaped?
What is to be done with those
that are arrested? What colour
or pretence they show to defend
themselves from the charge of
perjury?
|
2. They are all thought either
to have had intelligence with
Don John or otherwise to have
done ill offices to their country.
Champagny is at Brussels, suspected
to do no very good offices
there. For those who remain
prisoners, as they have not sufficient
colour to excuse themselves,
they are like at the best
hand to continue where they
are.
|
|
3. How their places of Government
are to be supplied, and
what places they held?
|
3. Ressinghem's government
of Douay (for the rest had no
particular governments) is yet
to be disposed of at the discretion
of the States, and the
government of Flanders, which
the Duke offers to resign, is still
in suspense.
|
|
4. Who are the principal of
the nobility and clergy that remain
constant in the cause, of
what power they are, and wherein
meetest to be employed in service?
|
4. Besides those apprehended
there are no principal men
touched, the rest being generally
thought of as before.
|
|
5. Who are entrusted with the
government of the frontier
towns? How are they fortified
and garnished? What towns
remain not united to the
Estates?
|
5. The last question is
answered in my letter of the
15th. Who have the government
of the frontier towns, you
may see in a separate note herewith.
|
|
6. May not Amsterdam be recovered
to the States?
|
6. Of the recovery of Amsterdam
but by force there is no
hope.
|
|
7. How the Duke of Cleves
and Bishop of Liége are affected
to the cause? What neighbours
have they about Friesland that
favour them, and how Emden is
disposed?
|
7. The Duke of Cleve is
thought neutral. The Bishop
of Liége, Spanish. For Embden
and the rest of the towns
there is no suspicion but they
will rest indifferent. It is
thought that between her
Majesty and the States they
may be drawn into a strait confederation
with them.
|
|
8. Where the army of the
States is? What are its numbers?
Who commands? What
order they take to increase it?
|
8. The army remains about a
league and more from Namur,
towards Gemblours. Count
Lalaing is general, and Count
Bossu lieutenant. The number
of foot, besides the 3,000 Scots
arrived, is estimated to be about
fourscore ensigns and 1,300 or
1,400 horse ; to increase which
it is thought the companies
lying about Ruremonde will be
called away.
|
|
9. How the taxes upon the
countries are likely to be paid,
and when?
|
9. The taxes are well and duly
paid, according to the assessment.
|
|
10. What means are to be used
to hire Almains, and whether
means are used to have Duke
Casimir or the Count of Swartzburgh?
|
10. The entertaining of the
Germans has been signified ; but
there is no money delivered, as
the States had intended ; so that
they are ready, but not yet
marching.
|
|
11. Whether they have sent to
the King of Spain to inform him
of the causes between Don John
and them, and whether the clergy
have sent to Rome to expound
the causes of their doing, and
assure the Pope of their continuance
in the Catholic Romish
faith?
|
11. They have written by
ordinary means, but sent no men
expressly ; nor sent any man to
the Pope that I can learn of.
|
|
12. Is it known what to judge
of the Archduke's coming? Was
the Emperor privy thereto?
What is gathered of his sufficiency
of understanding?
|
12. It is generally thought,
as I have already said, that he
is come with the privity of the
Emperor, who is thought not to
mislike it, though he do not
openly approve it. For his
sufficiency, it seems as little as
a young prince very rawly
brought up may have ; though
his nature be well thought of.
|
|
13. Did the States send the
Duke of Alençon 7,000 crowns
and hangings of 20,000 florins,
and to what purpose?
|
13. Of the sending of money,
I could never hear aught ; but
the hangings to the value of
20,000 florins were presented and
refused, as I have said.
|
|
14. To search the meaning of
the States in their treaty with
the Duke of Alençon.
|
14. What I have sundry times
written, and has since been
advertised, may satisfy on this
behalf.
|
|
Endorsed by L. Tomson : Mr. Davison's answer to 14 articles
proposed by the Lord Treasurer, November, 1577. 1 p. [Ibid.
III. 121a.]
|
|
455A. Another copy of the above questions only, endd. by
Walsingham. 1¼ pp. [Ibid. III. 121b.]
|
Nov. 24.
K. d. L. x.
121.
|
456. WILSON to BURGHLEY.
Your servant Walter hastening away, I cannot write as largely
as I would.
I send the new association between the Estates and the Prince
of Orange, which I pray your Lordship to send back.
Notwithstanding the Duke of Aerschot's enlargement the States
allow the arrest made at Ghent, and some imprisoned there are like
to feel a further smart.
Sir Amyas Poulet has written by letters, which came late yesternight,
of the 19th, that Brulart has set in writing by order of the
King not to consent to the release of our ships lately arrested at
"Rhone and Deepe" till the French ships arrested at Plymouth
are discharged ; whereon I do not see anything likely to follow but
present disagreement and arresting on both sides.—In haste, 24
Nov. 1577.
Add. Endd. ½ p. [Ibid. III. 122.]
|
|
Nov. 26.
|
457. DAVISON to BURGHLEY.
We have this morning had news from Amsterdam and Ruremond,
which has somewhat altered the quiet state in which things
have rested here since my last by Whitechurch.
Such as are acquainted with the state of Amsterdam principally
ascribe the obstinacy of the people to the malicious practices of
Peter Peterson the Burgomaster, who having stayed with Don
John all the last troubles has lately returned thither to practise
some new alteration in that corner, whereof Colonel Heeling,
governor of Harlem, having intelligence, he determined (it is
thought without order from the Prince) to attempt the seizing of
the town, as a thing of no small moment for the assurance of the
state of Holland.
To this effect having one day sent in 16 or 20 of his soldiers,
who had daily liberty to go in and out, leaving their weapons at
the gate, they, having stayed a while in the town, and watched
for a time when the gate was negligently guarded, returned back
as if they would have gone their way. But as soon as the warders
had delivered them their weapons, they slew all that were at the
gate, and having given [sic] a sign to their company of their
success, the colonel, with three or four ensigns that lay ready
not far off, immediately marched to the gate and so up through the
town to the market-place, which they took and kept not long, being
forced to retire by the burgesses ; a company of whom being
entered the town-house, greatly annoyed the soldiers with their
shot. And so repairing to another void place of the town, in hope
then to have fortified themselves, they were likewise compelled by
the multitude and force of the townsmen to abandon it. In fine,
having neglected to intrench before the gate or in any other convenient
part of the town for their safe retreat, were all or the most
part slain ; and amongst others the Colonel himself, much lamented
of all that knew him. Some say he had intelligence with sundry
of the burgesses, of whom divers that assisted him in this action
had such part as himself.
To match this bad news from Amsterdam, the Prince heard
at the same instant that the Count of "Hollock" before Ruremonde
approaching too near the walls was with a caliver shot from
the wall stricken through the arm into the body, and thought not
like to escape.
For other things there is little alteration since my last.
The Archduke's matter hangs yet undetermined, but his admission
is the more certainly expected in that the States begin to
deal somewhat plainly with the Duke of Alençon and have signified
such their intent to him whom they have so long fed with a
vain hope of the contrary, as you may see by the copies sent to
Mr. Secretary of their letters to him and their ambassadors in
France.
On Wednesday he came on account of the plague from 'Lyre'
to this town, where he was favourably received by the Prince and
magistrates, who met him a mile out of the town with twelve ensigns
of townsmen, and brought him to St. Michael where he is
lodged ; the Prince who was there removing to the house of the
'Fowlkers.' Next day having to speak to the Prince I went to
his lodging, but finding him gone to the Archduke I took occasion
to go thither to congratulate him. But as he went somewhat
early to dinner, I tarried not long. Last Sunday he invited me
to dinner with him, and yesterday the Prince having invited both
him and me we dined aboard a ship of his lying in the river before
the town.
In this while I fell into discourse with him of divers things,
because I would the better sound and observe him. I find him
a young prince that has little of nature and less of bringing up.
He is of stature short and slender, of reasonable favour and complexion,
in speech slow, in behaviour childish, a fault imputed to
his mean education. But of nature he seems very soft, gentle,
and flexible ; "a thing well-liked of a number that think they shall
the more easily work him to their own humours." But many are
yet of opinion that his coming applied as a remedy to one place
will be cause of a more dangerous sickness in another ; a thing
which time must reveal.—Antwerp, 26 Nov. 1577.
Add. Endd. by Burghley. 1 p. [Ibid. III. 123.]
|
Nov. 26.
K. d. L. x.
123.
|
458. DAVISON to WALSINGHAM.
Duplicate of the above.
Add. Endd. 1¼ pp. [Ibid. III. 124.]
|
|
Nov. 26.
|
459. EXTRACT from the RESOLUTION of the STATES-GENERAL
assembled at BRUSSELS, sent to the ALDERMEN of the
CITY OF GHENT. Nov. 26, 1577.
The deputies of the Estates here present having seen letters from
the Duke of Alençon, presupposing some previous request that he
would be the protector and support of the said Estates, protest that
they never made any such request, nor consented thereto, and have
neither wish nor power to call him in, to the prejudice of their conmissions,
oaths, and protestations heretofore made.
Copy. Fr. 12 lines. [Ibid. III. 125.]
|
|
Nov.?
|
460. ANSWER touching the SHIPS taken by LANSAC.
As to the ship called the St. John the Evangelist, of which the
English demand the guns, &c., taken by him ; it appears that they
have no reason to complain, for since they have his promise, it is
quite certain that he will not justify his right to them.
He has also given a receipt for what was taken in the Anne
Gallant, offering to pay for all that has been consumed aboard her,
and return what is in its original state ; and if Captain Coinet has
taken anything they should get a receipt from him if it was not
paid for at the time.
As to the Richard of Arundel, he has paid what was due for
victuals taken, as appears from a discharge signed by the master
at Bordeaux on Oct. 22, 1577 ; and if anything more is due, the
Sieur de Lansac will pay it. He is not bound to pay for any wear
and tear of rigging, &c., but as the vessel was in the King's service
from June 26 to September 26, pay is due to it at the rate of
40 sous per ton per month.
In respect of the demand for freight for the carriage of salt to
Bordeaux, the vessel was then in the King's service, and besides
M. de Lansac was bound to bring it back to Bordeaux, whence it
had been taken, since there were not English sailors enough to
navigate it ; and for sanitary reasons, after the number of soldiers
that had occupied it all the summer it was better to take it back
laden with salt than in ballast.
They have had a receipt for the value of the clothes alleged to
be taken, and if it is brought M. de Lansac will pay it. As to the
sum, they say they had to pay in order to redeem the eleven vessels,
in truth they did hand over a certain number of angels, as stated
in the letter written to M. Brulart, and sent to the Ambassador in
England. The English did not wish to wait for judgement for fear
lest they should lose ships and goods as having been taken in company
with those of Rochelle at war with the King. This money
M. de Lansac distributed at once among his captains, soldiers, pilots,
and master mariners ; and if it is to be refunded, the King must
please to do so, as having been expended in his service.
As to the two vessels called The Evangelist and the Faussee
[qy. Foresight] of London, they were at once returned by his
Majesty's order, with all their guns and gear. M. de Lansac is not
bound to repay the value of stores expended while they were
detained, nor any other outlay, as there was good cause for their
detention. As for the 12 laden ships, which were with these two,
they have been returned with all goods and gear, as have also
the 11 that were in ballast, so that none is now detained.
It is true that two small vessels from Fécamp and Nantes
were adjudged by the Court of Admiralty to their owners, because
they had been captured by the English in time of peace, but M. de
Lansac had no concern with that, beyond his duties to justice, as
Vice-Admiral.
The goods which the English say were taken from them were
purchased by mutual consent at the same price as the merchants
would have paid. M. de Lansac has given a note of hand for them,
and will pay out of his own pocket as soon as the King refunds
what he has spent in the maintenance of the fleet.—(Signed)
Descroix, Lieutenant to the said M. de Lansac in the Vice-Admiralty
of Guienne.
Copy. Endd. Fr. 3 pp. [France I. 52.]
|
