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July 17.
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14. The MARQUIS of HAVRECH to DAVISON.
You may remember that when you left this town I asked you to
see that my obligations for 5,000, which I gave in my own name,
were returned to me, and you promised your assistance. Not
having received them up to now, I must trouble you again with a
request to get it done ; especially since there is no one (nulluy) who
can bear better witness than you to the fact of the States' obligations
having been sent to England, whereby mine are set free, and ought
to be returned to me to be cancelled.Antwerp, 17 July 1579.
(Signed) Charles Phtes de Croy.
Add. Fr. 1 p. [Holl. and Fl. XII. 13.]
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July 19.
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15. FREMYN to DAVISON.
I have been a long time at Brussels, which is the reason why I
have not written to you. You know what is the state of things
here ; it gets worse every day. Since the taking of Maestricht,
which was the 29th, the enemy has undertaken nothing. Some 57
soldiers and two captains have been seen, escaped from Maestricht ;
each has been given two months' pay. Some 200 are still prisoners
there, waiting for money to pay their ransom. Captain Brusby is a
prisoner, with eight English soldiers. Captain Bastien's daughter
arrived from Maestricht yesterday. She says that her father is a
prisoner and that the Spaniards will not hold him to ransom. Count
John has surprised a little town in Gueldres, called Utticum
or Uttigham, where one Schenk, who had deserted the States'
party, was raiding Gueldres and doing a great deal of pillaging. He
is a nobleman of the country and has a strong castle there. In the
town above-named he had collected a regiment and two cornets of
horse. His Excellency had a letter about it yesterday. Courcebacht
behaved bravely in the enterprise. All the reiters that were
in Gueldres have been distributed through the towns, also infantry
according to the importance of the places, for it is thought that
the enemy will prosecute the war in those parts, on account of the
facility offered by the water for transporting artillery and provisions.
For the towns in this part, the English will be put in
garrison at Lierre and Vilvorde, the French at Herentals, Stewart's
Scots at Brussels. They are still round this town, not without
great complaints of the mischief and pillage done by the soldiers.
To-day they should have one month's pay. There has been great
discontent on both sides ; yesterday the Scots demanded their dismissal,
for they would not be humbugged any longer.
M. de la Noue left this town yesterday for Flanders, to appease
the French, who were demanding their dismissal, and to reduce the
three regiments to 15 ensigns, not more than one regiment, which
M. de Mouy will command.
There is news that the Malcontents have defeated a company of
mounted men from Ghent ; and that the King of Spain has confirmed
the treaty which they negotiated with the Prince of Parma ;
to which end the States of Artois met on the 12th inst. When it
comes to publishing it, Valenciennes and several other towns of
Hainault will by no means separate from the generality, although
they have had three months to think about it, according to the
articles of Artois.
Of the peace of Cologne there is little appearance ; save that the
Deputies will soon start on their journey hither with nothing done.
Then we shall see what steps the States will take to carry out their
promise to Monsieur, whose ambassador is still waiting on them.
Last Friday the hostages from Mechlin, who were imprisoned
because the commissioners sent by the States to Mechlin had been
made prisoners though furnished with passports, were released.
All are now released on both sides, and the people of Mechlin
have promised that in the event of the enemy approaching their
town, they will admit any garrison that the States please ; but they
do not wish to have the religions vrede in their town. Nor do those
of Bois-le-duc, who are mutinous.
Any service I can do you here, I shall be happy to do.Antwerp,
19 July 1579.
P.S.My greeting to M. de Sidene [Sidney]. M. de Bours is very
unwell just now at Mechlin, pour avoir trop cour (sic) de postes avec
sa nouvelle maric.
Add. Fr. 1 pp. [Holl. and Fl. XII. 14.]
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July 20.
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16. The GOVERNOR and CORPORATION of MECHLIN to the PRINCE
of ORANGE.
About six weeks ago events showed that those of Antwerp, the
garrison of Vilvorde and Willebroek, and the admiral sent to those
parts from your Excellency, treated us as sworn foes ; and that
all our protestations and assurances to the contrary, to the point of
sending hostages from the Corporation of this town (who under
far-fetched pretexts have been ill-treated in a way unbefitting their
quality) could not remove the impression wrongly conceived of us.
We see no means of coming back to the good graces of Antwerp but
by flinging ourselves into the abyss of disorder into which they have
fallen, or by receiving into our city the wolves who are ready to raven
on us. Preferring death to this, and seeing on the other side his
Majesty opening to us his arms of clemency and kindness, with the
offer of a secure peace, the sole condition being the observance of
the Catholic religion and the obedience due to him, two points wherein
we were born and to which we lately swore in the Pacification of
Ghent, we have this day in a meeting of the Corporation of the town
unanimously resolved to embrace his offer, and fall into line with
those of Artois, Hainault, Lille, Douay and Orchies. Of this we
would not fail to inform you, in order that you may kindly see that
our hostages, men and women, are not maltreated when the rumour
of it first reaches Antwerp. Those from Antwerp whom we have here
will receive reciprocal treatment and shall be returned when ours
are returned to us.
Copy. Endd. in Italian. Fr. 1 pp. [Ibid. XII. 15.]
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17. Another copy of the same. Fr. 1 p. [Ibid. XII. 15a.]
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18. Another copy. Fr. 1 p. [Ibid. XII. 15b.]
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July 20.
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19. Petition of JOACHIM FAGGOTT to the LORDS OF THE COUNCIL.
Whereas the King of Denmark addressed letters to the Queen for
restitution of certain piracy committed in his streams upon certain
merchants 'trading his country Island,' by a ship of Mr Henry
Sackford, upon which you have not only written to the Judge of
the Admiralty, but commanded him to examine the cause so that
you might understand the truth of it, and certify you as to his
opinion of the law therein for the king's satisfaction ; which cause
has been examined and the truth certified by the Judge, and since
Mr Sackford's answer, and any reply, sent by the Judge to you ;
and forasmuch as I can come by no satisfaction or answer that will
certify [qy. satisfy] the king's expectation, all this while hoping for a
determination at your hands, which I humbly crave of you, or else
that you would be a 'mean' to the Queen to write some manner of
answer to the king's letter ; or if this does not please you, then to
give me leave to signify the king how far I have proceeded by your
directions, and what proof I have found in the cause ; for as I have
no commission from him to deal otherwise than by petition, so I
should be loth to deal so hardly with Mr Sackford as to endanger
him by the law, if I may otherwise come by satisfaction, considering
the tediousness of the law, the time now overpast in hope of
satisfaction, and his place about her Majesty ; 'who' can no wise
be touched or impeached without her consent, which I dare not
attempt to procure without the king's commission.
Endd. by Wilson, with date. Broadsheet. [Denmark I. 7.]
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20. List of those killed (qui sont demours) before Maestricht up
to June 22, not counting those who fell afterwards.
Don Henrico de Mendoza and Don Hernando Mendoza.
Don Francisco d'Avoigna.
Felix, doctor and confessor to the Spaniards.
The lieutenant of Duke Francis of Saxony, buried at Tongres.
M. d'Anselle, M. Willan, M. Cressin, Burgundians.
Captain Dondasco, Captain Don Pedro Guzman.
Captain Gonsalez de Sanagenada, Captain Sorcio.
Captain Amator de la Loncha, Colonel Cretz, Jeronimo de
Cordova, Colonel don Hernando del Fio, Signor Fabio Forneza
[Farnese], Knight of Malta, cousin to the Prince of Parma ; Count
Guido di San Giorgio, Conrad Marquis of Malaspina, a Venetian ;
Marquis Antonio Toriselli, engineer ; Liasco Cura and Captain
d'Aguilar, a field-engineer ; Dominico de Romano, M. Charles
Benchi, translator to his Excellency ; Captain Felice and Captain
Ortis, the Count of Barlaymont (Count Hierges), Count Hannibal of
'Haltahemps,' Captain Herman of Balaymont [al. Barnamont] ;
M. Voisin, lieutenant to Baron de Chemeraulx, Captain Hodaghez.
The Prince of Parma, commander-in-chief, who is said to be certainly
dead.
Add. to Mr William Davison, Esquire, at his house in Wood
Street ; (the writing of both copies is that of one of his late clerks).
Fr. 1 p. [Holl. and Fl. XII. 16.]
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July 20.
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21. Another copy. Endd. : 20 July 1579. The men of name
slain before Mastricht. [Ibid. XII. 16a.]
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July 23.
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22. ROSSEL to WALSINGHAM.
When the ordinary post passed through Bruges, I was gone to
Rollet, a village and fort abandoned by the Malcontent Walloons
(who are now called Paternosters). Into this place M. de la Noue
has thrown eight companies of Scots. The other six will remain at
Bruges, where their presence has been very necessary in order to
guard it from the enemy's designs and to maintain it against the
papistical oppression of the refugee priests who were plotting
against their own magistrates, which was followed by exemplary
punishment in the case of one citizen, a goldsmith, who was
executed on Saturday the 9th. Three others will undergo the same
penalty in a few days. Meanwhile to take the order requisite in
Flanders, his Excellency will repair to Bruges ; where the four
Members will meet to reunite those of Ghent, being divided by
factions, and also to renew the magistrature and have in command
others than that passionate and ambitious Hembize. He has by
his discourtesy driven from the town all strangers, even to M. de la
Noue himself, M. d'Argenlieu and other captains of note who have
done service both to the public weal and to the city of Ghent ;
whereby they are greatly offended. This will at the same time consolidate
the Union of Utrecht, for the supply of contributions
necessary for the war. Those of Holland, Zealand, and Friesland
have already agreed to 200,000 florins a month for their quota.
Those of Antwerp will maintain 8,000 foot and 3,000 horse. They
have drawn up a statement showing that since war began with Don
John they have supplied 1,300,000 florins as their share.
If the Ghent people can be put right, those of Bruges will as I perceive
take possession of the Liberty, and bring the province
which is divided from their town into union with it as in time past.
They maintain that they have a lawful occasion to do this since
some of the nobility and some of the College of the Liberty are
found to be accomplices in the plot. Then they will dispense the
money from the assessment more liberally. The people of Bruges
have already undertaken by themselves the maintenance of the
Scots and French when they have been reduced as is planned.
Some French captains have lately come to the Prince, and have
offered to bring 15 ensigns, which are all ready. I think this is a
levy under colour of M. d'Alenon's coming into this realm. He
desires 'our' marriage as much as or I dare say even more than
that with the Queen. The fact is that being told that some of those
captains are those of Colonel Combel, who was first sent into
Hainault by Monsieur, and recognising them as great Papists, I
find them suspicious ; for I have had a letter from Antwerp, from a
person pretty intimate with M. des Pruneaux, who tells me that he
is much vexed to see the resolution for peace so long delayed ; that
in the meantime his master is ready, and has forces more than
sufficient to drive out the Spanish foe. This last is still about
Maestricht where he is holding a muster with subsequent intentions
on Zutphen, where it is thought there is misunderstanding. Others
opine they will fall upon Brussels, after taking steps to admit their
chief, who will it is said be Ottavio Gonzaga.
Count Mansfeldt with three regiments of Walloons and
Burgundians is said to be coming with Montigny his son-in-law and
Egmont. He has already arrived at Mons, where the Spaniards
who accompanied him werea monstrous thingcaressed and
welcomed.
Anyhow, I have seen an interpreted letter from Lille, written by
a gentleman of quality to a friend of his, assuring him that he knew
of no safe place to retreat to, seeing that the treaty of peace entered
into by those of Artois and Hainault was executed in no point,
especially the chief one relating to the withdrawal of the Spaniards.
This being perceived by those of Mechlin, who were inclined to
accept the treaty, they have changed their mind and admitted a
garrison, it is said of La Garde's regiment. I had thought it would
be Scots or English, but they will be at Lyre and Breda, Stewart at
Brussels, the others at Vilvorde.
You will have heard how Marshal Bellegarde, governor in
Languedoc has seized the Marquisate of Saluces, where he is backed
by the Duke of Savoy. I expect it is a Spanish device to divert the
French designs. But you will hear details from your ambassador
in France.Bruges, 23 July 1579.
Add. Endd. Fr. 4 pp. [Holl. and Fl. XII. 17.]
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July 26.
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23. 'Order thought meet to be put in execution for the
avoiding of such depredations as be committed by such as
go to sea upon pretence to discover new trade or pretence
of other adventures.'
First, that no man set forth, rig, victual, or make ready for sea
any ship or other vessel, other than well-known merchants or
masters of ships for trade or fishing, except they shall have and show
special warrant and license from her [alt. to his] Majesty or from
six of the lords and others of her Privy Council at the least, to pass
for service of her [his] Majesty or else for the discovery of some new
trade ; which shall be granted only upon good bonds with sureties
to be given in the Court of the Admiralty for their and their companies'
good behaviour on the voyage both toward her [his]
Majesty's subjects and those of all other princes with whom she is
in amity, and shall be testified and shown to the officers of the
port where the ship is laden.
And for the better execution of these premises, that the Vice-Admiral
and Commissioners for matters of piracy in every county
shall call before them the principal officers of every town corporate
where any principal haven or port is, and take bond of them yearly
at the feast of St. Michael in the sum of 500 at least, on condition
that they shall not permit any ship to be rigged or victualled, or
pass to sea out of that port except it be set forth by well-known
merchants, or by special warrant, as above. And in the mean time
until the said bonds are taken, it is thought meet that you notwithstanding
cause the said officers to come before you, and charge
them in her Majesty's name as they will answer it at their peril, to
have no less regard to the due observation of the premises than if
the bonds were taken of them.
And lest any vessel pass out of any creeks or other places where
there are no officers incorporated, the Vice-Admiral and Commissioners
shall charge the officers in the said creeks, and appoint such
and so many honest, discreet, and trusty persons dwelling in or
near the creeks or places not corporate as they shall think necessary,
to have care and charge both to stay the rigging and passage of
such vessels, and from time to time to certify the Vice-Admiral and
Commissioners where any vessel is rigging or preparing to pass any
way thence. For better performing whereof the lord or lords of
the soil where any such creeks are, being resident in the county
shall enter into bond to her [his] Majesty's use for the observation
of the order above-mentioned. And in case they shall reside out
of the county, then their constable, bailiff, or rent-gatherer shall
enter into the bond. And the officers of her [his] Majesty's
customs-houses in the said ports shall be bound to see due execution
of the orders, not only in the ports, but also in such creeks as are
members of the ports.
And because it has been certified that in some maritime counties
of this realm there have been erected in divers creeks brew-houses,
slaughter-houses, and store-houses to no other end but to maintain
traffic with pirates, whereby they have been greatly relieved, the
Commissioners should have an especial care to see that no such
houses be abused as heretofore, but rather utterly demolished,
unless they can be converted to some more lawful use. For the
performance of which it will be expedient that the owners shall be
bound to their well-using.
And in order that such as go forth to trade shall not be
'impeached,' or taken as adventurers and so be stayed in ports or
other places within or without the realm, every such ship shall have
letters testimonial under the Great Seal of the Court of Admiralty
or of the Vice-admiral of the port and the officers of the custom-houses
in the place whence it shall pass ; or in ports exempted from
the jurisdiction of the Admiralty, under the seal of the Mayor or
head officer and the officers of the custom-house, testifying to what
country and to what purpose it has been 'set forth,' as has been
accustomed of old time. And if any officers shall testify for any
other than known merchants, they to be subject for the same
punishment as is before limited for others in like case. [Marginal
note in later hand : qre what punishment.]
And that these orders may be duly executed, the Commissioners
shall repair to some one, two or three convenient meeting-places
within the said counties and take account of their deputies of every
such haven, creek, or landing-place, how they have performed the
charge committed to them, at least once in every two months ; and
there occasion shall be offered, and in such order and sort as by the
Commission is appointed, to cause 'quests' to be impanelled for
the examining of such things as shall be incident for that time, and
for all other things done by them in execution of the Commission
and for the redress of piracies, before the end of the said two
months.
And that their service may be the better performed, such like
allowance shall be made to the Commissioners out of the fines levied
on offenders, as the justices of the peace are allowed by statute at
the time of the assemblies at the Quarter Sessions.
Draft, with corrections in Walsingham's hand. Endd. : Means
devised for the avoiding of piracies, 26 July 1579 ; and below :
Entered in French in the beginning of the book delivered to Sir H
Cobham in his going into France, fol. 26. 6 pp. [France III. 30.]
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July 26.
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24. H. B. to DAVISON.
Even if I wished to write you all the occurrences and alterations
which every day brings forth, I could not do so, for since the
taking of Maestricht the whole country is in commotion, and the
foolish people are daily betaking themselves to division and discord,
so that we are giving the enemy, who is quite sharp enough of
himself without our giving him an opening, every opportunity to
make himself master of one and the other part.
The town of Mechlin, following the fortunes of the winner, five
days ago declared itself on the enemy's side, saying that it was
reconciled to the king ; and has thereupon written to his Excellency
and the States, reproaching them with the excesses of their Government,
with a shameful roll of ten thousand insults.
By an express messenger sent yesterday to his Excellency from
Brussels we hear that the whole place is in arms, and that most of
the citizens are ranged against Col. 'Temple' and his regiment, to
make them leave the town. If they succeed that town also will no
doubt make terms with the enemy. All these troubles are coming
on us from a despair of help when need shall require, with this
fine example (miroir) of Maestricht before people's eyes.
A report is current here, without however any certain author,
that Bois-le-duc has admitted a garrison from the States of Holland,
but I cannot believe it without confirmation.
The alleged reconciliation of Artois and Hainault, though quite
confirmed, has not yet been published.
The States of Holland and Zealand have raised a new regiment
of infantry, owing to some suspicion that the war will come their
way again.
Three days ago some 12 or 13 ensigns from Ghent got a good
beating from the Malcontents near Nynhoven.
It is said that Guelders and Friesland have certainly sent their
deputies to Cologne with protestatios of their wish to adhere to the
pacification of Ghent without modification. The Duke of Terranova
with the king's other commissioners at Cologne have somewhat
softened their articles, so that there is at this moment better hope
of peace than ever before. It it does not take effect, there seems
great likelihood that the States will consign the country into the
hands of the Duke of Alenon accepting him as their lord and
absolute prince. M. Blyleven told a friend of mine lately, in the
way of familiar conversation, that he was finely afraid we should
all become French ; and I can assure you that if ever there was
likelihood of it, or a time fitted to it, it is now, when an incredible
fear and utter despair has seized men's hearts, not only among the
commons but among those who by their example and assured
countenance ought to give courage to others and seek every means
of repairing matters. This they fail to do, as though they were
thunderstruck and had lost their wits, and knew not what to resolve.
To say nothing of a Christian prince, I believe that the Turk would
be welcome here if he would secure them against the enemy and his
satellites, that they should not fall again into the hands of the
insolent Spaniard.
For his warlike preparations in Portugal the king has raised six
regiments of Germans under the command of the Count of Lodron.
They have passed muster in Piedmont, whence they have passed into
Italy to be transported to Spain.Antwerp, 26 July 1579.
P.S.The reason I have not written by the two last posts was
was that I was in Holland about Mr Carriel's business. I hope
you will not be offended ; it shall be my last offence. The cause
was that I might better maintain myself here. If I have neglected
to write, I will with greater diligence 'restore the same.'
Mr Gilpin 'hath him commended' to you, and wished me to
write that he would gladly have answered your man's letter by this
post, but his affairs of the company offer him no time at present.
By the next, he will see it answered.
Add. The writer (apparently a Fleming) wrote Davison's drafts of
April 1 and 13, Nos. 638 and 658 in the last Calendar. Fr. P.S. in
English. 2 pp. [Holl. and Fl. XII. 18.]
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July 26.
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25. VILLIERS to DAVISON.
I am sending several letters which I have received for you.
Others I have sent already ; I do not know if you received them,
or whether you are at Court or in the country. You have heard of
the taking of Maestricht. The soldiers are returning thence
day by day ; there are quite 200 of them in this town. Octavio
Gonzaga has written to his Excellency about an exchange, for we
have many prisoners also. This has been granted in the case of
private soldiers ; for captains, individual cases are considered. It
is likely that they will not leave the Meuse, and so will go to Venlo.
As regards the peace, the other side have in their last articles
offered the Religion in Holland and Zealand and not elsewhere, and
in pursuance of the Pacification of Ghent ; on condition that
papacy be restored there and that the placards be suspended till a
meeting of the Estates has been held in a free place and their
modification discussed. For the rest all fortresses are to be replaced
in the king's hands.
This town and Brussels have joined the union ; Ypres and Bruges
will soon do the like. But the ordinary difficulty, of the sinews of
war, remains. The Gantois go on. They made a levy of peasants,
who were straightway defeated. The Prince sent them orders by
M. de la Noue, to leave off ; Embize turned him out, having armed
the people in the middle of the night, they knowing nothing of the
farce.
My wife and I and Marie commend ourselves to you and your
wife.Antwerp, 26 July 1579.
Add. Fr. 1 p. [Holl. and Fl. XII. 19.]
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July 28.
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26. ROSSEL to WALSINGHAM.
My long stay in Flanders is the reason why my correspondence
has been interrupted and that I cannot tell you what is going on so
easily as in Antwerp. In my last, of the 22nd, I thanked you for
so kindly keeping her Majesty in mind of me, as was shown in the
contents of your letter of the 4th ; and also told you of what had
befallen at Bruges, and other details. The State is always being
troubled by the divisions that daily supervene. The town of Mechlin
has separated from the generality, having accepted the same terms
as Artois and Hainault. I hear that Bois-le-duc will do the same.
Every effort is being made to bring the towns into the union of
Utrecht. Bruges accepted it last Friday. Those of Ghent, foreseeing
that their affairs will turn out badly, have sent deputies to
Bruges to take counsel with the members in regard to a head and
commander, being minded to nominate and accept the Prince. But
seeing that he cannot desert Brabant, they are anxious to make the
nomination if only that they may have a lieutenant for the war. I
understand they are afraid to receive M. de la Noue owing to the
distrust they have of the French.
On Friday the malcontent Walloons after taking the castle of
Moqueron resolved to relieve M. d'Egmont's castle of Sottenghien.
This having been besieged by the Gantois, battered with four guns,
was taken and burnt by them the same day at 4 P.M., but was quickly
avenged by the Walloons ; who having marched in all haste with 24
ensigns of foot and 600 horse, so furiously charged the Gantois,
numbering about 14 ensigns and 300 horse, that they were routed
in a moment, without even time to take their arms. There were left
dead 400 or 500, and all the baggage seized, with 200 wagons. This
is what usually happens to people who want to manage their affairs
without counsel or advice. Hembise is said to be so perplexed by
this incident, owing to the murmurs of the people, that he is fallen
sick to death. The Prince is very angry with him both on his own
account and for the affront put on M. de la Noue and his followers,
who were put out of the town without a hearing to give the reason
of their coming. The cause was an intercepted letter of one Arengier,
secretary to M. d'Alenon, who wrote to M. de la Noue that he
need but seize Ghent to facilitate M. d'Alenon's reception in those
parts, and that they were sure of the other towns. This will cause
much jealousy and apprehension to many others, whatever all the
leaders of the faction may contrive ; and I am sure that even if he
is received by the States, the people will not agree, were it only that
the people were satisfied with the marriage with her Majesty, which
even the French say is broken off, owing to his desire to assist this
country, in favour of which, and with a view to coming, he is raising
men in great number. The people here perceiving the schemes
of the French are tired of serving and desire to be discharged.
Nevertheless out of complaisance to M. de la Noue they have agreed
to let him keep 6 ensigns ; for which purpose and to discharge them
and pay them off, I am starting to-morrow for Loo, a little town in
the district of Furnes, where they are.
If I knew that her Majesty would like his reception supported,
I think I could further it as no other could in Flanders and Brabant.
Hitherto I have opposed it in her service and that of the country,
and will do so till I have better instructions. Du Plessis, la Noue,
and the reverend Mr Villiers are being declaimed against at Ghent
and elsewhere. Most of the French captains and soldiers of the
Religion impute to them their bad treatment ; either good or harm
will come to individuals, if they are cashiered, which seems to me
necessary both to stop the designs of one party and to benefit others.
M. d'Argenlieu has taken sides with the Gantois and opposes the
reception of M. d'Alenon, backed by others of my acquaintance.
Thereby the Prince is offended, as also M. de la Noue. Here are
combinations and factions so strange that it is hard to relate them.
I told you in my last how Marshal Bellegarde had seized the
Marquisate of Saluces. He has paid all his men in double
pistoles after the fashion of M. de la Motte ; which makes the king
[i.e. of France] think they are Spanish money, and discontents him
so that he seems to have a resentment against Spain, both on this
ground and for the bad treatment at the Spanish Court of a gentleman
sent by him to Portugal, who was forced to return by sea.
Bruges, 28 July 1579.
P.S.Kindly let me have an answer on the subject I have
mentioned.
Add. Endd. Fr. 3 pp. [Holl. and Fl. XII. 20.]
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July 31.
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27. POULET to the QUEEN.
Having access to the king on the 28th inst. I told him I was very
sorry to have so just cause to complain of his ministers and thought
that he would take no great pleasure to be advertised thereof. If
the wrong touched myself only, I could bear it with patience ; but
I said it reached to your Majesty, and perhaps he himself had his
part in it. I told him that following his command I had delivered
his letters patent to the Presidents of the Exchequer ; and as he had
told me in my last audience that he would make them know he
was their king and would be obeyed, I firmly believed they would
not fail to proceed to the verification of his letters. Bailly, the
President, to whom the king had signified his pleasure, had done his
duty, and prayed the other judges again and again to obey the
king's command. In my opinion they had already done more than
enough, having rejected his letters patent five sundry times. Notwithstanding,
they had now refused them the sixth time. This
money was long since promised to your Majesty by la Mothe-Fnelon,
and since by la Mauvissire, and now lastly granted in full
Council and confirmed by his Majesty. There could be no question
now of the equity of the demand, and this long delay was nothing
but denial of justice. His Majesty was reputed to make great
account of his word and promise, even in matters concerning his
enemies, and I should be very sorry that your Highness should be
the first to have cause to complain of his breach of promise. The
consequence of this matter was great, though in itself it seemed to
be of small importance, and therefore I besought him to consider
of it in equity and reason.
The king answered that the fault was not his, and prayed me so
to think of it, affirming that if I had sent to him at Saint-Germain-en-Laye,
where he then was, he would have taken order herein to
my satisfaction, concluding that he would send for the President of
the Exchequer and his Procureur-gnral to be with him next
morning, and would inform them of his mind so plainly that I
should have no cause to return to him again on this matter, and
immediately commanded M. Gondi to appoint them to appear before
him at the time mentioned. This has been done, though not so
soon as was appointed ; and as I am informed by M. Gondi, besides
the express command of the king given by his own mouth to all the
principal ministers of his Exchequer to verify his next letters patent
without delay, his Majesty sent them to Monsieur that he also
might recommend the cause to them ; which was most likely done
to bind Mr Warcop to be beholden to Monsieur herein.
Having ended my audience, I did not think it convenient to leave
Monsieur unsaluted, especially having just cause to thank him for
a late favour used towards me. Passing through the streets in my
coach, I met with Monsieur in his 'caroche,' and was saluted by
M. Chanvallon, who most likely informed Monsieur that I was
passing. Monsieur forthwith sent one of his gentlemen who
followed him on horseback, after me, to pray me to think no discourtesy
in him that he had not stayed his coach to salute me,
which he would have done if he had been sooner informed of me.
This extraordinary favour deserved all the thanks that I could give
him ; and therefore resorting to him I told him that as often as I
had audience of the king, I would be bold to present myself to him.
If he thought me presumptuous, I begged him to impute the fault to
my desire of giving him to know how much I thought myself indebted
for the great favour he had in divers ways been pleased to use
towards me ; concluding that my repair to him at that time was only to
thank him for the same, and by the same occasion to be the better
informed of his good health, the news of which I knew would be
acceptable to your Majesty. I received from him great ordinary
compliments of his singular affection towards you, and of his readiness
to do any pleasure that he might to any of your ministers,
commending him heartily to you.
It is advertised from Turin by letters of the 20th inst., that
Bellegarde arrived there on the 19th with 300 horse, and that he
himself with 20 gentlemen of his train are defrayed by the Duke of
Savoy ; the inhabitants of the town having erected a new ward in
the market-place for the better safeguard of the person of the said
Bellegarde. The Duke of Mayne and his wife were also at Turin.
It has been affirmed here that the Duke of Savoy and his son will
meet Queen Mother at Grenoble, where she has now arrived, and
some say that there is treaty of marriage between the Prince of Piedmont
and the younger Princess of Lorraine ; and that Saluces may
be restored to the Duke of Savoy, because the French have no
means to recover it. But this matter of marriage and its sequel is
rather guessed than certainly known, and now it grows doubtful
whether the Duke of Savoy is coming forward or not.
Messengers pass daily between the king and Queen Mother, and
for the last three or four days Villequier has been expected to be
dispatched thither. As he is one of the most 'confident' and best
beloved, it is thought that the king does not go to Lyons ; yet the
bruit of his going is common in the Court, though there is no reason
to believe it.
It is also given out that Monsieur goes in post towards his mother ;
but I rather think that his mother will come here to him very
shortly, and I am not alone of this opinion.
It was reported from Lyons that the King of Portugal was dead ;
but the ambassador affirms that he is assured by letters of the 10th
ult. that he is in as good health as his old age will permit.
It is advertised by letters from Rome of the 16th ult. that the
Spanish army in Italy has as yet touched no money, which moves
some doubt what may become of the voyage. But the better
opinion is that the preparations are for Portugal, and I perceive
that the Ambassador fears it greatly.
It is affirmed for certain that the truce is not concluded between
the King of Spain and the Turk. The King of Spain cares less for
it because the Turk is 'overlayed' by the Sophy, and therefore no
fear of his attempts against Christendom.
It is said that the King of Spain has received 200,000 crowns of
the Duke of Florence, 100,000 of which are already on the way
towards the Low Countries, and the rest will follow shortly.
The Ambassador of Portugal tells me that he has lately written
to your Majesty in favour of some of his countrymen, touching a
ship which they allege to have been spoiled by an English gentleman,
and would not be satisfied unless I promised to recommend
the cause in my next letter.
Bellegarde gives fair words, but does not spare to fortify his towns
and to provide all things necessary for his defence. This accident
of Saluces so quietly swallowed is said to have bred great discredit
to the French king in other countries. But it is certain that the
French subjects omit no kind of slanderous speech against the
king and his young counsellors, who have the burden of the faults
of this time.
Thus I have been tedious to your Majesty, and will conclude with
my humble thanks for your gracious letter of the 15th inst. I also
thank you for having my revocation in remembrance ; wherein I
submit myself wholly to your pleasure, although my weak body has
great need of the good air of my native country and of some better
exercise than is to be had in this prison of Paris.Paris, the last
of July, 1579.
Add. Endd. by L. Tomson. 4 pp. [France III. 31.]
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