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Jan. 11.
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511. DUKE OF ANJOU to the PRINCE OF ORANGE.
Having resolved to start next Wednesday on my way back to
France I wished to let you know that I have written to the States
to provide for the safety of Binche, Maubeuge and the other towns,
where there are French garrisons. I have decided to move these
into France, leaving none, so as to remove all cause of complaint and
outcry from those of this country. I am also ordering Combelle,
who is with M. de Montigny, to withdraw to France with his troops,
which I am sure he will do at once.
In future, wherever I am, I shall always retain the good will of
which I have made demonstration towards the States, of which I
beg you to assure them. For yourself, you will always have as
good a share as you can desire of my friendship, as I will show
when occasion offers.
And inasmuch as the States have not, as I believe, taken measures
for the security of the places which I took from the enemy, it has
seemed to me advisable to send word to Count Lalaing to attend to
it before Tuesday next, when the soldiers will go out, in case no
steps are taken by you or the States.Cond, 11 Jan. 1578.
Copy. Endd. by L. Tomson. Fr. 1 p. [Ibid. XI. 24.]
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Jan. 13.
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512. DAVISON to WALSINGHAM.
Just after my arrival here on Friday last, I received yours of Dec.
31 touching the order for sending over her Majesty's obligations,
which on my return to Antwerp I will not fail to accomplish, as also
to move the States either to treat with Spinola for prolonging the
term of their payment of the sums for which her Majesty is bound
or else for the discharge thereof so that through their default he be
not called upon for that debt at the time limited ; though in my
opinion it will be as hard to bring Spinola to agree to the one, and
so frustrate the effect of his bonds, as it is unlikely that the States
will be able to perform the other. Which makes me doubt that they
will be driven to have recourse to her Majesty, who being
'cautioned' by their pledge in my hands, which she can at any time
have sent over, together with the bonds of the States, I cannot see
(under correction) any great cause to refuse to satisfy them unless
she will do wrong to her own credit, which you can judge better
than I. As for the note of the terms when the sums are to be paid,
I sent it over to you a good while ago, at the same time that I advertised
you of the error committed in writing the bonds, which came
about 400 short of the general sum, as I think Mr Thompson can
better inform you. Howbeit, at my return to Antwerp I will not
forget to send you another 'double' of it.
Touching the proceeding in recovery of Spinola's other bonds for
the 30,000 florins adding the 400 which came short in the last,
and for which I am personally bound, you will not do amiss to
procure it ; so that the bond be sent to me, and not handed over to
him, till I am fully satisfied in all things here for my discharge,
and till I have a clear account from him of all that he has paid,
which I cannot yet obtain, any more than of what I have received ;
of which I will also send you the perfect note under his own hand.
And whereas you desire to know the ground of the difference
between him and me, it grew chiefly at the time of delivering the
obligations in the presence of Schetz, where he would have served
me as he offered to do you in your bond for the 38,000 fl.somewhat
loosely, to speak truth ; and since, in charging my men in
their absence with having received 2,000 fl. more than was ever paid
them, wherein he has since confessed his error ; besides delaying to
give me his account, and deliver copies of my general acquittance,
and of my bond for the 400 ; with divers other discourtesies
unworthy the friendship which I have shewn him. But all this
is forgiven, and our reconcilement wrought by the Treasurer
Schetz, so that in any respect I would be loath you should restrain
your favour towards him. For other matters, I refer you to my
general letter.Ghent, 13 Jan. 1578.
P.S.Between Duke Casimir and me the peace is made since
my return hither. The day I came to the town, I supped
in his company at the Prince's, where we concluded the matter
in a glass of wine [draft : with an Almaine Carouss] to her
Majesty's health. Next morning he did me the honour to come
to my lodging and invite me to dinner with him ; where the matter
was confirmed and sealed up with half-a-dozen other Santees, too
heavy for some of the company. But Beutrich and I remain yet 'at
square' [draft : But with B. I have neither peace nor truce concluded
yet]. I understand he has written two long letters to my
lord of Leicester and yourself in his purgation, in which he speaks
his pleasure of my proceedings here. If so, I hope you will let me
have copies, that I may answer them ; and if I cannot do so to his
discredit, I am content to lose my credit utterly.
The Duke told me yesterday in general terms of the staying of
the Bishop of Ross in Germany, coming from Rome, and of the intercepting
of certain letters about him, 'detecting' a new conspiracy
in Scotland. He had received some private advice of this,
which I think he is minded to send over by Mr Rogers ; being so
persuaded by Beutrich, whose charity will not extend to communicate
the matter to me.
The Duke himself has assured me of his resolve to come over very
shortly to kiss her Majesty's hands ; but he has not fully decided
on the time, though I think he will start within 4 or 5 days after
this bearer.
A motion has been made among the States for sending the
Marquis to acquaint her Majesty with the state of things here since
your return, and to renew their old suits. I have underhand dissuaded
the journey as of little profit ; unless it be in respect of desiring her
Majesty to assist the Emperor in the newly-determined treaty of
peace, I think they are so minded, though I suspect the labour will
bring forth as little fruit as the last. If her Majesty send over to
that effect, and the personages are not of quality altogether unfit
for me to join, I beseech you let me have so much honour, being
here 'continuer' for her Majesty, as to have some piece of interest
in that negotiation ; the rather because I am somewhat more fully
informed of the doings here, than perhaps they will be whom her
Majesty shall destine for that purpose. But this I move under
correction.
I stay my general letter till I can obtain the accord passed with
the Walloons, which came only this morning by the commissioners ;
letting this bearer pass in the mean time with this because of his
haste [in draft ; coming with the resolution of Duke Casimir's
journey, who I now hear will follow in two or three days].
Of Monsieur's stay or departure we are yet uncertain. The
States have resolved to deliver him the town of Ath for his abode,
but it is a question whether he will accept it. The Commissioners
are departed towards him with the offer.
Add. Endd. 1 pp. [Holl. and Fl. XI. 25.]
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[ca. Jan.
13.]
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513. [DAVISON] to WALSINGHAM.
By your last of the 2nd inst. I perceive her Majesty is not only
in some hard opinion of the States, as of men that neither earnestly
affect the general peace nor diligently employ themselves to compound
their inward troubles, but also seems to note some lack in me
that I do not 'remember' them of their duty in one and the other.
Surely for the States, I cannot see but they all generally desire a
peace, though the scope in affecting it be somewhat divers ; because
some wish it such as may be safe and perdurable, others, moved
either with a hatred of our religion, a desire to conserve their own,
and jealousy or envy of the Prince's greatness, a wearisomeness of
the war or doubt of the success thereof, seem inclined to embrace
such a peace as should be rather under that plausible name the
seed of a longer and more pernicious war. And how these sittings
will be accorded is not yet out of doubt, though the conclusion
newly made with the deputies is some 'comfort' that things will
speed better than we looked for.
As touching myself ; as I am content that the Prince or States
themselves should rather report than I, what they have found in
my voluntary travail to do any good I might in these respects
either publicly or privately, besides the witness which the success
of things may yield in my behalf, so I hope her Majesty will
graciously 'interpret of' my poor service, as of a man that may
have erred rather of ignorance than of will ; as I doubt not you will
do your best to assure her.
As for the difference between Duke Casimir and me, it is now
compounded, and our peace fully made with a treble Karouss to her
Majesty's health. But Beutrich and I remain as we were, the
quality of our jar being such as will not hastily be accorded. For
other things I refer you to my general letter.
I must be a humble suitor to you to procure me an advance of
my diets from three months to three months, or for 200 or 300
beforehand, that I be not driven to consume myself any further in
coming upon the exchange. I address myself only to you, assuring
myself that you have the means and will to do me that favour and
desiring to be beholden to you alone for it.
Draft. Endd. 1 p. [Holl. and Fl. XI. 25 bis.]
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Jan. 13.
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514. DAVISON to BURGHLEY.
Draft. Identical with the last, less final par. Endd. Jan. 14.
2 pp. [Ibid. XI. 26.]
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[Jan. 13.]
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515. Draft of letter to Walsingham. P.S. incomplete. Endd. 1 p.
[Ibid. XI. 26a.]
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Jan. 14.
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516. ROGERS to WALSINGHAM.
Since my arrival in these countries having written sundry letters
to you, I have not yet been able to learn that any of them has come
to your hands, for neither the letter you sent me with the Queen's
packet contains any mention of the receipt of them, and both
Mr Carlill and Mr Davison's man told me that you marvelled I did
not write to you. Yet I have written often and have been careful in
sending them to Mr Stokes ; for I durst not send one expressly to
England with my letters, having no such command. Howbeit, I
thought good to send this bearer, who came with my lord of
Leicester's geldings, and is Mr Philip Sidney's servant, back again
with all diligence, that you might certainly receive such things as I
thought it my duty to advertise you of. Which is that Duke
Casimir has on a sudden resolved to make a voyage into England,
to see her Majesty before he return home, being so near the sea as
he is. He resolved but yesterday, whereas since my coming, he has
often asked me if I thought he would be welcome. But I learn
from Beutrich that he has had the same intention this month long.
He means to bring 25 or 30 with him, and will not 'be known' in
Flanders. He swore to me he had communicated it to none but
Beutrich and Languet, and yesterday to the Prince, and therefore
thought it good to tell me ; requesting me to tell no man living, and
desiring that I would be his conductor. He means to depart from
hence as to-morrow. This evening the town makes him a banquet.
I perceive from my lord of Leicester's letter that he will be very
glad of his coming, and Mr Davison dealt likewise with him, having
received from my lord a letter, by which he was to encourage him
to it. He is welcome to the Duke and is like to be so more and
more. Languet must likewise make himself ready to pass the seas
in his old days.
The Prince is not yet 'resolved' whether the Estates will send
any one at present to England or no, of which I have heard some
talk. He thinks it good for the Estates and the present need of the
country, the state of which is better than it was at my last writing,
because they of Artois and Hainault frame and accommodate themselves
more to the observance of the union than was looked for.
This happens because the Bishop of Arras has lost credit among
them, 'being marked to have proposed, since his return to Arras,
contrary things' ; forgetting the old proverb, that a deceiver must
be mindful. Besides this the Walloons are agreed, and seem to be
ready to do good offices against Artois and Hainault, in case they
'sejogne' themselves from the rest of the States, as also against
la Motte, whom Montigny and Hze, being noblemen, do not think
to admit into their society, because he being 'scant' a gentleman,
and yet a better warrior than either of them, would win all the
renown and glory from them. Which policy the Prince has persuaded
to Montigny and Hze, to make them enemies against la
Motte, whom he thinks to have gone so far in dealing with the
Spaniards that there is no hope of gaining him.
The Spaniards have taken Carpen, also Straten and Warendonck,
small castles in Guelderland and have summoned Maestricht ;
which news had been sufficient to engender a desperation in the
ticklish head of the States had not they of Artois and Hainault, and
the Walloons made their agreement. I need not write much at
present of these matters, for Mr Davison being here sends you, I
doubt not, copies of the agreement.
As concerning her Majesty's letters on behalf of Champagny,
Sweveghem, and the rest of the prisoners, I have delivered some of
them to the Prince and the Duke, and Hembize. I think I need not
deliver the rest, for it is accorded they shall be sent from hence
towards Antwerp, and thence further into the custody of the Duke
of Cleves. The Prince has had 'somewhat to do' with Hembize,
who would rather set all the others at liberty than that Champagny
should depart. He wished me to deal with Hembize, to whom I
delivered the Queen's letter, declaring to him how just her request
was, and that if he would not give Champagny competent judges, to
purge himself, he were like to heap great indignation upon himself,
and make Champagny the better thought of. Wherefore I told him
that at her Majesty's request I trusted he would permit him to be
conveyed from Ghent with the rest, and be 'comprehended in the
same predicament' with the other prisoners. With much ado he
'condescended,' though it was agreed upon before the Queen's letter
came ; by which you may understand what stubbornness and
uncertainty is yet in some of the greatest of this town. But the
departure of Duke Casimir will make some more obedient.
I am minded to talk with Sweveghem to-day touching Mendoza's
instructions, which he received when he was first sent ambassador
to England, for the matter appertaining to Guerras.
As for the other news, Casimir showed me yesterday letters
received from Dr. Ehemius, his Chancellor, and from Dr. Wyerus,
touching the imprisonment of the Bishop of Ross. Being sent from
the Pope to the Emperor, he came from the Emperor towards the
Rhine, and meaning to make his way into France was stayed at
Pfalzburg by the Duke of 'Pettit piere,' cousin to Duke Casimir ;
who having received order from the Elector Palsgrave to look
diligently to the frontier of France and Lorraine, and espying a
stranger with coffers and strange attire passing by his town, being
desirous to know who he was, stayed him. Opening one of his
coffers he found instructions and passports, with letters from the
Pope, the Emperor, and the Duke of 'Bavyre' in his behalf to the
Elector of Mentz, Tryre, and Collegn, also to the Bishops of Wrzburg,
Lige and others ; also for France, to the Queen mother, the
King, the Duke of Guise, etc. and to certain in Scotland, all to the
effect that new troubles might be stirred up against the Religion
and her Majesty, and that the Scottish Queen might be set at
liberty. Ehemius writes that the Duke of 'Pettit piere' promised
him copies of the instructions and letters, which I earnestly desired
his Excellency to procure, for there was no doubt but that much
villainy was to be detected from them, with treasons and other
practices. He has therefore written to the Duke on this account, as
also to stay him, if he be not gone away already, as he is afraid, for
he had such passports and commissions from the Emperor. One
commission was to erect new Jesuits' colleges in Scotland, and
another to erect again such colleges as had in time past been
founded for Scots in Italy, Germany and France.Ghent, 14 Jan.
1578.
P.S.Yesterday the Duke of Alenon was to retire his garrisons
from 'Binghes' and the other towns he had in Hainault ; and as
to-day he appointed to go from Cond towards France.
The Prince told me he had seen letters from Spain, in which it
was said that the Inquisitors had executed the Duke of Alva's eldest
son.
Add. Endd. 5 pp. [Holl. and Fl. IX. 27.]
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Jan. 15.
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517. DAVISON to WALSINGHAM.
I have heard nothing from you of the receipt of her Majesty's
obligations, which I sent you by my man 14 days since, followed by
two others for Spinola's sum, sent by the last post ; containing in all
ten pieces ; six of which, namely three general bonds from the
States, and three particular from Antwerp, Ghent, and Bruges were
for the 45,000, two were general bonds for the 28,000 and odd
disbursed by Spinola and Cataneo, with two other earlier pieces
touching the States' promise to give her Majesty their bond of
indemnity to save her harmless in respect of those she had entered
into, to the same creditors. Please let me hear of them 'with the
first,' with some discharge from her Majesty to myself ; together
with some order about the jewels.
I understand the States have written to her Majesty in Spinola's
behalf for the 30,000 florins, which they have by some of their
deputies requested me to further. They will, I hear, this week
write other letters of excuse for the faults into which they have of
late fallen ; rather as they say by reason of the infinite troubles and
confused business which the time has brought forth, than of any
unthankful respect towards her. This I the rather believe in
respect of my own observation of things here. With these next
letters I think they will be humble suitors to her Majesty to 'stand
so gracious Lady towards them" as to satisfy the merchants to
whom she has given her bonds in their behalf. Some motion has
been already made to me to help it forward ; and though I will not
take upon me to persuade her Majesty what to do in such a case, I
think (under correction) that the bonds with the hypotheque
remaining in my hands is so reasonable a security that she can
sustain little prejudice by it, besides that having given her promise
she cannot refuse to satisfy the merchants unless she wishes to
prejudice her own credit. For the 30,000 'gildrens,' if she grants
it, sending me the bonds hither, I may, if she please, get a particular
bond of one or two towns in Holland, for the better securing of that
sum and the rest of that payable to the merchants.Jan. 15.
Draft. Endd. p. [Holl. and Fl. XI. 28.]
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Jan. 15.
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518. WALSINGHAM to DAVISON.
Pietro Lupo, one of the Queen's violins, tells me that the late
Count of Brederode, before the beginning of the troubles, was
indebted to him in a certain sum of money, the 'specialties' of
which he has under the Count's hand. Since his death, his lands
being alleged to be confiscated to the King, no part of it could be
recovered ; but now, seeing it is supposed they have been restored
to his heirs or executors, he thinks they will not refuse payment of
his debts. Wherefore having instructed some of his friends to see
what can be done, he has asked me for a letter to you, which considering
he is her Majesty's servant, I could not deny him, and
therefore beg you to give your friendly furtherance to the person
who shall solicit his cause.Richmond, 15 Jan. 1578.
Add. Edd. p. [Ibid. XI. 29.]
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Jan. 16.
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519. DAVISON to WALSINGHAM.
For the confession of Egremond Ratclif, mentioned in yours of
the 10th inst. I will use my best diligence to obtain it for you,
either through the Emperor's ambassador, to whom I have sent
your letter, or by one of those I have heretofore used in that camp.
You shall hear more on my return to Antwerp.Ghent, 16 Jan.
1578.
P.S.Yesterday morning Duke Casimir took his journey hence.
Beutrich has boasted that he can do miracles when he gets to
England, and as the man lacks no boldness, I doubt not but he
will speak liberally. Whatever he affirm for himself, this you may
be as much assured of as of your life that his plot was to have
shipped his master in such an action as would in fine have turned
this province upside-down ; for which if I could allege the proofs
without some blemish of his master's reputation, I could say more
than he is aware of. I hear that Mr. Sidney condemns me very
much for this action. I know he would not do me wrong willingly,
and therefore he might do well to suspend his judgement till he hear
both parties ; but if you have occasion to speak of this, I beseech
you 'take no knowledge' of it from me, and if the matter 'fall in
question' with Beutrich while he is there, let me understand his
reasons, that I may amplify mine with other proofs than I have
yet done. But I so much honour (sic) that, so help me God, I am
unwilling to speak as I am able.
Notwithstanding the pacification with the Walloons I fear it will
be hard to avoid a civil war. The offices of the Emperor's ambassador
are very suspect, and in my judgement, not without cause.
The Prince's absence from Antwerp breeds marvellous confusion in
the doings there.
Add. Endd. 1 p. [Holl. and Fl. XI. 30.]
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Jan. 16.
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520. THE EMPEROR to the STATES GENERAL.
From the report of our councillor and chief marshal, Count Otto
Henry of Schwartzenberg, we learn that you are not only willing to
treat of peace, but have agreed to an armistice of some weeks ; which
we are much pleased to hear. And whereas we hear also that the
Prince of Parma made more difficulties about the armistice, but
ultimately referred the matter to the Duke of Terra Nova, we will go
carefully into the matter with the said Duke, whom we expect here
daily, and do what we can to get it allowed in that quarter. Meanwhile
we are writing to the Prince and urging him to show himself
less hard of consent, and we are confident he will hear reason if it
can be arranged that the Duke of Alenon and the French troops shall
leave the country. This and other matters we leave the marshal
to treat of. As however we wish to lose no time, we propose without
waiting for your answer or that of the Prince of Parma to fix a day
when our commissioners with those of the King and your deputies
shall meet at Cologne with powers to act and conclude. Other
matters we leave to the marshal.Prague, 16 Jan. 1579.
Copy. Endd. (incorrectly) in a later hand. Latin. 1 pp.
[Ibid. XI. 31.]
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Jan. 17.
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521. ROSSEL to L. TOMSON.
I have received yours of the 10th and thank you heartily for the
good news you give me and good hope of the future recognition of
my services, which are such as you can perceive. I do not say this
for importunity, but for the pleasure it gives me to do them, being
supported. My departure as conductor of the French troops has
been delayed for want of pay. If I hear that it is desired to
continue my services I shall hasten my return. By the documents
I send you will recognise whether I got them without spending
freely. Some of them by themselves merit a reward (mercde).
Please enjoy the reading of them, and observe the attitude and
intention of the potentates.Antwerp, 17 Jan. 1579.
Add. Endd. Fr. p. [Holl. and Fl. XI. 32.]
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Jan. 17.
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522. ROSSEL to WALSINGHAM.
Yours of the 10th made me condole with your infirmity, and subsequently
rejoice in your convalescence, my joy being confirmed by
the kindness of her Majesty ; to whom and to yourself I have desired
to represent what ought to tranquillize all princes and statesmen,
in the knowledge of the position of a neighbour's affairs reduced to
such a confusion and medley as ours are and will be, if Providence
does not remedy them. This agrees with the important documents
I send you, which are such that nothing could be more advantageous
short of the personal presence of her Majesty or yourself. They
ought to give her such satisfaction that postponing all other
pleasures she should amuse herself by observing all the actions, aims
and designs of the potentates who look on at our tragedy.
In regard to M. Sainte-Aldegonde's letter, which he maintains to
be spurious, and from the pen of a lawyer at Mechlin, in its contents
may be plainly enough seen the intention of the arrire conseil,
formed, as I have told you, to dominate their master ; with which
agrees the dismissal and withdrawal of the 'grande altze' very ill-satisfied,
and all his people in low spirits. He is staying at la Fre
in Rethelois (sic) waiting the meeting of the States-General, and
hoping in his distress for the fruit of the promise made to him of a
crown that he has not earned. It is true that if those of Artois and
Hainault had supported him, 'the ambitious' would have backed
him ; but more 'oriental' spirits do not wish to submit to a yoke as
hard as that, which surpasses the tyrant. I write in these terms
not without opinion and common report on my side.
Please consider the bastimens of the arrire-conseil ; the hope of
peace, on the subject of the 'big messenger who ceases not to cry,
"Peace."'
You will see the proposal made by the said big messenger to the
States, which I hear was in general found very thin, for which
reason he was asked if he had not negotiated ; if he had nothing
else to say. He said there were other details which could not be set
out in public ; though if he had deputies from the Estates and the
Council of State he would tell them other points ; which was
granted. One was M. de Ville, governor of Friesland, brother of
the late M. d' Austrade, of the House of Lalaing, for the States, with
MM. de Liesfelt, Meetkerke, and Sainte-Aldegonde. I leave you
while awaiting any further information, to consider the subject in
dispute.
During this talking the enemy advances. He has taken Carpen
and hung all the soldiers. The captain, who has always been in
Holland, is prisoner. Our men-at-arms are scattered, and everywhere
disaffected. The Prince is still at Ghent, and according to
the common opinion is making himself Count of Flanders, and
wants to fence in (border) Holland. The other provinces, torn with
passions, are letting everything go in despair. The contributions
are stopping. The people, during this pacifying of Ghent, is growing
disaffected ; everything remains hung up. However, at the instance
of the colonels of the city of Antwerp, the Prince is to return
on Monday the 19th.
This morning I had orders to start at once, which is why I cannot
mention many other details ; such as what has happened at Tournay,
the intention of those of Artois, and other occurrents. This
will be for my return, which I shall hasten.Antwerp, 17 Jan. 1579.
Add. Endd. Fr. 2 pp. [Holl. and Fl. XI. 33.]
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Jan. 17.
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523. FREMYN to DAVISON.
I wrote last by your servant. As for the state of affairs here,
everything is in preparation for disunion, and for falling into civil
war, if God do not put His hand to the guidance of honest folk.
They of Artois and Hainault write to the States that they wish to
stand by every point of the pacification of Ghent, and will not be
faithless to that which they have promised. As for the Religionrreidt
they are entirely opposed to it, and will consider their
future course of action. So these two provinces seem wholly at the
devotion of the Spaniards ; as also by a letter which the Viscount
of Ghent has written to the States he seems entirely to take that
side. His brother, the Seneschal, too, is beginning to do all he can
against those of the Religion. The war which is about to begin will
be a war for religion ; the cloak of which the malcontent lords will
adopt in order the better to satisfy their ambition, avarice, and
hatred, and get rid of the Prince of Orange, to whom they bear
deadly illwill. To achieve this they will ruin themselves to little
effect, troubling all the State ; which is on the road to sore sickness
if it be not succoured after the fashion of a brave and valiant
physican.
Carpen has been taken by the Spaniards through its own
soldiers, who seized the chest in default of pay, and surrendered to
the enemy as usual.
The Estates have granted Monsieur the town of Ath pending the
meeting of the States-General, and it seems that persons are
being sent to hand it over to him. Every thing is quickly getting
into a mess.
The Emperor's ambassador worked no miracles when with the
Prince of Parma, for the Prince told him he had no commission
from the King to treat of peace or truce, unless the Duke of Terra
Nova had commission. The ambassador further said that the King
had referred the affairs of the Low Countries wholly to the Emperor's
action, in order to arrive at a definite peace, and that the Estates
should do the same ; and they delegated persons to hear more in
detail from him on the subject. Last Sunday he replied that before
all things it was necessary that the Prince of Orange should be dismissed
from the general government and should retire to his government
of Holland and Zealand ; and that the pacification of Ghent
should be observed in all points. If this was done, no doubt a good
peace would be arrived at. This being carried out, we shall hear
the rest. Such are the fine goings-on here. Meanwhile every one
is after the Estates for money, so that they can get nothing expedited.
Antwerp, 17 Jan. 1579.
Add. Fr. 1 pp. [Holl. and Fl. XI. 34.]
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Jan. 17.
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524. RANDOLPH to DAVISON.
How to requite your kindness, I know not, but what may lie in
my power that may pleasure you shall be requited thereof to the
uttermost that I can. I am sorry the causes do not prosper better,
where you have to do, than we hear or see any great appearance.
What support can be had from hence you are not ignorant, nor
'where about' we are at present occupied, in a matter earnestly
pursued, but small hope of good success. It rests chiefly upon
Monsieur's own presence, without which it avails him little to make
further suit. This to requite you for your news often written to me,
till I hear the full resolution of the matter.
I am given by Lord Howard to understand that a young gentleman,
a servant of his and a near kinsman of mine, was taken prisoner
by the Spaniards, I suppose about two months ago. His name is
Fordar, well known to some of the English gentlemen there. His
Lordship desires that knowledge may be got of his estate, and what
may be done for his relief, as soon as may be ; that money may be
provided for his ransom. This being his request, joined also with
my desire, I pray you to further it the best you can.London,
17 Jan. 1578.
Add. Endd. :From Sir Thos. Randolphe. 1 pp. [Ibid.
XI. 35.]
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Jan. 18.
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525. POULET to WALSINGHAM.
The merchants mentioned in this bill enclosed, having procured
letters in their favour from the King to her Majesty, have also
desired my recommendation, wherein I would not deny them ; and
therefore trouble you with these few lines.Paris, 18 Jan. 1578.
(Enclosure.) Will Sir A. Poulet kindly represent to her Majesty on
behalf of Franois Astore, Louys Rabaudy, and Berauld de Veyre,
merchants of Toulouse, the wrong and damage done them on 314
bales of woad. These were taken from them in June last by a
pirate (pilhard) who carried them to the island of Guernsey, where
Captain Leighton the governor seized them in her Majesty's name,
and soon after sold them to certain merchants of the said island ;
who transported them to Southampton, Rye, and other parts of the
kingdom. Whereof being advertised they sent a man, who finding
170 bales still unbroken (? en nature) stayed them and other merchandize
of the purchasers, in order to bring an action against
them for what had been sold. This the governor opposed, inasmuch
as he had guaranteed the sale to the purchasers, as stray goods
found in the hands of a pirate ; and going to London asked to have
the stay withdrawn. This he obtained by favour against all justice
and the law of the land, subject to some formal caution, which he
gave, thereby thinking to let the complainants in for a long suit,
which might in the end amount to more than the sum at issue.
Add. Endd. Eng. p. and Fr. p. [France III. 2.]
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Jan. 19.
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526. WALSINGHAM to DAVISON.
Yours of the 13th received. Touching the satisfying of Spinola
for the sum that her Majesty stands bound to him for, the States
might do well to take care of it themselves, without importuning her
Majesty, who seems not very willing to endanger herself further in
the matter. Indeed their proceedings towards her are so strange,
not having since our departure had the respect to acquaint her with
the course of their proceedings and determination concerning the
treaty of peace, as though they had received no benefit from her,
that they show themselves unworthy of what she has done for them ;
much more of any further good turn. Wherefore if they wish to be
further relieved in making the payment to Spinola, it will be well
that they omit no longer the due offices of thankfulness, and send
to require that further benefit at her hands by some apt person
chosen for the purpose. I am to let you know that I have been
credibly informed that Spinola, notwithstanding his outward show
to the contrary, may be brought to yield to a longer day of payment.
To this I must not be 'acknowen' to be privy ; therefore pray use
the matter accordingly. The vote of the towns at which the same
were to be paid, which you sent me, I have lost, so you will do well
to send me another, according to promise. Touching the bonds for
the 30,000 florins, now that I perceive that Mr Spinola and you are
well accorded, I will do my best to procure them, but I fear there
will be difficulty.
I am glad to perceive by your letters that Duke Casimir and you
are reconciled. As for Beutrich, as it is likely that time will wear
out the 'square' between you and him, the matter is not greatly to
be accounted of, and you may be sure that for my own part I will not
too easily condemn you for your manner of proceeding with him,
whatever he alleges ; and I think my lord of Leicester concurs with
me therein. As yet I have nothing from Beutrich that is worth
answering. If it falls out that her Majesty send any to the 'treaty'
of peace, I will not fail to procure that you shall be joined in commission
with them of what degree soever they be.
[Added in L. Tomson's hand.] This bearer is sent with order
touching the Bishop of Ross, and I have told him to acquaint you
with his charge. If he be in time, some good may be done.
Richmond, 19 Jan. 1578.
Add. Endd. 1 p. [Holl. and Fl. XI., 36.]
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Jan. 20.
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527. L. TOMSON to DAVISON.
My master would have written himself, but he has hurt his thumb
so that he cannot without great pain set pen to paper and therefore
wished me to write to you touching the copy of a letter from her
Majesty to the Estates on behalf of Monsieur, which I send herewith.
Simier complained to her of the indignities his master had
received at the States' hands, and the small regard they have had
to his person, requesting her to write to them to put them in mind
of their unfriendly proceeding towards him, contrary to promise,
and far beside the merit he thinks his master deserved at their
hands. She has accordingly been pleased to write to them ; and in
order that you should, in delivering it, accompany it with speeches
'convenient,' a copy is sent you. It is more to satisfy their humour,
than that her Majesty thinks the States will do otherwise than they
see cause. And whereas you write of an intention the States have
to send one over to her Majesty, my master wished me to say that
for ought he could perceive any such person will be 'smally
welcome,' and therefore you would do well to dissuade the purpose
after the best sort you can, counselling them rather to communicate
their requests to you, and promising them your best furtherance ;
not doubting but that your mediation with such good friends as they
have here will stand them in as good stead as if they sent over an
express Ambassador.Richmond, 20 Jan. 1578.
Add. Endd. 1 p. [Holl. and Fl. XI. 37.]
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