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Oct. 11.
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455. The DUKE OF PRUSSIA to the QUEEN.
Having understood from the repeated complaints of subjects how
their ancient rights and privileges, with those of the Teutonic
Hanse of which they are members, and the treaty of Utrecht, are
beginning to be infringed in your realm by the wrong doing of a
few London merchants, who under the pretext of being a privileged
corporation are trying by private and unlawful agreements to draw
into their own hands all trade by sea and land and upset the rights
of the federated cities and our subjects ; we have thought it our
duty to write to your Majesty, solely with the intention of asking
that our subjects and the Hanse Towns may have their privileges
in England as secure for the future as they have been for a century.
Since then it is at once fair and expedient to keep our subjects
within the terms of the past treaties and their ancient privileges,
that they fall not, by reason of a lust of private advantage, into
mischievous monopolist schemes, and since it is clear how much
inconvenience will arise to our duchy from any interference with
freedom of trade, we beg with all duty that you will have respect
to our intervention and insist on the maintenance of the old
commercial laws and that by virtue of them our subjects may continue
to have free navigation, with the old exercise of their trade.
Insterburg, 11 Oct. 1580. (Signed in autograph) George Frederick.
Add. Endd. Lat. 2 pp. [Germ. States II. 3.]
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Oct. 12.
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456. 'Things to be observed by Burnam.'
Whether the King of Spain be wholly possessed of the kingdom
of Portugal ; if not, what part, and towns, hold out against him.
By whom the forts in Barbary are possessed.
Whether the isles of "Sores" and Madeira are at his devotion.
Whether they think that Brazil and the East Indies will be at
the Spanish king's devotion.
How the King of Spain is beloved by the Portugals.
Whether Don Antonio has any party there, and what persons of
quality and towns of importance are affected towards him ; and
what is become of him.
Whether any of the forts in Barbary, the two islands, the kingdom
of Brazil, and the East Indies are at Don Antonio's devotion.
How much the revenue of the King of Spain will be increased by
Portugal, and how it 'rises.'
What number of 'ships of service' are to be found in Portugal to
serve the King of Spain.
Whether he will be able to hold it without citadels or forts.
Who is appointed governor of the country, and what authority is
given to him.
What party the Duke of Braganza has.
What party Don Antonio can find, if he have foreign support.
Min. in Walsingham's hand. Endd. : Directions for Burnam,
1580.
1 pp. [Spain I. 56.]
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Oct. 12.
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457. COBHAM to [? the SECRETARIES].
I am sorry to hear that these foreign succours are landed in
Ireland. It will easily be a sufficient occasion to disorder that state,
where there is no better fear of God, nor greater duty to their
natural prince.
Methinks the same show of hostility should be sufficient to move
every one in England to prepare his weapons for the defence of the
liberty of their consciences and the service of her Majesty, and our
country.
And since they have passed the 'bonds' so far as to send thither
those aids, no doubt the rest which is prepared will follow.
Therefore I hope her Majesty will 'serve herself' betimes of the
navy, and provide for the safety of her out-islands, that they may
not be gotten as harbours for their ships and galleys, and so draw
their strength nigher, for the easy 'endommaginge' of the body of
her estate ; the remedy being set forward at home, and all delicacy
in apparel, and building, laid aside for this year. I could wish her
Majesty would in time knit to her in alliance all the princes of the
Religion, and if it may be, join to her the navy of Denmark and
other places ; for I would be loath that too great opinion of your
powers should deceive you, considering how many great parties are
confederate against you. And I wish her Majesty would believe
that all their power will be bent if they once begin, and they will
continue it with their treasure, which how great it is, I know to be
sufficiently known.
Further, though her Majesty have sufficient credit abroad, yet
when wars assail and sinister fortune does but appear, that credit
will in part quail. Therefore I desire that she had some money in
Germany and other sure places in foreign countries, which upon
sudden occasion may stand her in stead and continue her credit.
And if some jewels were so laid in deposito, I suppose they will be
hereafter well placed. If I seem too provident, I beseech you let
my zeal be taken for my excuse ; and perhaps through the occasion
of my opinion some wiser thoughts may grow.
It may be thought necessary for her Majesty to send some noble
embassy to the King of Denmark and the princes of Germany ; as
some bishops, whose charges it were reason the clergy should bear,
and other noblemen, and such as should persuade and imprint into
their heavy heads their own dangerous state ; as that they have an
Emperor, whom they despise and set light by, howbeit they will
find him to be the spirit of the Spanish King, and will be [sic]
bold to deal for the Pope in other sort than Charles V or any other
Emperor hitherto has done. And as he has put a garrison in
Vienna contrary to their liberties, so it is likely he means to do
with the rest. Further, they have the Pope's spies and orators
among them ; I mean the Jesuits, who are sent into all coasts.
And thus they suffer their Christian friends to have their estate
hazarded ; being electors of the Emperor, whereby their honour
binds them to be favourers of all those countries which accept their
chief for an Emperor. Much more ought they to hearken after
their well-doing, who together with them have abolished the servitude
of the Pope ; who now begins with the forces of mighty
champions and great treasure to 'travail' the peace of Christendom
and to invade Ireland.
There are many matters of great consequence which may be
'enlarged' to them, which will 'move their conceit' to consider of
the great innovation intended ; for otherwise, if the Queen deal
thus apart, thinking to withstand these confederacies, you know how
dangerous this design will wax. Though this Pope, who is old,
should decease, yet the papal power and consistory will continue
for the 'enlarging' of their See. Also they do not feel the charge,
being allowed out of matters which do not impoverish them,
but on revenues assigned for that purpose, which have annual
continuance.
I have stirred so much in a matter which is better considered,
but the duty of a servant has thus far transported me. I will not
fail to seek to understand, and to advertise ; beseeching you to
persuade her Majesty to 'able' me to stand on my own feet in her
service, and hoping she will not think her benefits cast away. So
God further me in her grace for my benefit, as I think to bestow
her gifts in her service, the sooner the better welcome and the
more beneficial ; hoping that you and the Lord Treasurer will think
that he who serves as a public minister should live on his prince
and country.Moret, 12 Oct. 1580.
P.S.I am advertised that the Prince of Cond has been passed
by the companies of Lavalette and Srillac (a thing very much
unlooked-for) towards Gascony.
There is a post dispatched hither from England, called Francisco,
an Italian. He gave out he was addressed to me, but gave letters
only to Capello the banker, with advertisement of the landing of
some Spaniards and Italians in Ireland. There is also one Robert
Rabbeth, sometime servant to Mr Southcote and known to those of
Sir A. Poulet's house, who showed at the palace at Paris a letter of
Monsieur directed to her Majesty. He is going towards England.
Add. and endt. gone. 2 pp. [France IV. 165.]
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Oct. 12.
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458. JOHN SAINTLEGER to WALSINGHAM.
The taste of your friendship may not suffer me either to forget
the duty which I in this blotted paper most humbly offer, or forgo
to intreat your favour further. The dealing of my father since my
being in these Netherlands has been such towards me that it has
assayed to kill all liking and 'thouche' [qy. touch] of country and
love. Doubt and natural affection withdraw my pen from
disclosing any special matter ; whereupon I deliver my case and
state to your deep consideration and wisdom, most humbly praying
you that at your leisure you will 'persuade with' my good father
so far, that he bury not himself in so dark a tomb that he leave no
light, sign or mark of his name, house, wife, family and children.
This if you will do at the most earnest motion of a poor gentleman
whom you have already bound, you shall bind many more, I trust.
Antwerp, 12 Oct.
Add. (seal). Endd. by L. Tomson (with date). 1 p. [Holl. and
Fl. XIII. 64.]
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Oct. 11-12.
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459. Touching the capture of MR D. ROGERS.
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Oct. 11.
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(1) J. S. Vo Susarte de Fonseca to Colonel Schenck.
I have received your letter, from which I understand your pleasure
is that the soldiers who have taken an Englishman within the
Duke of Cleve's land and 'kaired' him to Blyenbeck, should be
stayed and put in ward, for it is not your pleasure that any of your
men should commit any robbing in the Duke's country. By this
we let you know that certain horsemen have brought here certain
prisoners, we not knowing what they were, nor how the matter
stood, for they presently departed ; not knowing where nor whither
they are 'become.' If we had known of it before, we would have
stayed them ; but we not knowing how to deal therein, for we knew
no otherwise but that they were of your companies. If therefore I
had received some writing before, I would not have suffered them
to depart.Blyenbeck, 11 Oct. 1580.
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Oct. 12.
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(2) Captain Gerard de Roedt of Hockeren to the Council of Cleves.
I have received your letter, from which I understand that an
ambassador from the Queen of England named Daniel Rogers has
been taken within the Duke's dominions with four of his men and
brought to Blyenbeck. I can but give you to understand that at
the time I was at Cleve with Colonel Schenk and knew nothing of
it. Yesterday, when I came to this castle, I understand from my
officers that five horsemen with five prisoners had come here, saying
they were of Col. Schenck's company ; wherefore they let them
come into the castle ; and anon after departed with the prisoners
and all their goods, and I cannot as yet learn where they are. Col.
Schenck wrote to my officers in my absence that if such were there,
they should be stayed and put in hold ; but before the letter came
they had departed, for which I am not a little grieved, and have
put some of my men in 'yarns' until further knowledge, for I
should not be a little ill-thought of to let the enemy bring his
prisoners into our castle. If the English Ambassador were still
here, I would have done according to your desires.Blyenbeck,
12 Oct. 1580.
Presumably translations. In writing of D. Rogers. Endd. by
Burghley's secretary. 1 + 1 pp. [Holl. and Fl. XIII. 62, 63.]
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Oct. 13.
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460. Touching the capture of MR D. ROGERS.
We, burgomaster, 'scheppen,' and council of the town of Cleve
certify that before us [appeared] one Kerst Muller, who upon his
oath hath confessed to us that on Monday last, Oct. 9, he departed
towards Xanten from Cleve about 8 a.m. with seven men a-horse-back
and some baggage in his cart with a man ; and as they came
about Mourenberg in descending the hill (the master of them being
alighted off his horse) six horsemen coming thence 'discharged'
upon them. Four of them being before, two were taken and
brought back, with a horse without a man ; and taking [sic] their
'furniture' from them took them with their baggage, and went up
the hill of Mourenberg through the wood, and so to Aspeerde
[Asperlen] over the bridge by Hassum. One of the horsemen,
taking another cart, sent the carter back again, giving him but one
shilling for his labour ; saying he would come next day to Cleve, at
the Bear, and pay him for all. But none of them is come thither.
Cleve, 13 Oct. 1580.
In writing of Daniel Rogers. p. [Germ. States II. 4.]
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Oct. 15.
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461. FREMYN to WALSINGHAM.
My last was on the 30th ult. Here the Malcontents have
attempted nothing since the surrender of Nivelles. At present all
the leaders are assembled at Mons to deliberate what is to be done.
They are spreading a report that they mean to besiege Vilvorde,
which Col. Stuart with his regiment has entered ; or attack Ninove,
where there are 12 ensigns of French and 7 companies of this
country, who will not be easy to take. The enemy is very slow
about his enterprises in Friesland, where he is master of the open
country, and in strength. Our people who are there remain on
the defensive without attempting much. In Guelders it seems there
are some who want to make a disturbance if they are not anticipated.
To remedy this it is said that his Excellency will soon go to those
parts. The good prince has plenty to do in this treacherous time.
Those of Brabant fully agreed last Thursday to Monsieur's coming
hither, and all the difficulties are set aside ; an envoy to that effect
goes to his Highness to-morrow. Last Friday a certain number of
people were named to establish a new council for Brabant, as also
for the sale of ecclesiastical property.
The deputies who are in France have not written since the 25th ;
something is expected from them every day, to learn the intention
of the King. Some days ago the brother of M. de Marquette
was captured near Crvecur with 8 French captains who were
going on Monsieur's behalf to Cambray with a lot of letters, which
have been sent to the Prince of Parma. It is reported here that
M. de la Noue has escaped from prison in the castle of Charlemont.
It remains to do something ; several people are after that in these
quarters.
To-morrow his Excellency's daughter will be baptized ; Brabant
is to name herthat is the estates of Brabant.
There is something wrong here, namely that they are so long
over their business that they have not yet taken order in the event
of their not being helped by M. d'Anjou, to have another resource
ready, so assured are they on that side, which still is very doubtful ;
besides the perfidies which are practised to-day to exterminate
those who profess any religion besides the Roman Catholic, of
which one can see great beginnings, if measures are not promptly
taken to cut short this plan which has been brewing since the
journey to Bayonne, and of which we have seen the effect only too
much to want to continue it.
For the rest, everyone is curious to see what will be the upshot
of Monsieur's business, in the matter of the English marriage.
In Germany matters are dormant pending the issue of the peace
negotiations in France. The Prince of Cond has been advised to
withdraw to 'Niowstat,' inasmuch as he is not safe at Frankenthal,
which he has done or will do.
A clerk of the finances at Brussels named Fonck has been put
in prison, and they are searching in his accounts. There has been
found an 'article' of 90,000 florins, which he has stolen ; however
he was only condemned to pay for an 'article' of 30,000, as he
was an official in the service of the generality. He is however not
let out of prison ; he will have to pay more if the search is continued.
There will be found a good sum of money pertaining to
others.
M. de Laval is in this town with a few attendance. There is a
rumour of a marriage between him and Mlle d'Orange ; they have
been talking of it for all the month.Antwerp, 15 Oct. 1580.
P.S.I am sending you a letter on the result of the attempt on
Maestricht.
Add. (seal). Endd. Fr. 2 pp. [Holl. and Fl. XIII. 65.]
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Oct. 16.
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462. ROSSEL to WALSINGHAM.
At the end of my last I reminded you of your promise of two
years ago, as I do again at the outset of the present ; and that by
the advice of Mr. Gilpin. To him I represented the favours which
with less endeavour and service others whose names I could mention
are receiving from her Majesty. I am sure he will back me on this
point, which I beg you will not impute to importunity, but believe
that so far as you are concerned I do not intend to be other than a
volunteer servant ; but to kings and queens a salaried servant,
which is to pay due honour to their highnesses.
You will have learnt by my last that the intention of our
Malcontents was to attack Ninove. But they find their power and
resources are weakened by the exhaustion of the greater part of
their finances in the payment of the Germans who have gone into
Friesland and other expenses, so that little seems to be left of the
650,000 crowns mentioned in the intercepted letters. The Malcontents
have been informed, as have we also, that the force which M.
de Rochepot was to bring to Cambray are advancing and assembling
in Picardy ; for which reason they have divided their forces,
sending some against Cambray while the rest stays about Ninove and
the neighbourhood for convenience of victuals and meanwhile to look
out for some opportunity of surprising a town. They had a design
on Vilvorden, being aware that it was ill-provided with men and
munitions. This has perforce been remedied ; as in the way of
our Estates who will not stir unless somebody pricks them. Colonel
Stewart is there with his regiment, properly provided and supplied ;
as also are all the doubtful town, awaiting the desired arrival and
aid of M. d'Alenon. This was agreed to by Brabant only on the
12th inst. at the solicitation of the four Members of Flanders ; who
threatened otherwise to dissolve their union with Brabant. The
messenger will start to-day with the resolution, to authorise the
deputies, who otherwise could make no further progress without a
verbal report of their proceedings. The assembly of the States in
the union, to be held at the Hague on the 20, has been made
cognizant of and included in this resolution. There it is hoped
that the proper understanding between the provinces will be restored
and all the moyens gnraux brought into a common purse. Those
of Brabant and Flanders have agreed to this ; and a provincial
council of 30 persons has been set up to effect it. They will
deliberate and resolve on all matters of state ; will indeed dispose
absolutely of the moyens gnraux and finances, without the advice
of one or the other province.
His Excellency will start in four days, followed by his Highness,
who as I think will fix his ordinary residence at the Hague, when
he will await the ambassadors from the Emperor and the four
electors, who are on the road, bringing us fine writs (exploits) ; but
they will come too late, for Jacta est alea.
It is stated that the King of France has written to congratulate
those of Holland on the acceptance of M. d'Alenon, to whom he
promises every favour and assistance. But he cannot declare himself
against the King of Spain without incurring infamy, by reason
of the strait alliance he has with him ; unless some other ground of
resentment appears to enable him to do so. I believe that if any
such letter has been written to Holland the same has been done to
Brabant, Flanders and the rest ; unless the letters have been intercepted,
as there is reason to doubt. For we have assured news that
between Chastellet and Cambray a gentleman has been captured, a
captain at Cambray, named M. Doain, brother to M. de Marquette,
bringing M. d'Alenon's packet to M. d'Inssy, the governor of
Cambray. By this we may be sure that they have discovered all
that is going on, and the hope of his succour. So, too, it is thought
they have done with others, for by private letters to the merchants
it is certain that Marshal Strozzi has started in aid of Portugal
with 5,000 French ; and that peace is made between the Turk and
the Persian, which will be much to the disadvantage of Spain,
which will at last be crushed, though it seems to be successful in
Portugal.
I should be glad to know the state of things in Ireland, to rebut
the retailers of false news who say that is even worse than in
Friezland ; the state of which I will not discuss, because I am
assured of the industry of Mr Norris, who wins great honour.
Antwerp, 16 Oct. 1580.
Add. Endd. Fr. 3 pp. [Holl. and Fl. XIII. 66.]
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Oct. 16.
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463. COBHAM to the QUEEN.
The advertisements from Spain are that King Philip has been sick
of the Petechie, in great extremity for fourteen days ; being somewhat
recovered, but remaining weak and faint, and not altogether
out of danger. The French King since being at Dolinville has
fallen sick and been let blood. He has to enter on a diet which is
appointed him to continue for fourteen days. He has requested his
mother to return to him and has sent M. d'Arques to the Queen his
wife. But no peril is feared in his sickness.
Since their Majesties left Fontainebleau, upon knowledge that
old M. Lansac was indisposed, I took occasion to visit him, and
enter into discourse of Portugal. It seems by his speeches that he
takes the realm as lost for the time, affirming that King Philip has
unjustly impatronised himself of Portugal, contrary to right and
reason ; wherein he somewhat pleaded for Queen Mother's claim.
He wished the Indias might be reserved from the Spaniards, wherein
I perceive that they purpose to continue practice with Don Antonio.
M. Lansac further signified to me that M. Mauvissire had
written to him that your pleasure was to remember him and to
enquire what opinion he had of you. Whereon he took occasion to
commend your wise government. He makes show of great desire
that some good offices might pass for the establishing of a more
entire amity between the Christian King and yourself. He thinks
the Venetians will be willing to enter into it. I made no further
answer on that point till I received your commands, but left him in
great good mind, and exceedingly well beat. He concluded that
whereas there was an opinion that some of the French Court bore
affection to the King of Spain, he wished all such were hanged.
I have heard that there is some secret unkindness among the
Dukes of Italy, and that Cardinal d'Este is ill-satisfied with this
Pope. I wish your Majesty would think to be further informed
thereof ; whereby you might turn the Italian humours from infesting
and annoying the body of your estates.Moret, 16 Oct. 1580.
Holograph. Endd. by L. Tomson. 2 pp. [France IV. 166.]
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Oct. 17
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464. COBHAM to the SECRETARIES.
I have not yet received any certain intelligence of his Highness's
return from his conference with the King and Queen of Navarre,
or what fruit has grown of that interview. But the companies of
men of war assembled in sundry parts for the most part march
towards those quarters ; except certain troops which, they write
from Picardy, M. Fervacques has lately conducted towards Cambrai
at the command of his Highness. They likewise write that Rochepot
has been taken there by the Malcontents of the Low Countries,
and it is reported that the States have had but evil success.
The Commissioners as yet await Monsieur's return, with no
great comfort of present assistance ; since they will not grant that
French garrisons may be placed in their towns, nor will the king
be induced at their instance to declare himself against the King of
Spain, for the advancement of that action.
The King having commanded the strong houses and castles of
Gascony, which have been held against him, to be 'raysed,' the
gentlemen of that country have sent hither to entreat that his
ordinance might be mitigated. The Council last week considered
their request, and confirmed the king's will therein ; and further,
that according to the ordinance made this year, all those lands shall
be confiscate and bestowed at the king's pleasure, which the
Gascon lords and gentlemen find grievous.
A gentleman of the Religion, who has been sundry times this
year, and often lately, employed by the king and his mother to the
King of Navarre and Monsieur about the negotiations for peace,
returned last week to the king at Dolinville ; when the king, in
conference with him, among other long discourse, said he had
now power ready and arms sufficient to oppress those of the
Religion ; but for the pity he had for his people, he meant to
abstain from so great rigour so long as they would contain themselves
within the compass of the last pacification, and surrender
his towns which they had since surprised ; otherwise he would be
known to be their king.
The gentleman desired him to have compassion of his subjects,
and not to put them into desperation, for they had yet means to
withstand extremity. The king said he knew their means ; and as
for Casimir, he had news even then from Schomberg there was but
small comfort for their purposes.
Notwithstanding, letters have been written from Germany advertising
of levies preparing for the Prince of Cond ; but I cannot
see how they may be believed.
The Duke of Ferrara has lately sent Count Luigi di Montecucullo
Ferrarese, and since that, Signor 'Ascanyo Ezilam,' for the better
entertaining of the marriage with the young queen's sister, Anne
de Vaudemont, of which I have spoken in my former letters.
Dr. Jacomo Corbinelli is entertained to instruct the lady in the
Italian tongue, being at this instant with her sister, at the Baynes.
The ambassador ligier of Savoy, and the Count of Saintfrey,
sent from the Duke of Savoy to 'accomplish' with their Majesties,
assure me that the Count Montereal, who was ambassador ligier, at
at my coming hither, is assigned by their Duke to repair to the
Queen.
Captain Anselme has gathered 25 companies in the marquisate of
Saluces, whereon the king is entered into some jealousy.
Since the king's going to Dolinville, the Duke of Guise has
retired to Dampierre ; whereon an opinion rose that he had gone
into Champagne.
Marshal Matignon has recovered, and has had a letter from
Normandy of the Spaniards landing in Ireland, with news of a
battle won against her Majesty's Deputy ; which he showed to
Cardinal Birague. Whereon they entered into further discourse of
the Pope's pretence to the realm of Ireland, and that it was likely
that much of the forces with the Spanish King were to be bestowed
on those coasts. The Queen Mother is looked for at Dolinville
to-day.
The Duke of Florence, having sought his Highness's favour,
made means by the Bishop of Mande to have his liking continued
towards him, though the king had disgraced him in granting precedence
to the Duke of Ferrara ; and offered to lend him 200,000
crowns at his pleasure. Which the duke has since refused to
Monsieur ; whereon his Highness is displeased, and has taken
unkindness against the Duke.
By the enclosed you may see the advertisements lately sent from
London.
The Earl of Westmorland is recovered. It is thought he departs
hence very shortly.
The king and queen are informed that the Prince of Cond has
returned into France, but I do not hear it confirmed.
The Duke of Maine has taken Beauvoir and Saint Quentin, two
small weak-walled places in Dauphin, and has sent to ask the king
if he shall besiege la Mure, a place somewhat fortified by those of
the Religion, with a garrison in it of 1,500 good soldiers.
It is judged that the King of Navarre will be the 'easilier'
induced to yield to the opinion of his Highness in this treaty now
in handling, and more willingly persuaded by Villeroy and Bellivre,
because he finds his forces weakened, and discovers that some
Protestant gentlemen are weary with the continuance of these
troubles, and loath to offend, so long as they may enjoy the use of
their religion. The sequel is likely to be that the towns will be
rendered, and all happen as the king commands.
I enclose a letter sent by Pierre Dor, the consul of the French
merchants 'trading Portugal,' who was sent by Don Antonio to
their Majesties, and is now again sent to Portugal to 'follow that
practice.' Please direct in what sort I shall answer, or in what
manner by letters I may entertain him.Moret, 17 Oct. 1580.
Add. Endd. 3 pp. [France IV. 167.]
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Oct. 17.
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465. COBHAM to [? WALSINGHAM].
I did not fail to deal with the king as you commanded me in
your letter received by Jean de Vicques, though I know not how
long my audience will be deferred on account of his sickness at
Dolinville, where he has passed his time this fortnight very
privately, accompanied only by d'Arques, la Valette, and d'O. But
now he has sent for his mother, who is expected to-day at the
latest, and therefore some of his officers have repaired thither likewise.
All affairs seem to stand still till advertisements come from his
Highness and Villeroy of the interview.
The King's sickness is happened through wantonness 'yoused'
among the nuns, having shed blood at his * * * * * * * * * *,
which may become more dangerous.
Jean de Vicques gives me to understand that Mr Stafford is passing
the nearest way by Paris toward Monsieur.
Please excuse me, not only to yourself but to the Lord Treasurer,
if he were made privy to my 'appassionate' words in my last letter
touching my suit. I will make amends with great patience and
assured service.Moret, 17 Oct. 1580.
Add. and endt. gone. Italic denotes cipher. p. [Ibid. IV. 168.]
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Oct. 17.
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466. DUKE OF LTZELSTEIN to STURMIUS.
Your letter was brought to me yesterday by George Zolger, whom
you dispatched hither on English matters. It did not depend on
me to promote that business to the best of my ability ; for I have
now been awaiting an answer by the envoy whom the Queen,
through Secretary Wilson, had sent on that subject. It is a matter
of great moment, and reaches further than could be supposed by
others who have no knowledge of things. So, on account of
expediency, and for the Queen's sake, that of religion, and my own,
not lightly to perform the duties committed to my hands [sic], nor
shall I fail to promote the cause of religion and the Queen all I can.
Would only that good admonitions, when the safety of the Church
and her adherents is at stake, might be taken to heart by
magnates, especially those who with the aid of God can be a help to
themselves and others. Go on with your diligent admonitions, as
you are strong in authority ; with some at any rate your labour will
not prove in vain. You can write on my part, if he asks you, to
Walsingham as to what service I can render, and why he has not
remained till now expecting an answer from me [sic] ; and greet
him in my name as a sincere and pious and no less constant
guardian of the cause against Antichrist. I wish you would come
and see me, for I would rather talk than write. I will do all I can
to keep the prince well-minded toward you.17 Oct. 1580.
(Signed) George John Count Palatine.
Add. Endd. by Walsingham : from D. George Palatine to
Sturmius. Lat. 1 p. [Germ. States II. 5.]
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Oct. 20.
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467. JOHN NORRIS to WALSINGHAM.
Our Friesland news are such as neither sound with any great
reputation for us to report them nor will content you to hear them.
All our proceedings pass with confusion ; our army dispersed, half
drawn into garrisons and the rest so frighted with often defeats as
not easily to be assembled ; the event of the war thought so
desperate as the States show small care to maintain it. Our
enemies' state is not much better for want of pay and continual
mutinies. They are now before Stenwyk, a small town in Overyssel,
not strong, yet having in it 800 men it is well able to hold by
reason of the enemy's slender provision. But now-a-day 'these
country men' are so used to compositions that few think good
to abide the cannon.
It was reported here that Mr Rogers was taken in Cleveland by
certain freebooters of Skinke's. I have sent a trumpet to the
Duke of Cleves to know the certainty.
The news of Brabant I will refer to Mr Somme [qy. Somere],
where (as it is written) they live by loss as well as we. They give
us great alarms of the Spaniards landing in Ireland.
The 'Guelderois' and Frisons will in no case yield to the
accepting of Monsieur ; at least will give no consent till they see
what commodity the other provinces receive by him.Campen
20 Oct. 1583.
Add. Endd. 1 p. [Holl. and Fl. XIII. 67.]
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Oct. 20.
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468. COBHAM to WALSINGHAM.
I sent Mr Waad to visit Cavaliero Giraldi, and speak earnestly to
him for the money due upon his bill, the payment of which he had
promised me long before this. But he now desires you to consider
the state he stands in, and complains that for a long time he has
received no payment from Portugal ; and thus rather excuses and
defers than gives any hope of payment. So I defer to press him any
more, or use any other way, till I have your further pleasure.
The ambassador informed Mr Waad that the Catholic king was
become sovereign of the entire realm of Portugal, using much
clemency towards the people, so that he might win their minds.
He 'shows' to be of opinion that the French will do nothing, as long
as they stand in the terms they are in, nor will break out into war
with the Spaniards ; and doubts whether Monsieur will attempt any
further enterprise in the Low Countries, assuring Mr Waad that if
the Italians who were brought into Spain have not as yet passed
into Ireland, he thought they would certainly be sent thither next
Spring. Portugal being at the Catholic king's devotion, he did not
want ships, and if the Queen did not take order in time, she would
not be sure in Richmond, for she might think how those who were
of contrary religion to her would do as the Protestants had done
here in France. He supposed too that the French king would by all
means bring his State to be entirely at his devotion, thereby
strengthening himself against the Spanish king, who has become
strong and formidable. And if the Catholic king and the Christian
should join together, they might easily subvert the Protestant
factions. He complains much that the Queen did not vouchsafe to
give audience to the ambassador from Don Antonio. In this sort
he uttered his humour to Mr Waad.
I suppose the poor gentleman is greatly perplexed, having suffered
the loss of so many kings during his legation in England and
France, and otherwise encumbered with want. Nevertheless I
would not 'leave' to let you know the opinion Mr Waad found and
left him in at his last visit.Moret, 20 Oct. 1580.
Add. Endd. 1 p. [France IV. 169.
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