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Oct. 1.
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442. GILPIN to WALSINGHAM.
I have all this week been out of town about the company's
affairs, and returned this evening ; so I am to crave your favourable
construction of my absence which has somewhat 'slowed' the suit.
Before my departure, however, I dealt with M. Ymans and the
deputies of this town earnestly, who promised me their only care
should be to procure all possible expedition ; and, as I understand,
there would have been no default on their part, if M. Ymans had
not ever since been so ill that he was unable to stir abroad or do
anything. His weakness has been 'the let of the not making' the
instructions for him that was and is to go to Holland ; but being
now ready, he has sent me word that he was to depart at once, and
to that end Ymans had drawn him certain articles, which one
Scheurmans, an chevin of this town and deputy with the States,
has to peruse, and add what he finds requisite.
Your packet was opened by my servant in my absence, and the
enclosed letters delivered. M. Villiers returns answer, which you
shall herewith receive. Thus being come so late to this town that
I could not learn how matters passed, and what news had come or
fallen out this week, I have also to crave pardon this time.
Antwerp, 1 Oct. 1580.
Add. Endd. 1 p. [Holl. and Fl. XIII. 57.]
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Oct. 3.
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443. COBHAM to [BURGHLEY].
I received your letter this other day by the northern gentleman.
The coming of Marshal de Coss to Court, and the sudden departure
of Monsieur from Tours towards Languedoc, give cause of
sundry doubts. It is esteemed that the Marshal will shortly return,
for the king departs to-morrow from Fontainebleau to Dolinville,
and so on to Orleans to meet his young queen coming from the
'baynes,' taking her into his company towards Blois, where they
purpose to keep their Court most of the winter.
Queen Mother goes hence within 3 or 4 days, as I am informed.
The king is sending most of his companies that were at la Fre
to Saint-Jean-d'Angely. Monsieur has levied sundry ensigns by
his captains, M. de Rochepot and la Fert. Strozzi has gathered
some bands about Nantes, with show to embark for Portugal, who will
be otherwise employed. They of Rochelle suspect these neighbours.
As I have written 'in my former,' so I now rehearse the same,
that it is like they have resolved to 'extirp' religion, and those in
this realm who profess to take arms for that cause ; or else they
have a great enterprise towards some foreign country. But it is
rather to be thought that this hostility is prepared for intestine
wars, considering that the Spanish king seems to have an assured
confidence towards their Majesties, and the king is coldly disposed
to take hold of those lawful and easy occasions which are offered for
increasing his estate divers ways, whereby he might likewise assuage
the swelling greatness of the Catholic King ; which methinks should
be more unsupportable to princes than subjects, who sigh and wax
sorry to see the dangerous strength and riches the Catholic King
has in readiness to bestow where it pleases him for the annoyance
of any realm. Besides he is backed with the assistance of the
Pope and the faction depending thereon, which daily hearken after
the information of fugitives, malcontents, and ambitious minds,
envying the peace which her Majesty has hitherto enjoyed more
than any other Christian Prince.
But seeing the Catholic King has thought it no prejudice to his
greatness to confederate himself with his allies, those of his profession,
nor has 'left' to make means for aid, forces, and supply of
money of other meaner princes, methinks that any prince may
take example thereby to prevent the malice of this world. It
seems to divers that there is yet hidden some further enterprise,
because the Spanish preparations are not only continued, and
newly victualled, but also great supplies are looked for from Italy.
The certain purpose and intent will be as politicly hidden and
cloaked as was that of Portugal, until the 'Spanish' have his
forces on the shore ; when he will be assured of those he has
intelligence with, and allied [sic] to him by promises or corruption.
Such was his policy in Portugal, bringing only strength to support
the secret treasons he had packed in that realm.
The Spanish secretary to the late deceased ambassador, named
Maldonado, informed their Majesties the other day that on Sep. 4
the whole realm of Portugal was reduced to the Catholic King's
devotion. This King's ambassador has now advertised the like, as
I am informed.
It might seem high presumption in me (but my zeal will excuse
me) to recommend to your care her Majesty's realms and people.
I have undertaken to write of this matter, sure that you will remember
my duty ever very particularly borne to you, and also that I
have known you to be her Highness's chief spirit in foreseeing the
dangers threatened in time past, as a father of your country
tendering the wealth thereof. And as you have understood how there
has been a time in peace, of sparing, so you will with the like eyes
and judgement discern the storms on another coast making show
of approach, and advise to have necessary provision made for the
sustenance and defence of those who have hitherto been well
shrouded from enemies and troubles in the service of God. And I
am sure you will loathe to see her Majesty with hopes deceived, for
all those good entertainments will be continued and yet assured
confident friends provided for and fastly embraced.
Those are taken to be the most trusty princes who lean to the
same profession in religion which her Majesty exercises. Howbeit,
perhaps the charges will be 'sticked at' ; but since these causes are
to be negotiated by such honourable persons as may be used for so
high a cause, where other means may serve to entertain amity, but
not used for so apt instruments to frame a strong and princely knot.
And because these affairs are public, no demand can be too great
to get assured friends of quality ; the rather since it is deemed
that there is great working with strong hand and mighty counsels
to dissever and disunite those who have put from them the supremacy
of the Pope. This is accomplished by councillors and ministers,
scattered by the Popish Consistory with the assistance of the House
of Austria, which is raising itself above all other potentates under
the Catholic cloak. This practice is the more dangerous, because
this King is in the mean time amused with the provocations used
to him for the utter abolition of his Huguenots, so that he is so
much blindfolded that he discerns not the snares and 'incumbrances'
of those practices, nor perceives the great danger of the Spanish
faction. Therefore it is thought 'a matter remediless' to persuade
him from the course taken ; as is like to appear clearly within the
next few months.
Further considering that so much has already passed for the
right understanding of this course, that it were great pity any
prince should overmuch repose 'themselves' or 'their' state on
the purposes of this country, 'except' more than ordinary promises
and assurances may be hadand if these could be obtained
as fully as could be wished, it should be remembered how their
inconstancy lost the Kingdom of Naples and the Duchy of Milan
therefore the other confederacies with princes of the Religion in
all places 'may be thought not to be forslowed' ; as I doubt not is
both thought on and put in action.
I have entered thus far into this 'purpose,' under the protection
of your pardon, in consideration of my duty to my sovereign, the
service of God, and continuance of the present estate ; moved
thereto by their Majesties' having, on occasion of any speech of
the Spanish preparations and the affairs of Portugal, always
'inferred' to me how necessary it was for the Queen to consider
this. Also the ambassadors in conference have been and are
inquisitive what preparations were made by her Majesty ; and
lately, if any new forces were sent into Ireland.Moret, 3 Oct. 1580.
Add. gone. Endd. by Burghley's secretary. 3 pp. [France IV.
159.]
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Oct. 4.
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444. COBHAM to [the PRIVY COUNCIL].
After lately receiving your lordships' letter, I moved the King to
discharge the new taxation which they of Bordeaux had imposed on
the Queen's subjects trading thither ; declaring to him how this
imposition was contrary to the grants made by his predecessors and
confirmed by himself on coming to the Crown. To have it exacted
at that time was found strange, because her subjects were in hope
that all gracious dealings should rather proceed from hence, considering
it was esteemed that there was especially good intelligence
and amity between the Queen and his Majesty, and good hope of
its continuance and increase. Wherefore though he had more than
ordinary cause to endeavour to get supplies of money, the Queen
hoped he would not do anything whereby her merchants should be
'endommaged.' And whereas in appearance this new imposition
may seem to bring profit, the 'sequent' would shew otherwise ; for
the charges would be so grievous to the English merchants that
most would be driven to leave the Bordeaux trade, and so the more
loss would happen through the decay of the ancient customs, which
are now willingly paid, than gain, by this new exaction, the substance
of the trade being a matter of delicacy rather than of necessity.
The King said that he desired good demonstrations should be
shown on his part towards her Majesty and her vassals ; but as he
had not heard tell of it before this instant, and being a matter that
concerned his estate he would have his council to consider it, and
I should have answer to the Queen's satisfaction. Accordingly he
has resolved to cause letters patent to be delivered to me for the
discharge of this new imposition, very amply, and as it seems, with
a few more effectual words than before. These I have delivered to
an English merchant to be carried with all diligence to Bordeaux,
the vintage being now 'present' ; and send the copy to your lordships.
Moret, 4 Oct. 1580.
Add. and endt. gone. 1 pp. [France IV. 160.]
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Sept. 22.
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445. Copy of letters patent referred to in the last.
Fr. 1 pp. [Ibid. IV. 160a.]
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Oct. 4.
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446. COBHAM to WILSON.
Please let her Majesty know that the lord of Arbrothe advertised
me that he was informed there were two ships prepared to be sent
with munitions and arms to Scotland, to be landed at Dumbarton.
They were required long since by d'Aubigny, but deferred till now.
Sundry Scottish gentlemen and others daily require passports of
me to pass through England. I shift off the most part of them ;
but to-day I have given a passport to George Lermont, lord of
Balcomy, and his servants. He is 'recommended' to be a zealous
Protestant.Moret, 4 Oct. 1580.
P.S.The Lord of Arbrothe has advertised how this afternoon
Colonel Balfour's brother came to him and declared that the Colonel
lately sent a Spanish horse and two other singular good horses by
him from Flanders to the young King. Whereon d'Aubigny, knowing
that Balfour disliked Morton, wished this party to write to his
brother, to have his bands ready upon any warning sent him from
the King, since the King meant to have them for his guard. And
whereas Morton had sought to entrap him, he hoped to find the
means to chastise him ; wherewith it seems the Lord of Arbrothe
is not well pleased, finding that d'Aubigny will continue his exile.
Add. Edd. by L. Tomson. 1 p. [Ibid. IV. 161.]
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Oct. 4
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447. COBHAM to [the SECRETARIES].
The King has since the taking of la Fre commanded the companies
of M. Beauvoy l'Angi [Beauvois-Nangis], and Srillac, to
march towards Saint Jean-d'Angely. They passed by this town on
Sep. 30.
Two days after, 2,000 lansquenets were conducted within a league of
the town towards those parts. They were once assigned to repair
into Dauphin to the Duke of Maine. The King seems resolved to
have the walled towns which are in the Protestants' power or else
purposes to use hostility for the 'rehaving' of them.
Marshal Biron has taken Montmassier, a principal town of the
King of Navarre's, and some little holds ; whereon there is spread a
'voice' of a great victory, and a book of it printed, which I send.
Those of Montacut finding they have sufficient garrison have sent
120 horse to Saint-Jean-d'Angely ; who on the way defeated two
ensigns of M. de Lancosme, and slew his lieutenant.
M. de Tournon in Dauphin has taken some little castles from
those of the Religion upon composition, saving their lives.
Companies are levying for the King and Monsieur in most of the
provinces hereabout. M. Mancheville, one of Monsieur's captains,
has amassed as many of the soldiers as were to be had at the
breaking-up of the siege of la Fre. They will be conducted by
Rochepot.
M. de la Chastre has gathered certain troops of horsemen to the
number of 1,000, who are to be conducted toward Cambray. M. de
Villiers, who was Governor in Bouchain, has made great intreaty
to hasten these forces. But what matter of importance will be done
that way does not yet clearly appear.
The King has been advertised by Maldonado, the Spanish
Secretary, now confirmed from thence by his own Ambassador, that
about Sept. 4 the realm of Portugal was reduced entirely into the
Spanish King's power. Now lately it is advertised that Don
Antonio is fled into Barbary to get aid, if he may find any means ;
since he has found little assistance hitherto among Christian
Princes. The Spanish King uses much clemency towards the
Portuguese.
There has come advertisement that the Rochelois have taken a
principal person of Spain, with money for the Prince of Parma ;
but Maldonado assures me he is but a private gentleman sent to
the Emperor with 5 or 6 jennets, and that the King has sent to
have him released.
The Spanish King has sent to Cavaliero Giraldi to deal no
further with this King in the affairs of Portugal. To this he has
yielded, and seeks favour that way. The Spanish King looks for
supplies from Italy ; his ships are newly victualled.
This King is sending Girolamo Gondi to Marshal de Retz, who
is with the young Duke of Savoy ; and so he passes to Rome,
whither the Bishop of Mande, late chancellor to his Highness, goes
to be the King's ambassador ligier ; the other to be revoked.
M. de Foix would have supplied the place ; but though he is reconciled
to the Church, the Pope would not accept him.
The King purposes to stay at Dolinville till Villeroy returns from
Cognac. He was dispatched thither yesterday, though the King
had purposed to meet his Queen at Orleans, which is yet deferred.
At Marshal de Coss's coming, good hope was conceived that
peace would at once ensue ; but that opinion 'is now quailed,' and
all shows and preparations used to the contrary.
Advertisement has come of d'Aubigny's prosperous success in
Scotland, and that William Stuart is made governor of Dumbarton.
They expect commissioners for the renewing of the amity with
France. They say here that the Erskines left the King at his
last going to Edinburgh. They look for Monbreny, kinsman to
d'Aubigny's wife, and Kerry his secretary, a sure conveyor of those
designs.
Sundry of the great lords who have come into France have
become Papists.
It is written from Scotland that the borderers have begun some
skirmishes ; so they assure themselves there will be a French
faction on foot again shortly.
In this sort on all sides it seems there is a meaning to raise
troubles and disorders, if their wishes take effect.Moret, 4 Oct.
1580.
Add. and endt. gone. 2 pp. [Ibid. IV. 162.]
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Oct. 4.
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448. COBHAM to [WALSINGHAM].
Some months ago there went into England a Modenese named
Castelvetro, 'of whom I was this day enquired of' by the
ambassador of Ferrara, he being desirous to send his letters to him.
I have offered to see them safely delivered. It has been signified
to me that Castelvetro is an 'Arriane,' and holds strange opinions.
But he is rather thought and suspected to be a Jesuit ; 'pretending'
to find means to become the Scottish king's schoolmaster for the
Italian tongue, wherein he professes to be exquisite. He has made
a friendship with Camillo Cardonio, the son of a Neapolitan, lately
come over, whose father is dead since his departure, and was
'devout of the Religion.' I suppose that he is likewise well-affected
but not overwary, and therefore the 'easilier' abused.
I am also requested by the same ambassador to write a letter
of credit in commendation of il Signor Roberto Bellone, d'Udine
Forlana, meaning to retire to England. I could wish he were well
'looked into,' for I suppose he has some other intent ; or else
obtains my letter to use in case of need if he is stayed.
There are sundry who address themselves to Scotland by divers
means.Moret, 4 Oct. 1580.
P.S.Roberto Bellone intends to start hence within two days.
Add. gone. Endd. by L. Tomson. p. [Ibid. IV. 163.]
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Oct. 8.
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449. COBHAM to [? WALSINGHAM].
I have been advertised that Captain Lather, one of the King's
guard and a devout servant of the Scottish Queen, has to-day left
this town by ordinary journey, towards Calais, entrusted with the
packet of Clermont d'Entragues, a captain in the King's guard
and brother-in-law to d'Aubigny. It may contain matter of some
consequence, considering the affairs of those parts, and the
'confident' person who sends them.
The Bishop of Glasgow, I hear, has also written to Lather, who
has been to me for a passport. I assured him that he might pass
into England without any certificate but to show he was a
Scotchman.
In his company is gone from here Mr Seton, Lord Seton's
younger son, a Jesuit, pensioner of the Pope. He was prior of
Pluscatife [Pluscardine], which Earl Morton took from him, and gave
to one of his bastard sons. This gentleman is in 'favour' like
the Duke of Norfolk, resembling him much about the mouth but
somewhat redder-headed, and little hair on his face.
Lord Hamilton is most willing to obey his Majesty's commands,
remaining constantly bent, and could be contented to become
Lord Morton's friend, if the Queen commanded him and ordered
the matter. I hear in sundry ways that he remains very zealous
and constant, notwithstanding the hard and bitter temptations of
his fortune, and I think the Queen may command and possess him
before all other sovereigns. I could wish she would bestow some
liberality.
I think it long since I heard from England and from you.
Moret, 8 Oct. 1580.
Add. and endt. gone. 1 p. [France IV. 164.]
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Oct. 8.
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450. THE QUEEN to DON ANTONIO.
'Serenissimo Prencipe'John Royz de Sousa, the present bearer,
will give you a full report of our reply to his proposals in your
name. We are sure that having regard to the present time, and
to what he will tell you of the state of our affairs, you will take
our answer in good part. How much displeasure we have felt on
account of the sharp blows and thwartings of fortune, which
have lately, according to the current rumour, befallen you, the
bearer can inform you. We are consoled only by a firm opinion
that we have conceived of your magnanimity, which has we are
sure force enough to overcome the malignity of fortune. With
this hope we conclude. 'Vostra affetma : come sorella.' 'Al Re
Don Antonio.'
Draft in hand of Walsingham. Subscription and address in hand
of L. Cave. Endd. with date by L. Tomson. On back some calculations
about stores in Walsingham's hand. Ital. 1 p. [Portugal I. 41.]
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Oct. 8.
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451. THOMAS COTTON to WALSINGHAM.
Of all the misfortunes that have befallen me in these Low
Countries nothing has troubled me more than your opinion that I
was a dangerous man ; wherein though I might then have cleared
myself by such proof as my innocency could witness, yet I never
thought to take time for my 'purgement,' and so neither wrote nor
otherwise 'repined at so great a touch.' But now to show how loth
I am to be in the ill opinion of those who are virtuous, and how far
I am from deserving such a name, I humbly resort to your
judgement what my life has been indeed these two years, and what
occasion I have given for ill opinion. My coming over was to gain
experience, the better to 'enable myself' for her Majesty's service ;
my continuance has been spending my goods and hazarding my
body on every service of account that there has been here, with
such regard to the duty of my country that I dare refer myself to
the 'nearest' search of my doings. How I have been crossed by
certain merchants, and slandered as a man of no reputation, and
how the end has showed, I desire the world should know. I did
indeed hurt a foolish lewd fellow, who I think by extremity of law,
in a place where men of his coat, and friends, shall lack no favour
[sic]. But his villanous tongue has done me more hurt, and that
cause made me lose more time than is in him to recompense. Besides
I may well think some of his 'adherence' (for which he has paid)
have likewise sought my discredit with you ; and no marvel, for I
think you have never heard but one side, which I have always
suffered to let the end judge it.
My request therefore is that you would vouchsafe to impart the
cause to me in detail, or else allow of my 'purgement' and assure
me of your good opinion ; either of which if you would, you will
greatly bind me to do you service, to which I have by nature been
more ready than is meet to write.Antwerp, 8 Oct.
Add. Endd. by L. Tomson (with year). 1 pp. [Holl. and
Fl. XIII. 58.]
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Oct. 8.
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452. HODDESDON to WALSINGHAM.
I have received yours of the 1st inst. and thank you both for it
and for accepting my service.
A ship has arrived here which left 'Alareda' in Biscay on the
19th ult. The master reports that 3 weeks before his coming from
thence there went from Santander 6 tall ships for Ireland, carrying
to the number of 2,000 soldiers all Italians ; and that at his being
in 'Alareda' there was an Irish bishop who had a large commission
from the King to take up certain provision of shipping, munition
and other furniture without let and hindrance of any soever.
Further he says it was certainly given out there that 8,000 Italians
more were in readiness at 'Groyne' to go likewise to Ireland as
soon as shipping could be provided.
Thus I am bold to write what I hear, not doubting but that the
certainty of these matters is better known to you than can be advertised
from hence, 'leaving' in like sort to write anything of the
affairs of these parts whereof you are informed at large by others.
Antwerp, 8 Oct. 1580.
Add. Endd. 1 p. [Ibid. XIII. 59.]
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Oct. 8.
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453. EMANUEL, ERNEST.
Dialogue between two persons on the state of the Low Countries.
They discuss :
1. If the country can be maintained without a prince.
2. If as a popular republic after the Swiss fashion.
3. If as an aristocracy.
4. If it is lawful for us to change lords.
5. Our obligation and the lord's.
6. The good and harm to be expected in the event of either the
Prince of Orange accepting the princedom, or the reception of the
Duke of Anjou.
7. The conditions which in the former case the Prince of Orange
might ask of us, and we in the second should ask the Duke of Anjou.
8. How either ought to comport himself.
9. If it were better to elect successive princes, or introduce a
law like the Salic.
Antwerp, 8 October 1580.
The dialogue follows. It is supposed to take place at Mechlin,
between two 'great personages,' one, Ernest, returning from Cologne,
the other, Emanuel, from the Court of France. It occupies 27 pp.
closely written, and is doubtless that referred to by Rossel in his letter
of Sep. 17 (No. 425).
Fr. 1 + 27 pp. [Ibid. XIII. 60.]
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Oct. 9.
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454. GILPIN to WALSINGHAM.
Since my last, I have 'of new' ['anew' was originally written,
but was corrected in another hand] solicited the States and his
Excellency for expedition. Both seem very desirous that all were
dispatched, and yet are 'marvellous long to forward the same.'
Those of Zealand allege themselves to be overcharged, and the
partition to be unequal ; whereupon it is put to them of this
town and Flanders to consider further of it. It is thought that
each of them will take to their charge 1,500 guilders above the
6,000, so that Zealand should be eased of half, and their part amount
to 3,000 guilders.
To-morrow those of this town in their 'college' are to deal with
this, and next week it will be seen what the States will determine.
The Prince told me when I delivered your letter that he was ready
for her Majesty's better satisfaction to bind himself for the part
which those of Holland ought to 'answer,' and will perform it ; so
it is hoped there will be some end made without sending into
Holland, and no time or labour shall be spared on my behalf to
advance it.
I received your packet this week and delivered the enclosures,
except that to Mr Yorke, who is absent and expected here daily.
For our news you may hereby perceive such as I could learn. I
would not leave 'them' unadvertised, though I am certain 'more
certainer and better are from others sent.'
The division I wrote of before that was growing among the States
in some respects rather increases than diminishes. Those of
Holland seek to withdraw themselves, yielding to nothing that the
States here agree, but run clean contrary, declaring that they
intend to hold by the Pacification of Ghent, and need not to meddle
with the quarrels of others against Malcontents.
They have of late raised there a new 'convoy' upon all goods
coming in and passing by them, and that none may escape, have
ships of war in the mouths of every river and passage. Those of
Zealand, Brabant and Flanders are so aggrieved that they have
sent or will send to them to remove their ships and withdraw the
exaction, or they will seek means to clear the passages by force.
Moreover those of Holland continue to send all kind of victuals,
fuel and other provision to the enemy ; using a trade with them to
their great strengthening ; insomuch that those of Flanders are
arming five ships of war and keep the passages along their coast,
and meet all comers and goers to those parts.
The Prince is still travailing by all means to take up and 'even'
these particular questions which engender division and may be an
overthrow to both at the last. To this end I am given secretly to
understand that there shall be a general meeting of all the United
Provinces at the Hague next month, where not only the taking up
of all those particular griefs shall be treated, but also about the
receiving of Monsieur, whom those of Holland and other places
depending on them, as I wrote to you, 'cannot nor will not yield to
accept of.'
The Prince is sending one to the Estates of Holland, who are
assembled at the Hague, in two days ; and upon his return I hope
to hear further. Paul Buys I take to be altogether 'affectionated'
to England, and he is the man that rules all both in Holland and
among those of the United Provinces who are assembled at
Utrecht.
In Friesland the enemy has taken 'Olderzele,' which was
surrendered by composition, seeing no hope of assistance. The
States' men lie in villages near the good towns, and can venture no
more but with danger upon the enemy, without other help.
Those of the Union have taken order to provide all the towns in
Friesland and thereabouts with sufficient garrisons, for this time of
year will not suffer any service in the field in that country ; and
moreover, to be provided with men, have given order to levy 3,000
foot and 600 horse.
Nivelles being so battered that the breach was 'assaultable,' the
soldiers that kept it yielded by agreement, delivering the place, with
their captains and officers, into the enemy's hands ; and about 200
of them it is said have left the States' service, and are 'entertained'
by the other. Their forces are gone thence to Ninove, which will
not so soon be gotten, being stronger and kept by some of M. de la
Noue's Frenchmen.
It is also much feared that Vilvorde will be attempted, some of
the enemy being come to Louvain, and the Prince sending
3 companies of Scots to Vilvorde, 'would not be' received by those
that kept it.
The Prince returned last Monday from Mechlin. His enterprise
was upon Maestricht, whence the men that were sent thither have
retired with the loss of two only, finding more resistance and less
seconding from within than was hoped.
The want of money is the only overthrow of the States' doings ;
the soldiers in all places being still ready to mutiny, as lately in
Brussels, which had almost made a great stir in the town upon the
enemy's taking of Nivelles.
The chief hope of these countries now depends only upon the
hope of the French aid, which they look for daily, news having
come last Wednesday that Monsieur will accept the offer of the
States, and 'subsign' the articles, finding them reasonable by the
declaration made by the Commissioners of the causes moving them
to make the more strict demands.
To further his promise, Monsieur will forthwith send Marshal de
Coss and M. 'Premiaulx' to the King, to show what intent he was
of, and took order that the Count of 'Rochpott' should with certain
horse and foot forthwith be prepared to hasten to Cambray to assist
the States.
Those of Cambray are said to have broken down all the King of
Spain's arms, and erected the Duke of Alenon's in their place.
This week the Duke of Aerschot passed through Lige toward
the Duchess of Parma, who lies at Namur. The Bishop of Lige
has 2,000 or 3,000 men 'in field' to keep his country from spoiling
and to cut off all stragglers. He has lately taken by composition
a strong house called Diepenbeck, which some freebooters kept, and
ransacked the country about.
I hear that the English rebels begin to be very lusty, and 'stick
not to vaunt' that her Majesty will not only be set to work in
Ireland, but part of England may chance also to be troubled, and
that more hotly than is doubted.
The Earl of Westmorland I hear is gone to Spain, and will have
some great charge from the King, though the Pope perhaps may
bear the name. This was written by my old friend, who has
returned to Cologne, 'and do meane' to 'entertain' him by writing,
to learn further of these proceedings.
A Grey friar that came from Spain brought these news to Lige,
and said further 'to have' heard among the secret and chief
friends of the Catholics, that the French would do nothing that
should or might tend to their harm or the assistance of the other
side.Antwerp, 9 Oct. 1580.
Add. Endd. by L. Tomson, with a note as to the financial question.
3 pp. [Ibid. XIII. 61.]
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