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March 21.
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622. WILSON to DAVISON.
I have been earnest with the Queen to send you in 'imprest'
£200 or more, for your relief, considering the great charges you
sustain not only in your expenses but also in the exchange when you
have need. But whatsoever I could say, 'my hap' was not to help
you, and I fear till you return it will be very hard to get any
money from hence. Her Majesty was once minded that you should
repair homeward, but afterwards, 'upon speech used,' this intention
was stayed. I would be sorry you should want, and the best
advice I can give you is to put you in mind of sparing in this hard
world, and if recompense come hereafter take it for a gain
unlooked for, though you have deserved so well.—Westminster,
21 Mar. 1578.
Add. Endd. ½ p. [Holl. and Fl. XI. 87.]
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March 22
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623. ROSSEL to WALSINGHAM.
Although my services do not seem very acceptable, I do not want
to forsake the continuance thereof, although I am out of favour all
round owing to the impression conceived of the support given by me
to the service of your nation, my good will to which will not be
removed by anything I may undergo ; awaiting your promised
favour.
Our affairs continue to be badly handled. Divisions increase.
The Prince of Parma has written to the Estates and the magistrates
of the towns inviting them to peace, as a subtle means of bringing
them to disunion. A summary reply has been sent. I would have
forwarded copies of letter and reply, had I not had to attend to the
business of the French, by order of the States.
The Emperor has written in regard to the peace, as you may see
by the tenor of his letter ; to which end there is talk of sending
deputies. Those who will go to Cologne are not yet nominated.
The nobility of Artois are assembled at Hesdin, where la Motte
should be, to decide on disunion, to which they have not been able
to persuade the people of Arras. La Motte is proclaimed the enemy
of his country ; in spite of which the Marquis of Havrech is there
with the rest. Councillor Richardot has been sent as 'orator' ; I
doubt he will come too late.
The town of Mons, which we regarded as sure, has been shaken
by the persuasion of the Bishop of Arras, and a certain Carlier and
other parsons who found themselves at Mons. The chief basis of
their persuasions is the events that have happened at Ghent.
They hope to 'remedy' the town of St Omer by an attempt with
Count Egmont's troops. The Count has gone thither in disguise,
which makes us hope for some good result.
To-day the French and Scots, who have received their money, will
go back into Flanders ; the others will follow to-morrow. M. de la
Noue will march in person. By this means sundry of la Motte's
plans will be checked, by his being hard pressed.
Meanwhile, the enemy is trying his luck before Maestricht,
whither he has marched all his forces, and has encamped before it
in three places. We hope he will do nothing, for the town is strong
and well furnished, the citizens and soldiers willing. In Louvain
very few people remain ; which makes us discuss an escalade, of
which you will shortly hear tell.
To remedy our affairs, and get money, the States assembled have
decided to levy the tenth penny for some time. Our reiters, who
have been retained, are about Zutphen, passing a muster ; and will
receive pay.
I hope shortly to send you the admirable league and union
between the King of France and the knights of his order, and the
reciprocal oath of each to the other against the Religion.
M. de Guise has certainly a levy on hand ; we do not know on
whose behalf.
M. d'Alençon has asked a passage of the Genevese through their
city, we do not know with what intent ; though we have news of
the marriage resolved on between the Queen and him, which God's
power alone can avert. Those of Geneva, being apprehensive, have
ordered that all men of their obedience shall be suitably armed.
I have given the gentleman a map of the seventeen provinces
lately printed, which will be acceptable to you.—Antwerp,
22 March 1579.
Add. Endd. Fr. 2 pp. [Holl. and Fl. XI. 87 bis.]
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March 23.
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624. 'A note of such goods as is now already provided by the
merchant strangers from Hamburgh, whereof part is
already shipped, and the custom to her Majesty paid.'
Martin Hensburgh (kerseys, cottons, and 'tuft-mockadows').
Jerome Benalio (kerseys and wool).
Nicholas de Gozzi, Philip Gualterotti (kerseys).
Tommaso and Federigo Bartolommeo, Philippo Corsini (kerseys
and cloths).
Innocent Locatelli (kerseys and northern dozens).
Po. Vergisini, Emanuel Demetrius (kerseys and wool).
Jacob Hanneman, Peter Semyng (kerseys).
Andreas de Loo (170 fothers of lead for the Duke of Saxony ;
also, for him and his company, 20 'sarplers' of wool).
Endd. with date by Burghley. 1 p. [Hanse Towns I. 49.]
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March 23.
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625. 'A note of such packs as are entered in the Queen's books
of customs by the merchants strangers for Hamburgh,
and shipped in the ships following.'
Showing how much had been shipped by the above traders (with
Martin de la Falye) in the Barkesmith of Lee, William Butler
master, and the Seaflower of Lee, Edward Bryan master. Also
goods packed and not yet entered, by the above (with John Zuane
and Anthony Fredrigo), cloths ready to be packed, 'as the packer
supposes, for he hath seen them.'
Endd. with addition in Burghley's hand : an Estimate only.
1½ pp. [Hanse Towns I. 50.]
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March 23.
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626. 'Sundry ways from Embden to Frankfort and Mainz,
passing to the Eastward of Lingen, and all without
danger, though those that should possess Lingen had
wars with the passers and travellers that way. 23
Martii 1578.'
From Embden to 'Askendorp,' Haselune, 'Osenborch,' Ibrugh,
Warendorf, Midenburg [Widen—], Soest, Paderborn, Derberg,
'Seigehennt' [Ziegenhain], Marpurg, Runkel, Friberch [Friedberg],
Frankfort, 'Mens.' [Distances given throughout.]
This way is not near any part of King Philip's country nor near
Lingen, which is the place that is so much doubted. The nearest
they will come to it is Haselune, which is three leagues from it, and
the river Hase between. If they fear to go within 3 leagues of
Lingen, they may pass by Stickhusen in East Friesland, and by
Apen in Oldenburg, which both lie on a branch of the Ems, and so
to 'Delmanhurst,' and join the way again at Warendorp or
Midenburg. This is not 8 leagues out of their way.
If they think it too much to carry their goods 8 leagues out of
the way to avoid as great a danger as they say it is to pass Lingen,
they may cross a branch of the Ems at 'Stickhouse,' and so to
Clappenburg, and come into the way again at 'Ossenburgh.' So
they will not come within 6 leagues of Lingen, nor go 3 leagues out
of their way.
Endd. as above. Date in Burghley's hand. ¾ p. [German States
I. 74.]
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March 24.
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627. Another 'note' containing the same information as No.
625, with a good many additional details ; as that the Barkesmith
was 70 tons and the Seaflower 50 ; that Delafalye and Hensburgh
bought from Edward Holmes of Newbury 450 kerseys (paying £400
for the same), from Thomas Dollman of Newbury, 90 ; from Philip
Kisten of Newbury, 50 ; from Alexander Every of London, 400 ;
from Jacob Buskins of Norwich, 200 pieces tuft-moccadoes ; from
John Phillips of London, 300 pieces of 'cottons' ; and the others
from these and other clothiers named John Newton, Richard May,
William Gilborne, James Deane of London, William Twyne,
Humphrey Holmes, Philip Kisten, Bryan Chamberleyn, Richard
Chief of Newbury, and John West of 'Basingestoker.'
Endd. [?] by Walsingham : Cloths entered in the custom house
for Hamburgh, with the names of the ships in which they are to
pass ; added by Burghley : delivered by Mr Young the packer. 4 pp.
[Ibid. I. 51.]
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March 24.
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628. COUNT ADOLF of NEUENAHR to DAVISON.
Having a few days ago received from Mr Pietro Bizarro,
together with a little book which he has composed, a letter of yours,
I was glad to hear of your good disposition and prosperous health,
and that of 'Madamoselle,' your consort, and your little girl. I
pray God to continue it, and that your daughter may grow as in
age and in body, so in the fear of Him, in virtue and in honour. I
thank you both for your courteous offers, and for your news,
assuring you similarly that if I can do you any pleasure you will
find me ready and desirous.
As for news, you shall know that in our parts matters have
advanced so that the enemy has full impunity in misdoing, so much
that those who are well affected cannot without danger go far
outside good towns or secure places. It is much to be deplored that
things have got into this state. Count 'Holach' is working night
and day to collect the remains of the cavalry, some 3,000 or 4,000
horse. God grant that with a little force of that kind the cause
may be advanced more than has hitherto been done by unlimited
soldiers and reiters. We may the better hope it, that our common
cause is not ordered by the power or prudence of men, but by the
mercy and providence of God, which commonly delivers when all
human counsels fail, as experience has recently shown.—Dordrecht,
24 March 1579.
Holograph. Add. Endd. Fr. 1 p. [Holl. and Fl. XI. 88.]
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March 27.
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629. DAVISON to the SECRETARIES.
The decision of the Artesians etc. deferred to the 15th inst. has
been put off till the 26th, which was yesterday ; partly in hope to
have had the goods stayed here, at Ghent, and at Tournay
discharged, and so have satisfied the commons, but chiefly because
most of the towns of Hainault, being practised underhand from
hence, have since disavowed the negotiations of their deputies in
the former meeting at Arras, as exceeding the limit of their
commission. How they agree, or what will be resolved in their
present assembly is still in expectation.
The Viscount of Ghent, confirmed in his folly by plausible letters
from the King, who is said to have 'ratified him governour' of
Artois and Hesdin, does, as one utterly forgetful of his duty to his
country and senseless of his own particular safety, labour by all
possible means to push the matter forward ; having therein
singularly abused the expectation of the Prince and States here,
who were persuaded that his presence would have rather redressed
than impaired the state of things there, though some wise men,
thoroughly acquainted with the nature and disposition of the man,
never hoped better of him.
Count Egmont failing of his enterprise upon St Omer has left it
for a prey to la Motte, who as we hear has entered the town
with certain companies. The rest of his forces, 2,000 in number
beside the Walloons esteemed to be for him, 'travail' and spoil
the country about Dunkirk and Borbourg, seeking to divert the
forces of the States to the defence of that corner while the Spaniard
with less disturbance follows his attempt on Maestricht. This day
la Noue with certain regiments of French and Scots is departed into
Flanders to join the peasants, already in arms to the number of
7,000 to 8,000 to make head against him.
Count Lalaing, solicited by the Prince from the confederacy with
those of Artois, under a hope that they mean here to go roundly
forward in Monsieur's respect, 'whose he remains,' was driven to
retire from Mons by occasion of a popular tumult stirred up against
him by the Bishop of Arras and the Abbot of Hannon, instruments
for the Spaniards whose credit with the magistrates and most part
of the commons since makes the state of that town suspected.
From Maestricht we hear that the enemy battered the town all
day long yesterday, on the hither side, with 20 or 30 pieces of great
ordnance. The defenders, being soldiers and burghers to the
number of 3,500 able men, are as we hear resolved to sell their
honour dearly. To-day or to-morrow it is thought the enemy gives
the first assault.
What the States have answered to the letter of the Prince of
Parma you may see by the copies herewith sent, published in
print. It seems that the purpose of sending commissioners to
Collen to meet such as should come from the Emperor, is grown cold
by the labour of the Duke of Anjou's ambassador, who pretending
that they cannot do it without prejudice to their contract with his
master, has solicited that they would without more delay go through
with their resolution in his respect ; considering the time is now
expired which they had limited for the same. What they will do in
the one or the other is still in suspense.
Draft. Endd. 1½ pp. Appended is a pamphlet of four leaves,
sm. 4to : 'Copie d'une lettre du Prince de Parme, envoyée aux
Estats généraux des pais bas assemblez en Anvers : datée du
douziesme de Mars MDLXXIX et la response des dicts Estats
généraux sur icelle, datée du XIX du dict mois de Mars.' Dated,
Petersem. (Antwerp : Plantin, 1579.) [Holl. and Fl. XI. 89.]
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March 27.
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630. DAVISON to BURGHLEY.
I have intermitted my duty of writing to your Lordship by
reason of some infirmity in my eyes, the extremity of which has
been such that for a month I was scarce able to read or write at all.
I hope you will therefore dispense with my fault. How things have
fallen out here meantime you will no doubt have been made
acquainted by Mr Secretary.
We are still doubtful what will come of the matter of Artois,
suspended by a new difficulty on the part of those of Hainault,
most of the towns of which at their last meeting, on the 15th inst.
disavowed the negotiation of their deputies with those of Artois, as
going beyond the limits of their commission, and professed not to
divide themselves from the generality. The resolution was put off
to the 26th, which was yesterday.
St Omer is fallen into the hands of la Motte, who has 2,500
men in the field, 'travailing' the country about Dunkirk and
Bourbourg. La Noue went yesterday to make head against them.
Maestricht is battered, but not yet assaulted, that we hear of.
Of the States' answer to the enemy's offer of peace, and such
other things as are occurring at present, you will be better informed
by the pieces enclosed.—Antwerp, 27 Mar. 1579.
Add. Endd. 1 p. [Holl. and Fl. XI. 90.]
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March 27.
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631. DAVISON to LEICESTER.
I let the last post pass without a letter to you, by reason of some
business I had with the Prince at the instant of his departure. By
the former one I sent you a rate of the prices of such silks as you
wrote to me for, and I have since been expecting your answer. Of
news, I can send little that you would be glad to hear, save that
most of the towns of Hainault, practised from hence, disallowing
what their deputies treated at Arras, seem indisposed to divide
themselves from the generality ; which has not a little amazed the
authors of the confusion. There is some hope that most of the
towns of Artois will follow the example, though the rest happen to
play the fool.
La Motte has entered St Omer, and is thought to hold himself
assured of Bethune and Ayre ; his forces being in the field to the
number of 2,500 men. [The rest as in letter to Secretaries.] Draft.
Endd. 1 p. [Ibid. XII. 91.]
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Mar.28[?]
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632. [The QUEEN?] to [the ESTATES OF HOLLAND AND
ZEALAND?]
. . . . ever consented to the said placard, and that a
foreigner who was in no way benefited by you should, without
having injured you, pay the penalty inflicted by your new statutes
in direct opposition to your contract. If lack of means hinders you
from satisfying him, he is content to have patience for a further
reasonable term to be agreed upon by himself or his deputy and
you, provided you will give him good security for payment then of
his arrears in London, and pay him from now the interest (rente)
according to the contract made with his father-in-law. It seems to
us that this is reasonable, and that you will make no difficulty
about agreeing to it ; or, if it is refused, you will compel us to give
him the relief (moyen) he has asked.
Copy (preceding leaf gone). Below in margin, L. Tomson has written :
The 28 March were letters written from her Majesty to the Prince
and States of Holland and Zealand in behalf of the merchant
adventurers, for the money lent them by Mr Goddard etc. at the time
of the 'rest' of their ships. This seems to be part of the letter in
question. Fr. 14 ll. [For. E. B. Misc. II.]
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March 29.
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633. On the QUEEN'S MARRIAGE.
1. An Regina acceptura sit coniugem.
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2. An Dux Alensonensis sit aptus coniunx.
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3. An si Regina non nubat, possit salva esse a periculis magnis
et quomodo id fieri possit.
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Ad primum affirmative :—
1. The general judgement of the realm plainly requesting her
Majesty to marry, both for her own comfort, and to stablish the
succession that is 'in uncertain,' in her issue ; and offering to
honour and obey whomsoever she may choose at home or abroad.
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2. Her Majesty yielded thereto, and has accepted all manner of
suits from foreign princes, as from the Emperor, the Duke of
Holst in person, from the King of Sweden, from the French king
Charles IX for himself, afterwards for his brother Henry, being
Monsieur d'Anjou, now king ; and afterward by the king for his
brother François, Duke now of Alençon.
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3. The good things that will result are many, and not well to be
noticed :
(1.) Hope of issue to succeed ; whereby all competitors 'of'
the Crown shall have cause to stay their attempts during her
life, and after her death shall forbear to seek to usurp the
Crown by violence and blood.
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(2.) The notice of mischiefs to be avoided, which are innumerable.
i. The purpose of all Papists to subvert religion.
ii. The 'avenge' of Spain, France, etc. which, if her Majesty
remain unmarried, is certainly to be looked for whenever
their own countries are quiet.
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Ad primum negative :—
Her Majesty is of such years as either there will be no hope to
have issue, or if she should conceive, danger of delivery ; and in so
doubtful a case, it were better that she should continue unmarried,
and prolong her years as God and nature shall yield, and provide
so to govern her realm that she may be strong by God's goodness
to withstand all attempts during her life. And then she ought
rather to consider how the whole realm may succeed to such
person as by the law of God and man shall be meet to come to it
without violence or blood.
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Ad secundum affirmative :—
The Duke is by all men 'commended to have a good wit,' and to
be of a courteous condition. The only lack in himself is his
blemish in his face. By him, being a brother of France, and of so
great credit as he is at this day, the Queen will have such
assistance that she will not need to fear any attempts.
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Ad secundum negative :—
1. The Duke persists in his papistical religion, whereby he is
unmeet to be a husband for her Majesty, both as dissenting from
her in the principal bond of love, which is religion, and because by
him all papists within the realm and all fugitives abroad will
increase their obstinacy.
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2. As the next heir to the Crown of France, he will be overgreat
a person, if his brother dies without issue, to be jointly King of
France and England ; and if he have a son by the Queen, that son
will hereafter be resident rather in France than in England, and
England will have a viceroy, whereby great calamities may ensue,
as when King Henry VI was in France.
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3. It may be doubted, if the Queen have no issue, how Monsieur
shall continue love to her ; but that he will mind more to obtain
the marriage of the Scots Queen, seeking thereby if the Scots King
should die, to establish in his issue all the three Crowns of France,
England, and Scotland.
Memo. in Lord Burghley's hand, and endd. by him: 29 Martii 1579.
Consultanda de matrimonio Reginæ cum Duc. Andegav. 3 pp.
[France III. 17.]
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About
March 31.
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634. DAVISON to LEICESTER.
The course of things here makes me fear that I shall have 'every
day worse argument than other' to write to you. The hope we
had of bridling the Artesians by soliciting underhand most of the
towns of Hainault from their confederacy begins to quail, the
labours of the abbot of Hannon and other instruments for the
Spaniards having so far prevailed with them that they have this
week agreed, as we hear, to make a truce of three months with the
enemy ; and for the rest they stand upon such terms with the
Prince and States as make their recovery desperate. But hitherto
their final resolution is suspended. Count Lalaing's consenting to
this truce has utterly changed the hope of his private reconcilement
with the generality.
The Viscount of Ghent, besides governing Artois, is created
marquis of Rysbourg, from the name of a signory of his own in
Artois, and the abbot of Hannon made bishop of Namur for his
good service. In sum, the King spares no policy or cost to reconcile
those of the nobility that either in credit or any other respect may
advance his purpose.
The Walloons, upon the entry of la Noue into Flanders, are said
to be gone to la Motte. From Maestricht we have no news of any
assault, though they have continued the battery for three days.
Monsieur's matter is like to 'take the colder success' for the late
interview between him and his brother at Paris. From letters of
persons of credit in that Court it is assured to the Prince and
others here that the marriage with one of the daughters of Spain
is again on foot, however he 'bear her Majesty in hand' to the
contrary.
To-morrow should begin the first 'cession' of our new assembly,
if the slack coming of the deputies do not defer it. To Monsieur's
advantage, if I be not 'abused' you may be assured there will be
nothing determined.
(Erased) : The course of our doings here will drive your gossip
[qy. the Prince] to take an extraordinary resolution, as I guess ;
but I know to whom I write this much. You will do well to send
me a cipher, that I may more frankly acquaint with that
which I —
Draft. Endd. : 1578 March. To my L. of Leicester. 1 p.
[Holl. and Fl. XI. 92.]
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March 31.
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635. ROSSEL to WALSINGHAM.
The Estates have chosen me to content some who are more malcontent
than the Malcontents, that is the French who were brought
by Duke Casimir, whom with something on account of what is due
to them I am trying to have paid 'in parchment,' and, as I said in
my last, to get them to come back into Flanders. This they have
done, and are being led with the Scots by M. de la Noue to attack
the declared enemy, that is la Motte and his adherents. He had
sent his people as far as the suburbs of St Omer, thinking to enter
by favour of M. de Capre, his precursor there. This has failed, as
Count Egmont, arrived this evening, reports.
The state of Artois is considered desperate. The Viscount of
Ghent has changed his viscounty for a marquisate, and by royal
patent is confirmed in his government of Artois and Hesdin.
There is seen the ambition of our nobles in these parts.
We think that affairs are set right in Hainault. The Abbot of
Marolles is back again in the Council of State. Cambray is safe,
and Valenciennes. If Count Lalaing were anything of a man of
business he would secure the country and the frontier, since he has
recognised his mistake and begun to do better offices, on which and
various accounts M. d'Alençon is greatly offended with him.
The States have sent for Count Lalaing to come to Antwerp for
their assurance, and have moreover nominated certain gentlemen
to bring M. d'Alençon back as protector. You will no doubt have
heard from your ambassador in France of his arrival in Paris and
welcome from the King, who made him sleep that night in his own
room, for more private conference. At the same juncture the Duke
of Guise has arrived in Paris, greatly caressed and welcomed. I
see no progress in the peace-proposals nor in our meeting of the
States-General.
The enemy before Maestricht has ceased his battery, not being
able to make an advantageous breach, and is trying to mine ; but I
perceive that he will be mined himself by necessity, being at a great
disadvantage from the rain that has come on and by lack of victuals,
the river being blocked by our people. Within the town are 8,000
combatants, including some peasants whom they took in to work on
the ramparts.
If I were free from that onerous duty I would tell you more
particulars of importance, which would make various practices and
designs clear to you. This I will do shortly.—Antwerp, the last of
March 1579.
Add. Endd. Fr. 1⅓ pp. [Holl. and Fl. XI. 93.]
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? 1578
[March].
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636. A COMPLAINT from the PORTUGAL AMBASSADOR.
John Wanton, an Englishman resident in Morocco, has arranged
with the Shereef to supply a great quantity of iron cannon-balls,
30, 40, and 100 lbs. weight, with other munitions, and for that
purpose has sent hither an Englishman named John Williams,
servant and agent to Mr Hogan, formerly servant to Matthew Field,
now Hogan's partner, who are to send the cannon-balls and
munitions in question, the Shereef having to pay in saltpetre and
sugars.
Williams left this city on the 26th of last December, to embark
at 'Waroiche' [qy. Harwich] in a vessel about to sail for those
parts with advices that within 3 or 4 months at the outside Hogan
and Field will have here a great quantity of balls and other munitions.
It is common report that a year ago Williams took from
this kingdom to the old Shereef 30 barrels of similar iron balls.
In like manner it is known that other English merchants sent
from hence to Barbary a year and a half ago a hulk laden chiefly
with oars for galleys, and artillery.
Hogan has gone with the munitions in the galleon in which Field,
who is here, and his partners have shares.
Endd. by L. Tomson. Ital. 1 p. [Portugal I. 13.]
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637. Another copy, without last par. Marginal notes by
L. Tomson, and endd. : The Amb. of Portingal's memorial. John
Wanton, residing now in Marochos. Hugan, Feld, conveyors of
iron shot, pellets, thither, 5° mtij. Ordered to be before the LL.
to-morrow 6to They were there. Ital. 1 p. [Ibid. I. 13a.]
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