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Dec. 11.
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511. GILPIN to WALSINGHAM.
The Commissioners for Brabant departed last Thursday towards
Holland, and having the day before conferred with M. Scheurmans,
who was one of those that went for this town, 'did promise me' he
would deal very earnestly in the cause of Signor Pallavicino. Since
I received your letter, and according to commission having got
leave of Mr Governor, who at your desire was most ready to conform
himself thereafter, I resolve to depart towards Holland about
the middle of next week, to which end I am settling my business
in good order with all the endeavour I can, and have given
M. Junius and Ymans knowledge thereof. They promise their
earnest letters to the Commissioners ; as also to those of Flanders.
Though my provision towards charges is not very plenty, I would
not be in default to accomplish my duty, for all I have is ready at
all times and my body if need require, to do you acceptable service.
The news of Ireland were no less joyful than welcome amongst
all good patriots, wishing they could once come forward to make
such good wars, thereby to ease their troubles, which multiply daily.
If I might, by your order, hear during my stay in Holland what
passes in Ireland or at home, it would not only be a means to procure
the understanding of what these parts yield, but also greatly
pleasure his Excellency and those of Holland, who will not a little
rejoice to hear of the Irish overthrow. I will leave orders with my
man for the conveyance of letters from you or for you during my
absence.
From Friesland no particulars are heard, only that the States'
men are gone to the rescue of Steenwick, a place of small importance,
but worthy to be cared for, for the valour of those who defend
it.
The Englishmen have done great service ever since their being
there, with small loss of their side ; having plagued the Duke of
Cleves' country for favouring the enemy. Mr Norris is said to
have taken one of the Duke's chief men, called his 'overste
Marschalke,' and will not release him till Mr Rogers is set at
liberty.
The States from all sides, and united provinces, are together in
Holland, and begin to treat of their affairs. Here there is now no
more meeting of any of them, nor yet of Brabant ; but the late new
Council erected to direct the business of this province is established,
and meets daily. They have since their entry, to begin good orders
seized upon all suspected receivers, treasurers, and paymasters ;
calling them to account for their dealing since these troubles, and
the States Government.
The Court of Chancery, which has this good while been kept
here, must depart to Brussels, as the chief place of wonted residence.
The camp of the four Members of Flanders that was lately
gathered there lies before Alost. They are minded to 'lay battery'
before it, having taken two or three strong houses which the enemy
had seized not far from 'Dermondt,' to the great annoyance of that
town.
The Flanders Malcontents lie round Cambray, distressing the
town greatly, so that if the French do not make haste, there is no
doubt of danger of that place.
There has been great talk here of the King of Spain's death ; and
reported for certain that in all towns which the Malcontents hold,
prayers and processions were made for his health.
Monsieur is said to be on his journey hither ; the peace concluded
and proclaimed ; and the King of Navarre's forces to make for these
countries. But the greater sort believe nothing less.
We hear here that Don Antonio has had an overthrow, but not
wholly discomfited, nor yet 'Port Port' lost, as was reported.
The Hollanders as yet, it is said, will not hearken to the coming
of Monsieur, though they can abide to hear of his help and suffer
Flanders and Brabant to accept it.—Antwerp, 11 Dec. 1580.
Add. Endd. 2 pp. [Holl. and Fl. XIII. 79.]
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Dec. 11.
[Lettres de C.
de M. vii.
299.]
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512. QUEEN MOTHER to the QUEEN.
I would not let this bearer Mr Stafford return without this word
merely in order to refresh your memory of the best sister and
surest friend that ever you will have, and who desires to be by all
means continued in your favour, and to see the friendship between
us closely confirmed and increased. Every time that I see a need
for putting off the effect so desired by me, I cannot help regretting
it as much as if it shortened [? ambregayt] my life ; and it would
be a great displeasure to end it before I can have the happiness of
calling you daughter instead of sister. Now that the commissioners
are going to you, let me entreat that nothing may turn you aside
from making such a prompt and good conclusion that before I die I
may see you the mother of a fair son, and have the greatest joy I
could desire in this world.—Blois, 11 Dec. 1580.
Holograph. Add. Fr. 1 p. [France IV. 186.]
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Dec. 12.
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513. COBHAM to the QUEEN.
The king commanded MM. Chiverny, Villequier, and Secretary
Pinart to enter into conference with me, appointing the place in a
garden beside the Court, where to-day I met those personages. Our
conference tended to this effect : that the king determined to 'able'
Monsieur, if you would favour him likewise with your means, to be
the person who might oppose himself to the Spanish ambition.
This should be done by sundry attempts, as their 'tempting and
tasting' speeches showed. I have enlarged on this conference to the
Secretaries. Your Majesty will I suppose be advertised of it by
M. Mauvissière, for I understand the king has ordered what passed
to be signified to him.
The king has given order that Marshal de Cossé and the Count
of Soissons should come to Court, to 'prepare themselves towards'
England.
The Queen Mother says now peace is made in France, she hopes
no further mischances will happen, but that they may enjoy their
wishes, and this long desired alliance.—Blois, 12 Dec. 1580.
Add. and endt. gone. 1 p. [France IV. 187.]
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Dec. 12.
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514. COBHAM to [the SECRETARIES].
On Sunday the 11th inst. Mr Secretary Pinart came to tell me
that the king had assigned M. Chiverny, M. Villequier, and himself
to confer with me, appointing a place of meeting in the king's
garden apart from the Court. I repaired there to-day at 7 o'clock.
After I had walked there some time they came together towards
me ; when, after salutations, M. Chiverny showed me that his
Majesty had commanded that they should spend some time in
treating of the affairs concerning the king and the queen my
Sovereign. On entering the room prepared, M. Chiverny said they
would impart to me the good news his Majesty had that instant
received, how the point of difficulty for the exchange of Réolle was
'accorded on,' the king of Navarre being pleased to take Montségur
and Puymori (Puymirol). I assured him the Queen would receive it
as great good news, knowing it to be a matter which the king seemed
to have found very convenient for his state, and would also conceive
it to be an advancement of Monsieur's honour and dignity, which
she desired.
Being set down to enter into conference, M. Chiverny said that
the king desired not only to continue the amity and treaties made
heretofore by their predecessors, but further coveted exceedingly to
have a more entire intelligence and mutual benevolence to pass
between them than hitherto had been ; for the present estate for
divers reasons so required, and he also supposed the Queen would
find it good, considering the time.
Therefore they were sent to understand of me if her Majesty
had the like will. If she had, would I declare to them what she
required to be added to former treaties, either for the increase of
the amity and strengthening of their Majesties, or the better
assurance of the traffic, which he thought had not had so free course
as was meant by the last treaty, since divers of her Majesty's
subjects had complained, and likewise many of the king's subjects
on the sea-coast lamented on the injuries done them by depredations.
So the king had commanded them to do all things necessary
for the satisfaction of the Queen, not doubting but that she would
do the like.
Whereon I said that as I understood from M. Pinart it had
pleased the king to command me to repair to that place, perceiving
how I might conceive good hope that his pleasure is to mean well
to my sovereign ; considering he had appointed three such persons
as M. Chiverny, who for his knowledge of the laws and experience
in the government and ordinances of this realm had the honour to
be Keeper of his Seal ; as also M. Villequier, whose worthiness had
made the king use him as a most private servant, having employed
his counsel in his greatest affairs, being entrusted with the government
of his chief city, and the Isle of France ; and M. Pinart, one
of his chief Secretaries of State, managing the affairs not only of a
good part of this realm, but of regions adjacent.
So that for wise consideration of matters of importance, his
Majesty could not have made greater choice ; which may also move
the Queen to think that he now intends thoroughly to go forward
in this treaty ; as it has pleased him of late, both by messages
delivered by M. Mauvissière, as also by speeches uttered to me of
great show of goodwill, for further entrance into straiter amity with
her ; which is confirmed by the present relation of M. Chiverny. In
return for this I lately delivered to his Majesty at Olinville my
sovereign's entire thanks, assuring him that she not only accepts
in singular good part his offer of friendship, but also binds herself
in honour to shew 'gratuity' in deeds.
Further, whereas the king has signified, both by his ambassador
and by me, that he thought it convenient both for the better satisfaction
of his own mind, respect to his commonwealth and country,
and the good consideration he has for the repose in which her
Majesty has so long governed, that they should enter into mutual
consideration how they might by due means oppose the greatness
of the Spanish King.
Which purpose the Queen has not only liked, but has commanded
me to confer either with his Majesty or with such as he shall
appoint to deliberate on affairs to that end.
M. Villequier then said that the king not only meant to enter into
amity with the Queen more particularly than with any other prince,
but also had commanded them to deal as frankly with me as if I
were a natural Frenchman, being disposed to satisfy the Queen in
anything for the better defence of her states if occasion required.
Then M. Pinart. seeing me silent after those speeches, said there
were certain points in the last treaty which had not been hitherto
fully accomplished ; as the point to have two 'Estaples,' one at
Rouen, the other at London, for the English and French merchants,
which would be a good means for the quiet and commodious traffic
of both nations. Likewise there had been certain 'notes of order'
devised (which I delivered from her Majesty) which were considered
by the king and his Council, and something added thereto by
M. de Meilleraye, which being sent to England were never returned.
The putting in use of these might serve the quiet trafficking of the
subjects of both nations. In this, or anything else which might
be thought convenient, the king had commanded them to declare
to me his willingness, if I should move any matter.
I told M. Pinart that for the two staples, it was a thing with
which I was not acquainted, being a treaty of 1572, and not considered
since my entry into this service. I answered the point in
this sort, because I had understood in England and perceived by
conference with English merchants here, since my coming, that to
have a staple at Rouen would be very prejudicial and dangerous to
the Queen's subjects. To the other point, concerning the articles
of piracy and depredations, I showed that the Queen having
ordered the matter by the advice of her Council, commanded those
articles to be sent to me, and I delivered them to the king. They
were afterwards considered by the Court, but what effect they have
since taken, I have not heard.
But M. Pinart not being satisfied with this, wished (according
to the conference he had with me concerning the increase, altering,
or mending of the contract made in 1572, or for matter of offence
or defence which might be for the benefit of both realms and contentment
of the Queen), that I would propound, and they were
ready to hearken and take order therein.
On this M. Villequier said the point of offence or defence was
chiefly to be considered as a cause of great moment ; forasmuch as
the Spanish king had already sent forces into Ireland, which
country, though it belonged to her Majesty, the king had 'in
recommendation,' as all other her states. Besides, how far his
ambition in time might stretch, the king thought it good in policy
to be provident. Wherefore if it seemed good that either succour
might be sent thither, or forces employed elsewhere to withdraw
the Spanish king from those enterprises, 'if I would declare the
same, they meant to consider thereon with me.'
On my remaining silent after these speeches, M. Chiverny took
occasion to say that the employing of forces toward the frontiers of
Italy or some such place might move King Philip to withdraw his
enterprise in Ireland and his forcible manner of proceeding in
Portugal.
M. Pinart added that an occasion might now be taken hold of
for the king to deal underhand in favour of Monsieur, if the
Queen would join him ; 'upon that' the Albanese and Spanish
Malcontents had 'distressed' certain of Monsieur's companies.
Villequier said it was a very good occasion for the king to help
his brother underhand, if the Queen would 'do for' him.
Chiverny gave as an example that when Charles V made war
against the Protestant princes in Germany, the king's father helped
the Landgrave and other princes with the sum of 100,000 crowns
and other favours, that they withstood the malice of the Emperor.
To which I replied that the Queen would very well like anything
to be done for the advancement of Monsieur's honour, or to content
him ; but it might seem to them, as men of judgement and experience,
that it was necessary for them of the Low Countries to be of confederacy
with the king, or if he intended anything in Italy, it was
no less convenient to be known what assurance of amity he had in
those parts. Upon knowledge of this the Queen might assist him
with such intelligence as she has there ; otherwise the King of
Spain would 'prevail' himself over them, and make the enterprise
more dangerous to this king.
Villequier took occasion to say that it was not honourable for
the king and the Queen to have them of the Low Countries, being
another prince's subjects, to join in confederacy with them,
nor 'were it much pertinent to have any other of those mean
princes' of Italy or Germany made privy to the treaty. It would
suffice if the king's and Queen's power were united, having the
person of Monsieur as the enterpriser, maintained and backed by
them ; notwithstanding he should be so restrained that he might
not make any further enterprise than to both their Majesties should
seem good. "This," said Villequier, "is the matter and person
whereon we may take the best subject for this treaty, as a ready
means to impeach the greatness of the King of Spain." They
wished me therefore to make no further difficulty, but to 'utter
myself' so far as I had commission, as they had done for their parts.
For, M. Pinart said, matters are now so passed, that there is great
intelligence and sincere love between the king and Monsieur.
Besides other good demonstrations, Monsieur's late travails for
effecting the peace have stirred up and confirmed the king's good
will towards him so far that he esteems him his good brother,
friend, and son ; purposing to favour him in his actions, if the
Queen will join therein, as they hope.
To this speech of M. Pinart's I replied that the Queen had
sufficiently testified her good will and 'gratuity' towards his Highness,
and now would be most glad to understand the king's affection
to be so entirely settled on him ; which being signified to her, it is
very likely she would willingly resolve to accompany or assist
Monsieur above any other prince in Christendom, the rather when
she understands that by the mouths of such confident ministers
it is declared that the king is bent to advance his enterprises with
all his means and forces.
'Wherewith pausing,' M. Villequier said he thought the present
occasion was to be taken, and no time to be deferred ; saying that
though our meeting would be cloaked, yet men of judgement
would penetrate into the consideration of it. And since the peace
was now concluded, the king having armed men in readiness, and
the season of the year approaching, the sooner the resolution were
had, the better provision for the 'effectuing' would with like speed
be put in readiness.
M. Pinart further said, he doubted the Queen continued in the
opinion she was wont to show, that she mistrusted there was some
assured association and secret intelligence between the King of
Spain and his Majesty.
I answered that what her opinion therein was, I had not heard ;
but it might appear that other princes deemed so much, as the king
perhaps may find by their manner of negotiation with him. But
when given clearly to understand the contrary by his frank proceeding
against his only competitor, King Philip, it was likely that other
princes, both Protestants and Catholics, would declare themselves
his friends in better manner than perhaps hitherto has been discovered.
Therefore it were pity that a prince of magnanimity
should seek by dissimulation to compass his affairs ; but rather with
valour and courage in a just cause to [sic] make himself known.
Whereon M. Chiverny said that the king determined to show
himself as they had clearly dealt with me ; so to spend any further
time were but labour lost. He wished me to utter my opinion in
the causes they had propounded.
I said that it had pleased the king to make good demonstrations
to the Queen of his desire to enter into further amity ; but how
particularly, or in such sort as had now been discovered, I suppose
she had not been made privy to. So I could not be so fully
instructed as to her commands, to satisfy them as they required
at that instant. The chief 'purposes' in which it pleased the
King and Queen Mother to confer with me lately, were for the
succouring of the Portuguese, in which matter my sovereign is
ready to join him, and accomplish her part.
Then M. Pinart said, the cause of Portugal, if Monsieur were
helped by the Queen with money and shipping, would be a good
ground on which his Highness might take occasion to enter into
further actions ; though they doubted that, matters being so far
altered since my conference with Queen Mother, it were to be considered
whether the aid would profit them or not. Howbeit they
would tell the king what had passed, and as occasion served, I
should hear his further dispositions.
I have thought good thus with all the circumstances to dilate
the conference I had, in order that it may be the more clearly
'induced' and discerned by her Majesty and yourselves, whether
they seek hereby to discover her mind, or would be content to make
overture of their 'pretended' actions, which as yet seem to me to
remain doubtful. Please let me understand her Majesty's mind as
to acceptance of them, for my case is earnestly bent to satisfy the
charge committed to me, so that she may be satisfied in every
respect ; as also what further answer she thinks may be made to the
proposition for joining with the king in aiding Monsieur in the
aforesaid intended enterprises.
As to what has passed in deliberation of framing the peace, and
the end it is drawn to, it seems to me that Mr Stafford is well
instructed.
Of the defeat that has been given beside Cambray to M. Balagny's
and other companies belonging to his Highness, Mr Stafford has
been advertised by M. Marchaumont and otherwise.
There seems to be an opinion here that the troubles of Ireland
will be continued and nourished by the Spanish King. Of this
M. Pinart says her Majesty has long been advertised ; as also that
there are in her own realm certain 'indisposed' persons, pensioners
to King Philip, who have also been heretofore signified to her.
It is written from Scotland, I know not how truly, that Sir James
Balfour is at that Court ; and that Earl Morton and the Douglases
are 'persons disgraced,' having retired to the borders of England.—
Blois, 12 Dec. 1580.
P.S.—Before the making up of this, M. Pinart came to me,
telling me that Chiverny, Villequier, and he, having been with the
king, declared to him the effect of our conference ; wherein he had
already signified the same to his ambassador M. de Mauvissière
word by word as it passed. The king wished me likewise to signify
it to the Queen. Whereby I conjecture they are dissatisfied that I
had not larger powers to confer with them in more ample sort.
Endd. by L. Tomson. 6½ pp. [France IV. 188.]
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Dec. 13.
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515. COBHAM to [? WALSINGHAM].
I thank your honour for the good news of the happy success in
Ireland, of which I advertised M. Pinart and M. Marchaumont. It
shall be distributed among the rest of the ambassadors 'this next
day.'
Now that peace is concluded, M. de Lancôme is come from
Montagut, and the Duke 'di Mena,' the Admiral of France, has put
his troops into garrison in the towns of Dauphiné, himself remaining
at Grenoble.
The Count 'Mounta Reall' is passing through Lorraine 'accomplishing
with' that Duke ; whence he takes his journey towards
her Majesty's Court with the robes and order of the Garter sent
from the young Duke of Savoy, with whom Marshal de Retz still
remains, treating of the marriage with the Princess of Lorraine,
and to get a French party in that Court.
They of Rochelle have taken a Portuguese ship laden with sugars.
The king has written for the release of it, because Don Antonio's
ambassador has written to him of it.
I refer the declaration of the king's health to Mr Stafford, who
well marked him.
The Queen Mother since her coming here, has sermons on
Sundays in her own chamber.
The king gives out that after 'Nuyerstide' he will go to Paris.
The King of Spain has given Cardinal Riario, late legate in Spain,
5,000 crowns a year pension out of the bishopric of Seville. The
Nuncio Monsignor Suoto (?) is dead in Spain. Duke Medina
Sidonia goes to be governor of Milan.
Count Olivares is expected at Rome as ambassador of the Catholic
king.—Blois, 13 Dec. 1580. I have received the cipher.
Add. and endt. gone. 1½ pp. [France IV. 189.]
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Dec. 15.
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516. STAFFORD to WALSINGHAM.
I have sent you the articles as they are now fully agreed upon, and
Villeroy is in a day or two to go to Monsieur to have the peace
published. Marshal Cossé comes to the Court tonight or tomorrow,
and the king according to Monsieur's earnest request means to
dispatch him shortly as may be. He means to send the Prince of
Condé's youngest brother, because the Cardinal of Bourbon bawls
still after him that he will undo the other, that the Pope threatens
wonders if he go this journey against him. He says he will send
him with such company that her Majesty shall have cause to like him.
Pardon me though I scribble this in haste, as 'John Fourrier'
passed. I hope to be home almost as soon as he, though I was
never so 'tayled' with so long a journey, so vile weather, and worse
ways.—Paris, 15 Dec. 1580.
Add. ½ p. [France IV. 190.]
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Dec. 17.
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517. HODDESDON to WALSINGHAM.
I thank you for your courteous letter of the 3rd inst. finding
therein matter of comfort to refresh me as it were in the midst of
the trouble here. The enclosed I received lately from Embden,
and thought good to send you, as it touches on the proceedings
of the Hanse.
It seems also that Count Edzard of Embden mislikes that her
Majesty's last letter was first delivered to his younger brother.
We have of late found great courtesy at his hands, and he is in a
manner the only man that can of himself benefit her Majesty's
subjects on this side the seas, having in effect the absolute government
of East Friesland, though in name his brother is conjoined
with him. Wherefore I beseech you that his good liking towards
our Company there may by all means be so entertained and
nourished that they may still feel its continuance in him.
The messenger sent to her Majesty from the King of Denmark is
still in this town on his return homewards. He makes a very good
report of her here, greatly commending the order of her Court and
manner of government, which we who are subjects cannot but
rejoice to hear.
Touching Mr Alderman Martin's cause, I find our Company
very willing to do what they can at your request, so far as his
admission do not turn to their prejudice in opening the way for
others to come in. In my next I trust to advertise you more at
large.
Yesterday Mr Gilpin departed for Holland, according to your
order.
In this town the people are so discouraged, partly with the long
dalliance of the French, partly with the departure of the Prince of
Orange, and partly with the good success of the Malcontents, that I
am in doubt we shall be forced ere long to retire into Holland or
some other part for our better security ; the trade of this place
waxing daily less and less, and the danger increasing 'by heaps.'
It is advertised from Italy that the great Turk has lately received
a great overthrow from the Persian ; his eldest son being slain in
the battle and himself very sick and in great peril of life.—
Antwerp, 17 Dec. 1580.
Add. ("per me, Wm. Paige post mr"). Endd. by Walsingham.
1 p. [Holl. and Fl. XIII. 80.]
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Dec. 17.
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518. COL. THOMAS MORGAN to the PRINCE OF ÉPINOY.
I received here at London on the 8th inst. your letter from the
Castle of Tournay, dated the 2nd ult. From it I learned, very late,
that you had wished one Robert Dennis appointed my lieutenant in
place of him who lately, to my great regret, was killed. Having
heard of his death soon after it took place, I did not like to be idle
in providing another to supply the place of the late lieutenant ; and
on consideration I assigned his post to my ancient, a person who
has deserved well, and to whom by right of our discipline the place
belonged. Nevertheless I am infinitely vexed that your letter
arrived at a time when my power had been transferred to another ;
for I beg you to believe that the chief thing at which I aim is to
comply with and obey you in all things. To this end I will shortly
send you a reinforcement of 400 English soldiers, hoping further,
by your favour, to have the means of forming two ensigns more in
the Tournay district, to serve, if you think well, under your government
and not elsewhere. Please let me know speedily if this is
agreeable to you.
You will also be glad to hear about our rebels, how the Spaniards
who had drawn up (pris fil) in Ireland are defeated, their fort razed,
and all slain ; their commander only and 18 of the chief men
spared, and brought here to be examined more fully ; with the
discomfiture of the other rebels.—London, 17 Dec. 1580.
Draft. Endd. : To the Pr. of Pynoys from Colonel Morgan.
Fr. 1 p. [Holl. and Fl. XIII. 81.]
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Dec. 19.
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519. COBHAM to [? WALSINGHAM].
There were delivered by my order at Paris to Sir Jerome Bowes,
100 crowns first, and now upon receipt of my money from England,
I gave order to John Touper that Raymundo Raymundi should
deliver him 220 crowns in full satisfaction of the £100 which you
had commanded me to deliver me (sic) after that rate and in the
same sort as I had received it from England. For whereas my
servant Adams had delivered to Corsini in London, the 24th of last
November, £300, I received from Raymundo 'after 10 days' sight'
947 crowns, and in that sort I would have served Sir Jerome. But
Mr Wade writes to me he refuses to allow any interest. For my
part I seek for none, but have the money delivered to him as it is to
myself ; having dispersed my money so long 'a freehand,' and yet to
this day I cannot recover but £400. I 'wished' that Sir Jerome
had been satisfied of my well meaning. I refer the ordering of the
matter to you wishing it might content him to respect me, and
'injury' me no further than is meant on my part, or shown in
words or deeds.
I sent the letter to Raymundo by John Touper, and a quittance,
but nothing accepted. What you further command, I shall
accomplish.—Blois, 19 Dec. 1580.
Add. and endt. gone. 1 p. [France IV. 191.]
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Dec. 19.
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520. STURMIUS to BURGHLEY.
In view of her Majesty's new order that no pensions are to be
given to foreigners, Jeremias Nonius defends himself by the
Queen's paper that what has been promised him is a reward for
services rendered.
Even if he had not this defence, I think I have a just ground for
interceding ; not that he asks me to do so, but because I think he
is a person whom it is useful and honourable to the Queen and the
English realm to benefit.
Neither your distinguished occupations nor your foresight and
judgement make it desirable for me to say more. But I thought
I ought to write this, that I may intercede and you may consider
what is fitting for the Queen and her realm—truth in regard to
promises.
If this does not avail, at least let my intercession be of some
avail with one so excellent as yourself.—Strasburg, 19 Dec. 1580.
Add. Endd. Lat. 1 p. [Germ. States II. 9.]
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Dec. 20.
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521. JOHN GARDENER to CHRISTOPHER HODDESDON.
By your letter to the 'generalty' of the 10th inst. was 'touched'
the receipt of a letter from one Anthony Knevytt and his fellow
prisoners at Groningen, English gentlemen, 3 in number, as they
write, servants to Daniel Rogers, with whom they were taken ; also
of our letters written to the Senate of Groningen for their release,
and sent by an express messenger at our charges, with our letters
to the prisoners, concluding that if their release were not obtained
by the lords of Groningen, and they directing their letters to their
friends in England, would send them to us here, we would see
them conveyed. Since which the messenger having returned,
brought us answer from the Senate, that inasmuch as they were
the king's prisoners and not under their power they could not,
though they would willingly if it lay in them, consent to their
release. Likewise by another letter from the Englishmen, it is by
Knevett and the rest (not without some quips) again required that we
would send them money to meet their expenses, which already, as
we hear, are above 100 dollars, and likewise become surety for their
expenses hereafter, and for their liberty, 'as true prisoners not to
start away.' But as it seems they are not willing to write to their
friends in England for money ; as by their last letter, taking themselves
for persons sufficient to repay us. Wherefore, inasmuch
they are unknown to us, and much doubted to be the persons by
them given out, which is, that Knevytt is a worshipful gentleman,
the second, one of Mr. Daniel Rogers's brothers, 'yea, so much the
more' because the third man in Knevytt's first writing is now
found to be of Groningen town, no Englishman, as also that the
company have been heretofore cozened by suchlike persons, and
money has been disbursed for gentlemen which is not hitherto
repaid, we have as yet 'desisted' either to send them money, or
to enter into suretyship. I therefore thought good to write, that
having your and the company's opinions we may so deal with them
as their persons and necessities shall be thought to deserve.—
Embden, 20 Dec. 1580.
Add. (seal). Endd. : M. (sic) of a letter to Mr Hoddesdon from
Embden. 1¼ pp. [Holl. and Fl. XIII. 82.]
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Dec. 20.
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522. COBHAM to [? WALSINGHAM].
I send herewith copies of two French letters, beseeching you to
let me know your opinion of them, whether they seem to be true
copies, or framed as these intelligencers will devise to procure money.
In my judgement they are to be suspected, because in one place it is
said there was a conference had with the Cardinal of Ferrara in
Rome in November, whereas he has not been there since September ;
besides, there are other parts which are not 'perfect and to be
weighed.' According as I am advised by you, I will proceed with
the party.
M. la Fin is come to this Court, having negotiated earnestly with
their Majesties for support towards the maintenance of his Highness's
pretence in the Low Countries ; which message, as I hear,
proceeded upon request made by the Flemish Commissioners who
are returning.
La Fin has reported to their Majesties the compliments and
affairs he passed with the Duke of Savoy and them of Saluces, with
which the King seems well satisfied, and likes that Monsieur may
be mediator for the appeasing of all those matters. Meantime
letters are now come reporting that the castle of Carmagnola is
restored to the king upon the entreaty of Marshall de Retz.
Today Marshal de Cossé comes to this town, and M. Marchemont
is departed to meet him this morning passing forward towards Gien.
He is sent for by his Highness, it is supposed to receive his
instructions to deal with the Queen.
The king has declared his mind to M. Marchaumont, that he is
of opinion this alliance and amity with the Queen should first be
compassed and finished before any further progress is shown
towards Flanders or elsewhere ; doubting otherwise how the Queen
will suffer any invasion or hostility to be employed that way unless
her consent and advice be obtained and joined with theirs.
The king promises his brother to send such commissioners as he
will like, to further the matter of his marriage so far as he may.
With this dispatch M. Marchaumont is departed, and la Fin returns
this week likewise.
Fervacques is come to 'Towers' with Monsieur's commission to
be his lieutenant-general in Flanders. He is accompanied by
Count Montgoméry. It is doubted how Rochepot and Balagny
will be contented to be commanded by him.
Biron's troops have skirmished with some of the King of Navarre's,
whereon Monsieur has taken strait order.—Blois, 20 Dec. 1580.
P.S.—It has pleased Sir Jerome to receive the rest of the money,
as Mr. Wade writes from Paris.
Add. and endt. gone. 1½ pp. [France IV. 192.]
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