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Jan. 1.
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573. DAVISON to 'The GOVERNOR of the MERCHANTS.'
The bearer, Nicholas Carington, is with Mr. Gilpin, your
secretary, authorized by her Majesty to take up certain sums of
money upon her credit to relieve the necessities of the Estates, for
which she has promised to give her own bonds with the obligations
of the City of London as soon as she has received satisfaction on
some points at present in treaty. In the meantime, being in some
distress of money and having to employ 20,000 and 30,000 crowns
in some present important service, they have thought good to send
this bearer to Antwerp to see if by virtue of his procuration some
may be furnished there, and for the better effecting thereof, have
entreated me to recommend the matter to you, and to pray that
your company would vouchsafe to become caution for that sum till
the obligations are made over ; wherein though I have made a
difficulty about interposing myself without commission, yet being
earnestly solicited by them I could not refuse to recommend the
matter, leaving the handling of it to your discretion.—Brussels,
1 Jan. 1577.
Draft. Endd. ½ p. [Holl. and Fland. V. 1.]
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Jan. 3.
K. d. L. x.
211.
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574. DAVISON to the SECRETARIES.
I wrote to you last Saturday by Williams, and on Sunday by the
post. I came here on Monday about the time of the Marquis's
arrival, and have since had daily conference with him. Next day
he reported his negotiation to the States, so much to their satisfaction
that divers in the company could not refrain from expressing
their joy with tears. Yesterday they sent for me to their Town
House, where, after the Marquis had acquainted me with his
report to them of her Majesty's gracious inclination and promise of
assistance, and had acknowledged the great obligation wherewith
they and the whole county were bound to her, he let me understand
that they had ratified all that he and Meetkerke had treated in
England, and resolved forthwith to send over M. de Famars, whom
they had chosen for their Ambassador resident in England, not
only to present their most humble thanks, but with such
instructions for the perfecting of the negotiation as should fully
content her Majesty. Meantime, their necessity being great, their
enemy strong, and his forces daily increasing, especially by way of
France, whence they flock to him on all hands, he told me that they
earnestly entreated me to recommend their cause, and most
humbly to beseech her 'to stand so much their gracious lady' as
to hasten the preparing and transporting of her promised succours,
the charge whereof they besought her to commend to my Lord of
Leicester ; whom for his valour, judgment, and wisdom, matched
with a singular affection towards them, they above all desired to
be employed. This in substance he delivered me in their names ;
the importance of the request is so well known to you that I need
not urge it in a long letter.—Brussels, 3 Jan. 1577.
P.S.—After I finished this the Marquis sent a gentleman to me
asking me to convey certain letters of his to her Majesty, by which
you may perceive how the advancing of her forces is desired.
Draft. Endd. 1 p. [Ibid V. 2.]
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575A.
Another copy, without P.S. Draft. Endd. ¾ p. [Ibid.
V. 2a.]
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Jan. 3.
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575. HODDESDON to BURGHLEY.
'Laus Deo,' Hamburg, 3 Jan. 1577.—Since the date of my last,
which was Dec. 20, Mr. Doctor Pawley has come here. With
him I only am joined in commission for the re-hearing of the
company's privileges in this place. On Dec. 31 we had audience,
and delivered her Majesty's letters, which were very acceptably
received, 'and our entertainment very good.' At the same time
I delivered to the magistrates a book in Latin of the common
prayers and orders of our Church in England, whereby they may
be the better persuaded of our Christianity ; in order that when
we come to treat thereof they may be the better mollified to grant
us the use of prayer and Christian burial. But nothing will
help the matter more forward than her Majesty's letters, which
we live in great hope of ; and the more by reason of your good
affection to the maintenance of God's glory. In this point the
company here has great need of her Majesty's aid ; for otherwise,
by means of the outrageous railing of some of the preachers, I
fear we shall in time be in danger of some spoil by the common
sort.
As I am bold to give you to understand the necessities of our
nation in these parts, so, according to my former demeanour, so
am I bold to trouble you with some stale news written on the
other side ; not doubting but you consider that I am here in an
out side of Europe, and cannot advertise so speedily as if I were
in the bowels or middle part of the same.
News from Castowe [Kaschau] in Hungary, 10 November, 1577.
On St. Martin's day a fair was holden at Sixe [Szikszo] about
seven miles from Castaw, whither resorted from all the places
thereabouts a great number, both high and low estates of men
and women. But 'whilst' the lord or 'beighe' of Fillech had
knowledge of it, he secretly gathered together of Turks, neighbours
there, as out of 'Pescht, Setschine [Szecsen], Hattwoyre, Parin,
Dewin, Plauenstaine, Sabatka' and other parts, to the number of
2,500 men, and unlooked-for fell upon the fair, spoiled the town
and it, and carried away the spoil with 2,000 Christians. In
which hurley-burley a great number of Christians took flight
into the churches and into the 'Fret hoffe' [Friedhof], environed
about with a wall ; whom the Turks besieged, but through their
policy and the help of God they gave the said Turks the repulse,
and with damage drove them away, whereby the Christians were
saved.
Meantime tidings of the 'premisses' being brought to the
garrisons thereabout, as 'Zendro, Tockhey [Tokay], Lalo, Erlaer
[Erlau], Onod, &c.," God did wonderfully provide that the
Emperor's soldiers, and especially the garrison of 'Rascowe,'
chanced to come together, with whom travelled an honest soldier
of Hungary, called Prepotawny Balnithe ; and so appointing
themselves in order, made towards and entered upon the enemy,
with whom they fought so long that they rescued all the Christians
taken by the Turks and recovered the spoils. To the help whereof
the 'bores' out of all the villages did not least ; for what they
found of the enemy they slew. And although the Christian
soldiers were not above 600, and the enemy four times that
number, they notwithstanding manfully ventured, and with the
help of God made of small force and assuaged the unreasonable
minds of the enemy ; which would scarce seem credible, considering
our small to their great number, of whom were found about
660, of the chief Turks. Item, six Turkish 'vandells' [fähndeln],
their trumpets and drums, &c., with certain field-pieces, and many
horses did our folks bring back again, together with the Lord
of 'Olay,' item, the 'beege' or Lord of Fillech's principal
'zanche' or herald ; also certain of his 'Jenitshars' or soldiers.
And these Turks so taken said that they knew certainly that the
'begge' of Fillech himself with most which fled were wounded.
The night approached so fast upon the Christians that they were
forced to leave off. And because to-day all the soldiers that went
out are not yet come in, it is hoped they are bringing more with
them. Others of ours being at home, having seen the new comet
star, hold it to be a like token more will follow hereafter.
From Rome, 16 November, 1577.
The Pope has appointed Bishop Spineno to go to 'Tryende,'
partly to accord certain differences between the Archduke Ferdinand
and those of Madrutsch, which is referred to the Pope's
judgement ; and specially admonishes the Archduke by letter
that his Grace do not meddle with any alteration of religion.
The Portugal ambassador is departed towards Florence, some
say to meet and receive his successor by the way. Some say his
journey is wholly to the Great Duke of Florence, and to 'stablish'
with his Highness the aid which he promised the King his master,
"which finally should be there resolved that such power should
go into Africa."
The Spaniards who were to go to the Low Countries have lately
given out that the 20 galleys are passed towards Vado, and that
Figueroa's folks have met and joined them with the nine galleys
of Naples. The Duke of Sessa has prepared six galleys for Spain.
The rovers from Corsica have taken four vessels laden with
wines within the haven of Toscano, under the Great Duke of
Florence.
From Venice, 22 November, 1577.
The King of Sweden's ambassador has lately had audience
of the Lords here, but what he has proposed or what answer he
has had is not yet publicly known, save that the Lords have
presented him with a chain of gold worth 400 crowns.
The astrologians here cannot agree touching the signification
of the comet which they have seen since the 1st inst. ; for some
say it is stella crinita, other affirm it barbata. But they agree
that because it is so very black in colour it does not signify
so much evil as other like tokens.
From Rome, 23 November, 1577.
Last Monday Cardinal Granvelle came back from Naples, where
he has long conferred with the Duchess of Parma touching the
matters of the Low Countries. She intends to prepare herself
about the 10th of next month for her journey to the said Netherlands,
if in the meantime she be not hindered ; and that the Pope,
with Cardinals Farnese and Granvelle, should appoint her folk.
The Pope has already sent to her the Lord Silvio Sanello to let
her know his meaning by word of mouth. She has likewise sent
towards Spain the Lord Ferrando Zuniga to the King, for final
answer touching the causes of the Low Countries.
The Lord Paul 'Gardano' Orsino is said to be gone to Spain
to 'request the King to serve under him' in the Low Countries ;
and as soon as he returns the captains will be appointed to take
up soldiers.
The Switzers' ambassadors are this day departed. They were
very friendly entertained by the Pope, three of them he made
knights ; and money provided by the town for their charge. Also
at their suit the Pope has granted them a great abundance of salt
to pass out of the jurisdiction of the spiritualty in Italy.
Last Thursday a post, come out of Sicily from the viceroy
Colonna, passed through towards Spain to let his Majesty know
the necessary strengthening of certain places in the isle ; but
chiefly touching 'Trapany,' by whose means all such at the first
was remedied [?] ; and that they of Trapani have embarked 1,000
soldiers in the galleys at Naples.
By letter of the 18th from Naples it is written that the galleys
in which were embarked 1,500 Spaniards only await a wind to
sail for Lombardy. The Duke of Sessa does the same ; he will
travel by land to Cività Vecchia, and from thence with his seven
galleys is minded to ship for Spain.
From Venice, 19 November, 1577.
Yesterday 'fresh writing' came through Cattaro from Turkey,
whereupon counsel has often been holden here ; as they say,
touching the truce between the Turk and the King of Spain,
because it is said that the King's ambassador at Constantinople
has had a passport given him.
Touching the fall which the Turk had, and to take away the
people's doubts as to his being worse hurt, he has shown himself
openly in health and sound ; but he that died is called Bassa
Mamate.
From Gustrar, 15 November, 1577.
To-day messengers are come from the 'Muscoviter,' with a company
of ten persons, who some days ago came to Rostock by sea.
Being asked, they give out that they will go towards the Emperor,
and that they have commission to treat with him and the Empire
about the treaty of peace holden at the Parliament lately
assembled ; and further, that the great Prince of 'Muscowe' will
maintain unbroken peace between him and the Empire. But
the cause of his preparation against Lefland and Revel is that
Liefland is his old patrimony ; out of which quarter certain are
fled. Therefore he accounts Revel and the King of Sweden his
enemies, against whom he will make ; to which end his power
lies in field in Finland.
Add. Endd. 3 pp. [Hanse Towns I. 24.]
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Jan. 4.
K. d. L. x.
215.
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576. The PRINCE OF ORANGE to DAVISON.
I have been informed by some of my friends that the Marquis of
Havrech and M. de Meetkerke, when reporting their negotiation to
the Estates, declared that her Majesty had counselled them to
maintain the Roman religion in which they were born and bred.
This would be so prejudicial to our affairs that nothing could come
more inopportunely at this time. I beg that you and Mr. Leighton,
to whom please show this, will tell me what you know about
it, and what steps you think we ought to take in this matter ; the
more so that the Marquis has decided to come and see me, and that
from the letters he has written to me, it seems likely that he may
speak to me about it. I beg you also to tell me what, if he speaks
to me, I can say, without giving offence to her Majesty, whose
affectionate and humble servant I desire with all my heart to
remain.—Ghent, 4 Jan. 1577. (Signed) Guille. de Nassau.
Add. Fr. ½ p. [Ibid. V. 3.]
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Jan. 4.
K. d. L. x.
213.
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577. The MARQUIS of HAVRECH to the QUEEN.
In pursuance of your Majesty's command, I will lose no opportunity
of letting you know how matters have gone with us. I
arrived here in Brussels on Dec. 30, when I at once gave an account
of my charge to the States-General, who unanimously ratified all
the matters transacted between your Majesty and them ; with such
satisfaction that I cannot express the credit which you have gained
with them and with all the people. They have appointed M. de
Famars to repair with all diligence towards your Majesty with the
principal dispatches in conformity with the plans laid down there,
and also to pray you to send your succours without delay, for the
extreme necessity arising from the forces of France, which are
coming down without respite, while those from Spain and Italy are
approaching. We judge it to be the King's will to settle matters
only by force of arms, as has been revealed by several letters lately
intercepted. I found several here far too well affected to the
French party ; though since my coming they have cooled entirely,
and their negotiations have been broken off. In order that you
may be advertised more particularly I send herewith a paper containing
all their secret practices, which I beg you to communicate
only to those most in your confidence.
Above all, for all our interests, your Majesty should send over
your forces without delay or loss of time, as they are so acceptable
here. Also, as I fear that the Estates will not on your Majesty's
credit get money as promptly as they require, I know that they are
going to ask you through M. de Famars to grant them some ready
cash. By doing this you will easily establish in your devotion all
who have gone astray.
The Prince of Orange is busy putting affairs into better order at
Ghent. We have as yet no certain news of improvement ; but good
hope that by his prudence and destiny he will bring them to
reason, the more so that his coming has pleased them and he has
great credit with them. He was as openly rejoiced as could be at
the good dispatches which I brought, as his letters to me testified.
The Archduke ought to be here in 2 or 3 days, to govern under
the conditions which he has approved ; after which I shall repair,
with your ambassador, to the army, to dispatch M. de Famars. The
Estates have been very glad of the coming of Mr. Leighton, sent by
your Majesty, who ought to be here to-day. I will tell him of the
conduct of our affairs, and of the humours with which he will have
to deal.—Brussels, 4 Jan. 1578. (Signed) Charles Philippes de
Croy.
Holograph. Add. Endd. by L. Tomson. Fr. 2 pp. [Ibid.
V. 4.]
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Jan. 4.
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578. The MARQUIS of HAVRECH to the LORDS of the COUNCIL.
As I was writing to her Majesty I would not omit to send you a
word, to thank you on the part of the Estates and my own for your
goodwill towards this country, and your kindness to me during my
stay there ; and to beg you always to bear a friendly hand in the
direction of our affairs. I arrived on the 30th ult., and related my
negotiations at large next day. They avowed them entirely, and
will reply by M. de Famars, who will be able to start in 5 or 6 days.
He will ask her Majesty to hasten the succour of troops.—Brussels,
4 Jan. 1578.
Add. Endd. by L. Tomson : All accorded by the States. Desire
expedition in transporting the men. Fr. 1 p. [Ibid. V. 5.]
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Jan. 4.
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579. DAVISON to LEICESTER.
[Draft, almost obliterated by water, but apparently urging speedy
action, and containing information similar to that given in the last
letters.]
Endd. ½ p. [Ibid. V. 6.]
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Jan. 5.
K. d. L. x.
217.
|
580. The PRINCE of ORANGE to DAVISON.
Since mine of yesterday, I have received an extract from the
article containing the Queen's wish in regard to the Roman
religion, which I subjoin. You can judge how important it is and
how much injury it will cause us. I can at any rate assure you
that nothing would be more injurious to the advancement of religion ;
for when those who demand its suppression see that those
from whom we might look for some favour not only do not favour
us but oppose us, I leave you to think if they will ever agree to
anything for the sake of the religion, on which, nevertheless, the
union of these countries is founded. For my own part, nothing
could happen more inopportunely to make me lose all credit, than
these news. I am really sure only of those who are of the religion
or favourable to it ; and when once they hear that this is her
Majesty's resolution they will never have the opinion of me which
it is expedient they should have, seeing that I have promised them
the contrary. I should never have expected her Majesty to prejudice
them against the religion which she herself professes, as M.
Famars will tell you more fully. Which makes me all the more
beg that you and Mr. Leighton will advise me, for which I shall be
grateful.—Ghent, 5 Jan. 1578.
Appended is the following : Also that so far from wishing to
introduce any novelty, her Majesty desires, on the contrary, that
you should know that she will not permit any novelty to be in any
way introduced ; still less that anything should be attempted prejudicial
to the obedience of our sovereign prince and natural lord,
or to the Catholic religion, in which we were born and brought up,
and our prince would have us continue.
Add. Endd. Fr. 1½ pp.+9 ll. [Ibid. V. 7.]
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Jan. 5.
K. d. L. x.
215.
(From another
copy.)
|
581. REPRESENTATIONS made by MR. LEIGHTON, Ambassador,
from the QUEEN of ENGLAND to the ESTATES-GENERAL.
Her Majesty, greatly regretting to learn the present condition of
the Low Countries, and desirous, for the affection which she bears
both to the Catholic King, her good brother, and to the welfare of
his subjects, to obviate by all honest means the ruin which the
renewal of the war is likely to bring after it has sent a gentleman to
the King, both to point out the danger into which he will be
flinging himself by continuing the war, and to advise him, as a
débonnaire princess should do, to take steps towards a good peace
with his subjects. The way and means thereto, in her opinion, is
this : To permit them to enjoy their ancient privileges, to give
them a governor acceptable to them, and to maintain the Perpetual
Edict in conformity with the pacification of Ghent ; things which
ought not, she thinks, to be difficult, seeing they desire to change
neither their master nor their religion. But if the King will come
to no terms, her Majesty has instructed her said servant to inform
him, that as well in defence of their liberties as to avoid the dangers
likely to ensue to her own realm, she is resolved by all means to
assist them.
Similarly, that nothing may be omitted which may lead to peace,
she has sent Mr. Leighton to the Estates and to Don John, to
bring about, if possible, an armistice until the King's answer is
known. She thinks Don John will not refuse to listen ; but if he
does, she has instructed Mr. Leighton to let him also know her
resolution.
Much as she desires that the Estates will lend an ear to the
proposal of an armistice, she has no desire to lull them to sleep, or
make them careless of their safety ; but rather advises them to
provide for their own defence by all good means.
Copy. Endd. : The declaration of Captain Leighton to the
Estates. Fr. 2½ pp. [Ibid. V. 8.]
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|
582.
Rough copy of the above, with corrections in Davison's
writing. Fr. 1½ pp. [Ibid. V. 8a.]
|
Jan. 7.
K. d. L. x.
218.
(From another
copy.)
|
583. REPLY of the ESTATES.
The Estates having heard Mr. Leighton's proposals, thank the
Queen for her singular affection towards them, and him for the
trouble he has taken in undertaking this mission. They have
always desired peace, with the maintenance of the Catholic religion
and the obedience due to the King ; and have used all their
endeavours with Don John to this end, though they have not been
successful, owing to his refusal of their offers.
Touching the proposal of an armistice, they could not accord it
without great danger and damage to their cause ; having their
camp formed not only near Namur, but also before Ruremonde,
which, if the siege were stopped, could be revictualled. On the
other hand, it would give Don John an opportunity of augmenting
his forces, while they would always be chargeable with the pay of
their own men-at-arms, without getting any service out of them.
Nevertheless, to show that they are not averse to the Queen's
request, they would offer no objection to her Ambassador proceeding
towards Don John to learn his views about the armistice.
If he will agree to it, they will be in a position to consider the proposal
more fully.
While he is on the way they will advertise the Prince of Orange
and those at the camp, so that on his return they may be fortified
by their counsel, and able to give him a definite answer ; it being
always understood that this resolution is not to be communicated
to Don John. Lastly, they request her Majesty to carry out her
good resolutions arrived at with the Marquis of Havrech and M. de
Meetkerke, and hasten her succour of troops ; seeing that the
enemy grows stronger every day, and reinforcements are coming to
him from all quarters.—Done at Brussels, 7 Feb. 1578.
Copy. Endd. Fr. 2½ pp. [Ibid. V. 9.]
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Jan. 9.
|
584. POULET to BURGHLEY.
I have written to the Secretaries some things which I wish to be
imparted to you ; and I pray for your advice, being not ignorant
that I may 'offend' dangerously for want of knowledge and
experience. I would be sorry to be inferior to the truest subject in
diligence and faithfulness. I am sorry that I might not commit
those things safely to your cipher, which I wish to be changed, if it
please you.
All things continue here after the French fashion ; we can abide
neither heat nor cold. War is too sharp and peace is too sweet, and
it is easy to see that we are in danger to fall into new troubles.
Périgueux has been in danger of being surprised by the papists.
Many of them are slain, and others remain prisoners.
Nine or ten quarrels that have happened within these ten days
in this court between the King's gentlemen and others appertaining
to Monsieur may perhaps breed some 'alteration' among us ;
being cherished by evil instruments, which love to fish in troubled
waters.
A great voyage is 'pretended' into far countries, and great preparations
are being made, wherein they do not spare to use great
speeches against the Spaniards. But I am much deceived if their
malice reach so far ; as past time has given experience, those pretences
serving no other purpose than to cloak their true meaning.
I cannot be easily persuaded that those preparations have any
intent to offend any other than their own countrymen.—Paris,
9 Jan. 1577.
Add. Endd. 1 p. [France II. 1.]
|
Jan. 9.
K. d. L. x.
228.
(Similar
letter
to the Earl of
Sussex.)
|
585. The STATES-GENERAL to BURGHLEY.
We wish to inform you of our great satisfaction at the result of
the negotiations of the Marquis of Havrech and Adolf de Meetkerke,
and to thank you for your good offices. As our enemy grows
daily stronger, we have sent over M. de Famars to beg the Queen
to assist us at once with a good sum of ready money and some
troops, without waiting for an answer from Spain ; and we beg you
to show him all the favour in your power.—Brussels, 9 Jan. 1578.
(Signed) Cornelius Weellemans.
Add. Endd. Fr. 1 p. [Holl. and Fland. V. 10.]
|
Jan. 10.
K. d. L. x.
234.
|
586. LEIGHTON to BURGHLEY.
Considering that in my letters to her Majesty, as well as in those
to the Privy Council, which I know will be imparted to you, I have
discoursed at large of the state of things here, I have not thought
it well to trouble you further. Only I thought good to send you a
note of such companies as I can with any certainty learn are come
to Don John, and one of the names of such of the Low Countries
as are with him.—Brussels, 10 Jan. 1577.
Names as follows : M. de Barllamont, le 'peere,' M. de Hearge,
le Comte de Meghen, M. de Floyone, M. de Haultpen, 'Le
vescke' de Cambray, M. le Comte de Ruse, M. le Baron de
Fauckonberg, M. de Warloysion, M. de Gommingcourtte,
M. le Baron de Licques, le Comte de Arremberge, le 'files'
de M. de Licques.
Also : Copy of advertisement to the Prince of Orange of the
number of Spaniards come to Don John, with that of the
French, Burgundians, Lorrainers, Walloons, both horse and
foot.
28 companies of Spanish infantry, being 4,000 men.
18 cornets of cavalry, Spanish, Italian, and Albanese, being 1,500 men ;
viz., 12 cornets of lancers and 6 of carbineers.
Provisions made ready for 6,000 Italians, who are coming after the
Spaniards ; for I have been as far as Chambry [qu. Jametz] to make
sure, and there I found the commissaries getting them ready.
Also I passed through Count Charles's troops, who were being mustered
last Sunday and Monday at 'Divoix' ; to wit, 25 ensigns, making 5,000
men ; in good trim and the companies full.
7 cornets of carbineers, 800 men, in very good trim, mostly gentlemen,
who were to start on Tuesday for Marche-in-Famine.
Puygaillard was sent by the King of France to bring them back, saying
that the King did not wish them to come into these countries ; but it
was only to make a show, for he told them afterwards that the King
consented to their coming fearlessly, which they did.
Baron Chevreau's regiment of High-Burgundians, 1,500 infantry.
I must not forget to tell your Lordship that Don John has chosen
the Prince of Parma to be his lieutenant-general, who is esteemed
a very brave soldier.
M. Masset's company of Burgundian carbineers.
St. Balmont's Regiment, 1,800 infantry.
The Count of Manderscheid's regiment, 800 men.
Five Spanish captains, commissioned by Don John to make up their
companies at La Prêvosté D'Yvoix.
Thirty-two mules have passed laden with silver, and are at Luxembourg.
Add. Endd. Eng. and Fr. 3 pp. [Holl. and Fland. V.
11.]
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Jan. 10.
|
587. POULET to the SECRETARIES.
M. Lansac and M. Pinart came to me from the King on the 8th.
After protesting his desire to entertain amity between the two
Crowns, Lansac entered into a justification of his son's doings
touching the English merchants ; not, as he said, by command of
the King, but as a natural father that desired the honour of his
own son.
I answered that though I was not hasty to renew these old griefs,
yet I could not forbear telling him that this conduct was unworthy
of his son ; that if his father had been in his place he would never
have done it ; that the English merchants had done nothing contrary
to the treaties. Here I made a short recital of the cruelties
used towards them, concluding that her Majesty could not with
honour allow it.
Old Lansac took my speech in very good part, or, at least, was
content to use no replication. Indeed, he said nothing for some
time, save that if I had heard what he had heard I should believe
as he believed.
Then M. Pinart entering into a long discourse of the demands of
the English merchants, and of their slender value in comparison
with the excessive damages sustained by the French merchants
owing to the recent arrest, delivered me the enclosed bill, containing
detailed answers to the complaints of the English merchants,
praying me to consider it and to write in favour of the
French merchants. Here he took occasion to tell me, as of himself,
that the French merchants were badly treated in the west
parts ; that gentlemen coming aboard their ships would cheapen
the wares, and, agreeing upon the price, would carry them away
without paying for them ; that this injustice ought not to be
suffered. Therefore lest it should breed alteration in greater
matters, he desired that order might be given for the redress of it.
I told him I trusted that the French ships had been delivered long
since, and that as I desired the continuance of amity between the
two Crowns, I wished nothing more than that this contention were
appeased to her Majesty's honour and the merchants' satisfaction.
I had been informed from England that her Majesty had stayed
only so many ships as might countervail the losses of her subjects,
until sufficient caution were given for answering the damages sustained
through the arrest made by young Lansac.
M. Pinart used many words to prove that considering the place
that I occupied here I might do many good offices to the benefit of
both realms, wherein his speech tended to a manifest challenge, as
if I had not interceded for these men and had not been careful to
prevent the danger that might ensue through her of contention
between the Queen and his master ; and that if I had gone from
Poitiers to Brouage, as I was desired, my report, upon examination
on the spot, of Lansac's doings would have long ago appeased the
strife. Concluding that he had received a packet the day before
from M. Mauvissière, and had perused his own letters, but had not
opened the King's (as he said, wherein he spoke as truly as in the
rest) ; and that Mauvissière had written that the French merchants
had offered caution any time these six weeks, and that they could
not be released until her Majesty heard further from me.
I said I should be sorry to be inferior to any man in desire to preserve
the amity, and had omitted no good office to that end. I did
not, indeed, go to Brouage, and did not repent it ; nor would I go
again on like occasion. I had not been required by the King to
do so ; though M. Lansac once meeting me by chance as he came
out of Queen-mother's chamber told me that he wished me there,
and would be content to have me judge in these causes ; this motion
was too slender to persuade me to the journey. If I had been there
I should not have reported more favourably for young Lansac than
his own examinations did 'purport' ; and those were so slender
and so contrary to themselves that for my part I was glad to see
that the French 'injuries' had no better ground. These examinations
were sent to England, so that her Majesty was not ignorant of
the whole circumstances and was not waiting for any advertisement
from me. The French Ambassador could not think so, and
I found it very strange that he should write so.
I cannot tell what to think of this kind of dealing, unless the
French Ambassador, finding himself grieved in England, to work
me some displeasure here would now lay the whole fault of the
arrest on me.
This is the substance of what passed between us, and it is easy to
see that this little enlargement, contrary to the first resolution, has
brought the French into such boldness that they now think they
may be their own carvers. The merchants certainly departed
hence with full resolution to redeem their ships with present payment.
They did not look to find any favour, and seem to allow
her Majesty's proceeding, laying the whole fault on their own
countrymen.
Upon perusing the bill delivered by old Lansac, finding it to
contain partly a justification of his son's doings, and all the rest
only bare promises, or rather mocks and frumps, I thought good
to send it back to M. Pinart, declaring that I would be sorry to
be the messenger of any such answer as would rather work a greater
mislike in her Majesty than serve to appease her. If they thought
this bill would stand them in any stead they might send it to the
French Ambassador. I send a copy, however, that you may not
be ignorant of its contents. Long speech passed between M.
Pinart and my son on the occasion of this bill, my son affirming
that I found it strange that young Lansac should try to justify
doings which the King had already disavowed.
"It is possible," said M. Pinart, "that you do not understand
the true sense of the word disavow. If the King had done that, he
must have punished Lansac ; and as he has not punished him, he
has not disavowed him." My son replied that he had heard that
the King was extremely offended with the doings, which he took
to be disavowing them. Upon other questions moved by M.
Pinart, my son told him, because he had charged me the day
before with not having done as good offices as I might in this
matter, that I was the more unwilling to be the messenger of that
bill, lest it should rather incense than satisfy her Majesty. In the
end M. Pinart told him he was not of opinion that the English
merchants should return to France till the King had better considered
of the matter. [In margin, in Poulet's hand : This is plain
English ; I trust her Majesty will consider of it.]
My son required my passport, and told him if he would send
anything to the French Ambassador, my servant should be at his
command. He answered in great choler that he would not borrow
my servant, and that I should have my passport in the evening.
He shall take my next offer in more thankful part, by the grace of
God. I would not have made this, save in order that he might not
deny, if he wished to help himself by this bill, that it might be
with the French Ambassador in England as soon as my letters.
When I was ready to sign this letter, a very honest man came to
me and told me that La Roche is going away from here in two days,
and that one Combelles is appointed colonel of 12 companies to
serve under him in this journey, and that he has told his friends
he knows not where he goes, nor shall know till the ships are under
sail ; the same being 15 in number or thereabouts. He supposes
that these preparations are made for Rochelle, yet he wishes me to
look to it.—Paris, 10 Jan. 1577.
Add. Endd. by L. Tomson. 4½ pp. [France II. 2.]
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