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April 26.
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142. Memorandum in hand of the Count Vimioso, containing :
(a) A calculation of the cost of providing and equipping two
ships of 300 tons, six of 150 tons, and six pinnaces, with 1,000
soldiers : and an undertaking to pay 10,000 ducats of the cost by
June 26.
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(b) A copy of the "conditions to be propounded to the King of
Portugal" [see No. 109], with two additional articles relating to
the treatment of vessels homeward-bound and other refusing or
owning allegiance to Don Antonio.—Blois, 26 April 1581.
Endd. Italian. 2½ pp. [Portugal I. 50.]
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April 26.
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143. STATEMENT of TERMS to be granted to the ENGLISH FLEET
serving DON ANTONIO.
(1) A quarter of the cost to be paid within two months. After
that, interest to be paid at the rate of the highest exchange.
(2) Fleet to be victualled for four months ; at the expiration of
which time, 'I' will see to its revictualling.
(3) Fleet to set out on June 15.
(4) That 'I' have one-fifth share of all prizes.
(5) Of the ships of 'my conquest' which will not submit to serve
the king my master, and which after the necessary protestation
made, they shall capture, the fleet shall have half.
(6) That in every English ship there shall be three Portuguese
of the Isles or where I please, to testify of their doings.
(7) Any controversies that may arise shall be tried in the Isles
or in England, as I shall think fit, by judges appointed by her
Majesty.
(8) If the kingdom of Portugal needs succouring they shall do it
at once when called on by me or by any whom I shall name, laying
everything else aside ; and if they do it, I will give them every
convenience.
(9) If they fall in with any ships, foreign or our own, having
letters of marque [Eng. version : maerte] from me, they shall do
them no harm.
(10) I will give orders to receive the fleet in my ports, and give
it aid, favour and convenience as they may desire.
(11) They shall carry to the Islands such arms as I shall direct,
to be paid for on delivery at the price agreed upon in England.
(12) For every ship of the 'conquests of Portugal' that they
shall bring into such ports as I shall name in the Isles or England,
they shall have five per cent. as salvage (trazemdoas a salvamento).
(13) The Queen shall by patent ensure me against (Eng. version :
shall give me sufficient bond and caution to be answerable for) all
damage that the fleet may do me by sea or land.
(14) If the fleet receive damage or loss I will in the name of the
king my master, have due regard thereof.
(15) Merchants licensed under my hand or that of whoever shall
be ambassador in England, shall trade to the Isles for two years,
paying half duties.
(16) To this effect I will issue such commissions and write such
letters as I shall deem in conformity with these capitulations.
Endd. in Italian (with date) by Count Vimioso : His Excellency's
reply to the articles. Port. 1 p. [Portugal I. 51.] (Walsingham's
mark to 6, 7, 8, 9, 13.)
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April 26.
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144. Another copy, in hand of Laurence Tomson, with
additional article : (17) All ships acting in the service of this
Crown shall bear the arms of Portugal on their flags.
Endd. : The contract that is to pass between the General and
Don Francesco. Port. 1 p. [Ibid. I. 51a.]
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April 26.
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145. English version (rather free) of the above.
Endd. by L. Tomson. 2 pp. [Ibid. I. 51b.]
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April 26.
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146. W. WADE to WALSINGHAM.
Edward Prim delivering me your letters in the presence of my
lord ambassador, after I had read them and conferred a little with
Prim, by whom I understood his lordship had information, I
straight repaired to his lordship, letting him understand your
pleasure was I should do that service, supposing me to be on the
way to the king, and him in place where his lordship, a public
person, could not have access to him specially to negotiate ; and
withal offered him the articles. Whereat he entered into great
choler that I was deputed in a matter begun by him, and others to
reap the fruit of his labours, he having about him, if need should
be to send, those that he had appointed to that purpose, and would
not suffer one that lived here under order to serve him, to undermine
him as in divers matters I had done, whereof he had been
advertised.
To which I answered all those reports would be by truth itself
found untrue and that this was but a particular offer of some 'private'
to be negotiated 'in place as I told him.' Howbeit, I referred it to
his pleasure when the count came hither, seeing there was no
means to have access to the king, but the matter was to be dealt
where his lordship was. I of myself besought him earnestly for the
better countenance of the negotiation to deal with it ; which he
utterly refusing, I requested him to commend me to the count, to
treat with him. The matter required haste, and for divers reasons
his lordship could not repair to him to deal with him as the case
required ; which he promised to do.
Meantime Mr Prim makes the count acquainted with the
articles and conditions ; which he seemed to brook well. But Signor
Roderigo, jealous of Prim's dealing, did not think well of them.
Therefore I first dealt with him, both to inform him of the offers
and to dispose him better. Edward Prim, perceiving the misliking
of my lord ambassador, and for what cause, as the frowning of
Roderigo, was as desirous as I my lord should have taken upon him
the dealing in this matter ; which he in no wise yielding, I for some
other respect also took it upon me to do as you had commanded me,
and in the presence of Roderigo and Prim presented them in
Italian to his Excellency. He at first said they had need of far
greater forces ; which I said he might propound when it pleased
him, and meantime consider if that offer were to be embraced as a
good beginning, and for the assistance of those Isles. The keeping
of which in devotion was most necessary, besides the profit that
arose.
Next he stuck at the 10,000 ducats to be paid in one month,
which having divers sums to receive at divers times and to appoint
for sundry services, he earnestly requested might be paid in the
Islands 'in commodity.' Which being but a fourth part of what the
general was to disburse at present, venturing all the rest, besides the
particular charges which would amount to a great sum, should I
discourage them altogether to be taken from them [sic]. Therefore
in any wise it must be consented to, for though the payment were
made there 'in commodity,' yet there is hazard by sea ; that if his
Excellency shall be 'at my peril,' I rather wished him to ask further
time. To this he agreed ; '(and Prim told me should not displease
your honours)' upon condition that not paying at the end of two
months, he would pay for it the greatest exchange that 'ran among
merchants,' and give them security for the same.
Touching the first article of the conditions, his Excellency will
send the commission by Signor Roderigo, or 'pass' it when he is in
England. This, and the letters to the Governors, 'were not
amiss' to be drawn in such sort as you think convenient, and
sent to his Excellency. It will come in time at the setting out
of money.
To the article of provision of victuals for the navy is meant the
four months expired at the king's charges, so long as it shall be
employed for his service [sic].
Of the goods that shall be taken from the enemy his Highness
[sic] 'thinks reason' a fifth part come to the king in acknowledgement
that it was taken in his service ; alleging the like granted
to the Prince of Orange by all to whom he gives letters of marque. I
answered that the Prince of Orange was already established in the
state he seeks to maintain himself, and gave those letters to certain
'privates' that do not pass the Straits, whereas this is a 'just'
sufficient army to serve for the restitution of the king, to keep his
Isles in obedience, to be employed on occasion ; which enter so far
into the main sea with 'provisor' of munitions, victuals, and
arms, dying 'themself' to the service of the king. So a tenth part
might suffice. But they said that less could not be taken, since
they had to disburse 10,000 crowns.
Touching the powder and munition for the defence of the Isles,
he says that a little will suffice, and for that he requires that payment
shall be made at the Isles in woad at such price as shall be
agreed on by the ambassador and the general, who will allow that
which the assurance shall amount to, so that there shall be no loss.
He refuses altogether to give commission to anyone to contract with
the general, saying that he wishes all to pass by his consent.
Touching the article by which the general demands a fortress or
hostages, he in no way thinks it convenient ; for since the Isles
already 'remain in devotion,' to give a fort into the hands of
strangers were, as he says, enough to make them revolt, and serves
no purpose, as he supposes, for the general, since to leave there as
many as would serve to keep the fort would disfurnish the ships,
and if they were fewer, it would be to no purpose. To give
hostages likewise would but provoke the Isle-men, and be no let
to the rest if they were disposed to revolt. Therefore he offers to
write his letters as the general shall think good, and if there be
any other doubt, resolve him ; or else the general may think of
some other means for his better assurance. For in no wise could
I bring him to think of that article.
In the article touching the ships that come from the Indies that
shall be disobedient, he required to have it set down more expressly,
and the king to have half. To the last, the king's ships often carry
part of the merchants' goods and merchant-ships part of the
king's goods, so that they are to be known by the goods, not by
the sail.
They have shown these conditions to certain Frenchmen and
Italians, who thought the rate of the charges very dear, and the last
article too 'large' ; as I perceived at the next conference I had with
his Excellency, for he makes account that no ship comes from the
Indies worth less than half a million, 'and do ordinary pass that
way' ; saying that he would willingly have the same revoked.
Wherefore I durst not move him in the article that gives a fifth to
the king, lest he should have taken away more than the other comes
to, but showed him what benefit rose to the king thereby, and to the
merchants to have their goods brought to a sure place, and so the
king in the mean time may dispose of them, if need be, till he
recover his kingdom.
At the second conference I found his Excellency somewhat altered,
understanding that he had communicated the conditions to certain
French, who promise more to hinder this than to further his service.
Yet after long reasoning he was content the conditions should pass
according to the former agreement, rather to maintain his word
than otherwise willing, altering yet some points not greatly to the
substance of the matter. So I drew them again in another form.
Meantime an Italian came to me, to whom he had communicated
them, and examined all the points 'in discoursing,' allowing well
of the offer, and blaming the Count's 'lingering to conclude.'
At the third conference his Excellency found fault with the rate
of the charges ; which I affirmed to be calculated so justly 'as no
man should correct.' The particular charges in the setting forth
of those that undertook the journey would amount to a great sum
besides, yet he paid of all only 10,000 ducats.
He said the Prince of Orange was served for a crown the time[?]
and he was offered here the like. I told him the difference of the
service and what the French could do ; the provision that this navy
must make of munitions and victuals, not to rove on the seas, but
to serve to divers effects.
I was with him alone two 'large' hours, and in the end concluded
fully, as appears by the copy I send you in Italian. [See No. 143.]
I made two to be signed by his Excellency and me, one to be sent
to you, the other to remain with him. But next day bringing them
to be signed, I found him quite changed ; and instead of confirming
what was agreed, he offered me other articles, like those I send you
in Portuguese. [See No. 144.] Because he bore a fourth part of
the charge, he said it was reason he should have a fourth of the
gain ; and where he had granted a tenth of the goods pertaining
to the king and 5 per cent of those pertaining to merchants for
safe-conduct, he said that was unreasonable, and therefore would
allow only a certain sum for every ship, which should be 10,000
ducats, for no ship came from the Indies worth less than a
million.
He demanded that the navy should come to his help to Portugal,
if sent for ; which article I told him was clean contrary to the office
this navy should serve for, and would breed suspicion that as soon
as they had furnished the Isles with what they wanted, they would
'be revolted' to their great loss ; and he might propound to her
Majesty hereafter the like demands as he told me he had to make.
Again he demanded letters patent of her Majesty, to restore the
loss the king's subjects might receive by the fleet ; and yet offers
no security for the 10,000 ducats nor for performance of covenants,
which I told him was not according to reason. Howbeit, as this
was an offer made to his king, he might on his behalf do the like,
which I should signify ; but would not agree to any other form than
that he always had allowed. Yet I advised him to consider that the
time passed in sending to and fro, which was most important in
this action, and that he would correct his demands for the fourth
part and touching the ships coming from the Indies and the traffic ;
which he had altogether taken away. This he seemed very hardly
to grant, yet afterwards yielded to, and referred me to Signor
Roderigo ; from whom I found, what before I 'espied,' that he had
chiefly dissuaded the count, for he thought the offers so unreasonable
that he said if Prim had not been a very ass, he never would
have consented to the bringing of them. He asked whether they
meant to do the king service in recovering the realm, or to serve
their own way. I told him that I understood the offer for divers
respects of singular benefit ; first to make sure of those Isles, to
secure the ships coming from the Indies, of whose goods the king
might dispose to serve his turn, to take from the enemy his chief
weapon. As for private profit, he that undertakes this made more
in one voyage than he can hope for by several such as this, wherein
he must tie himself to a needful service, where the king participates
in the gain got by their 'expenses, hazard, and virtue.'
He said they were now in that case that if we would have them
couch, they must lie down, but they would rather lose Portugal
than yield to such extreme demands, specially to give us license to
traffic to the Indies. I answered that we might if so disposed traffic
thither without his leave, and wished that he might take such course
as to be able to traffic at all ; "but," quoth I, "if you think that you
are sought to for so great benefit to be gotten at your hands, and
that none will arise to you, I told you at first you might altogether
refuse to deal. But if you think the present state you are in has
need of such help, you must be content to deal so that men may
venture their lives to afford you aid."
Then he murmured against the hardness of the Queen, whom it
touched more than them ; praising the forwardness of the French
in offering more than they could demand or hope for. He referred
all to his Excellency, who at length gave me three articles as I send
them to you. I can assure you that Roderigos has greatly hindered
that cause, and has extreme 'conceits' of her Majesty, wherewith
he has always filled the count, though I have dealt with his
Excellency earnestly and at large to cause a better impression in
him ; for he of himself is in no way addicted to the French. But
Roderigo altogether claiming kindred with the Queen Mother, and
greatly desiring to make the match between his master and the
Princess of Lorraine, the count suffers himself to be so 'valed' by
him that he is become somewhat insolent.
I have thus set down the order followed in what you committed
to me, which I have brought to good terms ; and yet it is not so far
from reason but that it may be concluded when Roderigo is away
from his Excellency.—Blois, 26 April 1581.
Add. Endd. by Walsingham. 7½ pp. [Portugal I. 52.]
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April 27.
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147. EDWARD PRIM to WALSINGHAM.
I arrived here at Blois on the 18th inst. where I met Count
Vimioso, the Constable of Portugal, and delivered him the letters
I had for the king from Dr Lopez. Likewise I gave him full
understanding of all that I and Dr Lopez concluded with you, as
by the letters. He 'dowght' [qu. thought] well of the same
'plat,' and wished me to bring Mr Wade to him, thanking me for
the same. I went for Mr Wade and brought him out for the count.
They talked together, and I 'of the same' ; and were as agreed, the
count thinking very well of it. After John Roderiges was made privy
to it by the count, he 'persowad' [qu. persuaded] the count from all ;
feigning great fault in the articles, not 'sticking' to say to him that
doubtless Lopes was an Englishman, and that he would 'depend'
more to their side than to 'the Portugal' ; and he said as much by
me, so that by his means the 'plat' was not 'liked of.' The count
would set down another, and did, and afterwards showed it to me.
In this there was great difference in some of the articles, which I
caused him to mend in all, as you may see in the copy enclosed
in Mr Wade's letter to you. There was one article which I could
not get the count to put out. I went so far with him that I told
him that article only would break the matter ; so I got of him that
he would write to Dr Lopes of it, and put it out if you would not
agree to it. It is that the 'army' should stand bound, if he saw
occasion to have it come to Portugal or elsewhere, to come to the
place that he should appoint, so that the other way would be broken
off if he thought well. 'In' that I showed him the general would
never consent. Doctor Lopes has 'orther' [? order] to 'break' it,
for so the count told me he would write him. John Rodriges stood
very much our enemy, not 'letting' to say that England would
never do anything.
I will let you know all that passes at my coming to England,
which will be with John Rodriges, whom the count intends to send
within eight days for an ambassador. I desire your honour that
Dr Lopes may not know anything of this that I have written that
John Rodriges has spoken of him ; but if Rodriges 'had not been,'
I with Mr Wade had brought the count to consent, whereas now
there is nothing done, and all by Rodriges' means. The 'plat' is
sent to you, and if you like it then it is ended, for it is referred to
you I would have the voyage go forward, for it will be of great
importance.
The count was very well received by the king and the old 'koine'
and many fair shows and great promises made to the count. I will
write you at large by the next.—Blois, 27 April '81. (Signed)
Edward Prim Corea.
P.S.—The agreement that the count takes with the 'koine moder'
and the king I will let you understand, for as yet they are not
fully agreed. Pray keep my secret of what I write to you.
Add. Endd. 1½ pp. [Portugal I. 53.]
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April 28.
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148. COBHAM to WALSINGHAM.
Count Vimioso arrived here the 20th inst., being very well lodged
and furnished from the king's stuff, entertained by the king's
officers and his diet provided and defrayed. The same night I went
privily to him, declaring the affection the Queen has to maintain
the liberty of their country, and that she affected Don Antonio
and the justice of his cause. But as the case required rather
help than open demonstration of 'accomplements,' I thought
it more convenient to visit him in that manner, the rather also
because if the Queen should otherwise make show to 'friend' Don
Antonio, it would minister occasion of greater jealousy to King
Philip, whereby he might be provoked to deal more vigorously with
such of the confederates as were in Portugal. Which being
'respected,' he will do his king the greater service and find the after
means to deliver his country from the oppression of the Spaniards,
by dealing secretly with the princes favouring their cause.
He seemed to accept of my coming and of the choice of time and
manner, discoursing to me of his hard adventures first past in
Barbary, when he was taken prisoner in the service of Don
Sebastian ; acknowledging to have received his liberty by means of
King Philip, for which he was to adventure his life in his service,
the liberty of his country and his honour reserved, for which he had
put himself into these hazards, repairing to the princes of whom he
hoped to receive such honour as to find help for their distress. He
did not mean to enter into discourse how necessary this action is to
be embraced by the French king, and the Queen of England, for he
was sure their own judgements and the advice of their councillors
were sufficient to penetrate into what should be considered for the
benefit of their own states ; but he was only disposed to declare the
right of his king, and show the injustice done to the realm of
Portugal ; desiring their aid in men and money, and suchlike just
considerations. As for the particulars touching the Queen, he
would 'leave' to communicate with me further, till he had conferred
with the Christian king and with the Queen his Mother.
To these speeches I only answered, that as for the disposition of
her Majesty his king and nation would find it to be such that the
benefits of her meaning would rather be shown by her gracious
deeds than by many promises and outward show ; such was the
manner of her sincere proceeding.
He said that Roderigo de Souza had informed him of her royal
dealing, and purposed after he had done his business in this Court to
repair to England.
Mr Waad having shown me your letter, with instructions to deal
in the matter which Prim brought, I desired the count to confer
with Mr Waad, as a 'confident gent' and one trusted by you. I
understand from Mr Waad that he has spoken with him about
those affairs.
On the 22nd Count Vimioso sent me word in the morning that
he would visit me in the afternoon. I sent him my coach and
horses, but it seemed he changed his purpose, sending Prim to me
with a message that he would be glad to have me resort to him. I
desired Prim to tell him that I would willingly do anything to give
him honour, but in this case there were these respects to be
considered : first, his repair to this Court, to address his
negotiations to their Majesties, so that by openly coming to visit
him, I should give them cause of mistrust that I thrust myself into
some dealing with him, and sought by conference to undermine their
affairs ; and moreover, it is the manner of all such as are distressed
to 'seek to' princes and their ministers.
In the evening Don Juan de Souza repaired to me, requesting me
to think that the count was willing to visit me, but loath to give
any cause of mislike to their Majesties ; otherwise of himself he
would willingly come to me, for upon the speeches he passed with
their Majesties there was cause 'importing' the Queen's service to
declare to me. I answered that for my part I had done the office
of my sovereign's servant in visiting him, and I was willing he
should do all things to the advancement of his affairs rather than
to their impeachment ; therefore if he found it convenient for the
cause he had dealt in with their Majesties to confer with
me, 'in respect' it touched my sovereign, I hoped he would deal
accordingly.
Don Juan de Souza requested that I might meet the count
in the night, and he would come for me. I assented, because
he alleged that it somewhat imported her Majesty ; but about
9 o'clock he sent the enclosed excuse. For what has further passed
between the count and Don Juan de Souza, I must refer to
Mr Waad, by whom you will I suppose be specially advertised. I
am informed that the count returns in a few days to Tours, where
the king means that he should reside.
The Duke of Nevers arrived here yesterday. The Dukes of
Montpensier, Guise, and Maine are looked for. The quarrel
between the Dukes of Montpensier and Nevers will be accorded ;
but if it were to be knit up with the marriage of Mme de Vaudemont,
mother of the young queen, it were not so well to be liked, because
it is judged by some that many artifices are being used to win from
Monsieur his most honourable friends, and best 'complices.' There
is M. 'Alfaranti,' a servant of Monsieur, who was sent hither to
accompany Count Vimioso ; being one much misliked, and known as
some affirm to have been employed by the late agent of Spain. Also
d'Abbadie is conversant with him, who is thought also to be affected
to the Spanish.
Yesternight being Sunday [?] the count was requested by the
king to come to see the dancing and evening pleasures of this
Court.
'Pierredor' the French consul, who two months ago departed
with two ships to Portugal, visited me at his return, telling me that
Don Antonio was in health and in a sure place ; but with what
truth I cannot 'perceive,' because he did not speak more clearly of
the certain being of Don Antonio.
The king, meaning to renew the confederacy with the Swiss, is
sending, as I understand, M. de Fleury, elder brother to M. de
Marchaumont, to be his ambassador ligier with them. Marshal de
Retz has been moved by the king to go to confirm that confederacy
with offer of other negotiations ; which journey he 'doubts' to undertake,
fearing lest the Swiss should take him to be a good pledge for
the great sums of money due to them, much above what the king
means to send. M. de Soucy, kinsman to M. d'O, having returned
from the Swiss, is to be sent to the Grand Signior, and Germigny
recalled.
M. de Source, who was master of the king's wardrobe before M.
d'O came into the place, having been long sickly, is now returned
to the Court, and much favoured again by the king.
I have been advertised that the king has taken offence with
Lavalette and d'Arques. For the appeasement of his wrath toward
them, d'O made entreaty ; whereon the king turned his displeasure
upon him. Howbeit, they are all in appearance returned to his good
favour.
The king proposes to 'ease' the Privy Council 'for' having to
deal with 'complaints of process' and private suits, minding to
appoint a chamber of Counsel Ambulatory, or else those suits to be
remitted to the Grand Conseil.
It is advertised that Marcantonio Colonna will go to Spain to be
lieutenant to the Cardinal of Austria in the government of Portugal.
He has been a noted person, appointed principal actor for the
negotiation of those enterprises the Spanish King and the Pope
have, or shall pretend and conclude against her Majesty's estates.
M. Chassincourt has requested to know how her Majesty likes
the King of Navarre's offer for her service which I signified to you
in a former letter.
This morning, one Clark, a Scottish captain and assured servant
to their Majesties, asked me for a passport to go into England, which
I abstained to grant him, because I understood he is not addicted to
her Majesty's friends in Scotland, and departs upon some extraordinary
cause.
The solicitors to the king for the places of preaching in every
bailiwick according to the Edict, cannot receive any satisfaction or
resolution from him, which breeds suspicion in the minds of those
of the Religion.
The conference for them of the Religion appointed at Montauban
is deferred to the end of this month. M. Beza and certain commissioners
from the Swiss are looked for there, wherewith their
Majesties are displeased.
The king since his coming hither has been hunting, accompanied
by both the Queens ; a pastime which heretofore he seemed not
greatly to like. It is esteemed their Majesties will pass their time
most of the summer in these quarters.—Blois, 28 April [but ? that
day was not Monday] 1581.
P.S.—Monsieur is looked for tonight or tomorrow at Tours, as I
am just informed.
Add. Endd. 3 pp. [France V. 61.]
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April [?29.]
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149. "DRAUGHT of INSTRUCTIONS for MR HUDDESDON to deal
in the ACCOUNT of SR. HORATIO PALLAVICINI'S MONEY."
"He is to put further pressure on the States for the repayment of,
or at any rate for good security for, the interest now amounting to
£4,616 13s. 1d. (which is to be 'incorporate with' the principal of
£28,757 11s. 2d.), and to let the Queen have an answer within
6 weeks ; failing which she means to provide herself of such
remedies, as by other means of equity she can, not only for that
debt due to Horatio and Baptista, but also for the other of £65,000'
Gilpin is to be employed.
"And in case the States or their 'committees' shall say to you
that the Jewellery her Majesty has in pawn may be sufficient
assurance for the interests or for some part of payment of the
principal, you may declare to them that as her Highness takes them
to belong to the House of Burgundy, and therefore that the States
have no power or authority to alienate them, so she cannot in
honour dispose of them to her profit in case she should be driven
for want of due payment to take some such course for the furnishing
of her necessary employments of treasure.
"And yet if they shall persist in allegation of the great value of
the said jewels, as exceeding both the aforesaid principal debt and
also the interest already grown, you may say, as of your opinion,
that you think her Majesty means not to make any profit thereby ;
but if they will make present payment of the debt and the interest,
whereby she may content the two merchants, they may have the
jewels redelivered without delay, to do with them what they will.
"You may at some time 'interlude' to them that it is not politicly
done of them to break their credits in this sort with 'these kind' of
merchants, by whose hard usage they hazard their credit with all
other merchants with whom in time coming [they may] have
need to deal for their relief."
Draft with corrections in Burghley's hand (last two pars. written
entirely by him). Endd. : April the 9, 1581, and as at head, the latter
part having been added after 1587, the year in which Pallavicini
was knighted. Below, but also of later date, in a hand that may be
Burghley's : M. Davison and Mr Hudson's negotiation touching
band money. [Walsingham's mark] mark frequently repeated, also in different inks.
18 pp. [Holl. and Fl. XIV. 61.]
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April 30.
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150. "The SUBSTANCE of the SPEECH to be delivered unto
the COMMISSIONERS."
Her Majesty found it expedient before the passing of a commission
to certain chief persons to treat with the commissioners, that
they should be thoroughly informed of the true course of the cause
since the renewing of the treaty by Baqueville, continued by M. de
Simiers and other ministers employed there until the arrival of the
commissioners.
Her Majesty being herself best acquainted with that course has
herself informed them particularly how things have passed until the
time of the assembly of Parliament.
Having occasion for divers important causes to assemble the said
Parliament, she sought by certain well-chosen instruments to inform
herself how the members were affected to her marriage, and found
that there were two principal reasons that made them very doubtful
that the marriage proceeding could not but be greatly to the discontent
of the subjects of this realm.
First, that the best-affected subjects of this Crown, seeing that
through the sending into this realm from the Pope of certain
Jesuits, divers of the subjects, otherwise dutifully affected, were by
their persuasions carried away from their former obedience, greatly
doubted that, if this match proceeded, divers of such as were not
the best affected in matters of religion will take encouragement,
since his Highness is of their religion, to withdraw their obedience
from the laws of the realm in those matters, in hope that through
his mediation they should be borne with ; a thing that might greatly
disturb the quiet of this realm.
The other, that as his Highness is already embarked in the cause
of the Low Countries, they fear that if this marriage should proceed
they should be thrown into a war that could not but grow burden-some
to this Crown, the more so that they do not see that the king
his brother is inclined to assist him, whom they hold to be greatly
affected to the King of Spain ; which they the rather conceive, for
that they see how 'slightly' the assistance required by Don Antonio,
and 'importing' greatly the bridling of the King of Spain, was put
off.
A third thing, that not only by those of Parliament, but
generally throughout the whole realm is feared, is her Majesty's
years ; but since the allegation thereof more properly appertains to
her than to others, it is meet that men should rather tonch than
treat thereon.
Her Majesty found it expedient before entering into treaty to
acquaint them with these difficulties and complaints of her subjects
with which she has also found it expedient to acquaint his Highness,
and she daily expects his answer, before which she does not see
how she can grow to any conclusion.
Yet because personages of their quality, sent from so great a
prince, should not seem to come hither to no purpose, she will give
orders that the persons the other day appointed to treat with them,
shall have permission under the Great Seal to perform the same.
Draft in Walsingham's hand, and endd. by him : The speech
delivered at [sic] the Lord Treasurer by the Secretary. 4 pp.
[France V. 62.]
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April 30.
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151. STOKES to WALSINGHAM.
My last was the 23rd, since when etc.
The Prince of 'Pinoye' has written to the Four Members of
Flanders who are together at present in this town, that M. de
Fervaques has victualled Cambray with 80 great wagons well laden
with all manner of necessaries. It was done by some good devises,
and in doing it they overthrew a cornet of 'Albernoyse' to the
great displeasure of the Malcontents.
Also the French camp lies now within Artois, at an open village
called Miraumont, within 5 leagues of Cambray, very strongly
intrenched.
The Prince of Parma with the whole force of the Malcontents lies
in a town called Lescluse within a league of Douay, where he is
making his preparations to give battle to M. de Fervaques. He has
sent to every town, castle, and fortress in Artois and 'Henogo' to
send him all the soldiers that they can spare with all possible haste ;
so that it is much feared the French camp is yet too weak.
By good advice from the Malcontents' camp they show themselves
of great courage, and fear not the French 'in no respect.' But the
towns in Artois fear them greatly.
There have been great speeches here for a long time of a camp to
be made here in Flanders by the States, and that it should have been
in the field long ere this time. But as yet it is far from any readiness,
so that there are great speeches here of many matters that
shall be done, but in the end nothing goes forward amongst them ;
and all for want of a good commander, 'which' the wisest sort fear
the want of one will be their overthrow if it be not 'foreseen' in
time, and therefore Monsieur's presence is greatly desired here.
By letters from Artois, M. de la Noue still lies at Limburg, where
it seems he is very straitly used ; for he has written to the Prince of
Parma to be better used, or else to take his life, or send him to the
galleys.—Bruges, 30 April 1581.
P.S.—Enclosed I send you a copy of the Prince of Epinoy's letter
to the Four Members, in which you will see in what order Cambray
was victualled.
Add. Endd. 1½ pp. [Hol. and Fl. XIV. 60.]
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April.
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152. ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE COMMISSIONERS.
To appoint the lodgings in—Strand—Harbingers.
To appoint the lodgings in—Fleet Street—Harbingers.
To appoint the lodgings in—Chancery Lane—Harbingers.
To appoint the lodgings in—Holborn—Harbingers.
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April 1581,
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16, Sunday, at Dover.
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17, Monday, at Canterbury.
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18, Tuesday, at Sittingbourne.
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19, Wednesday, at Rochester.
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20, Thursday, at Gravesend.
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21, Friday, at London.
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22, Saturday, audience.
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23, Sunday, St. George's Day.
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24, Monday, to confer with them at Somerset
House.
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25, Tuesday, St. Mark's Day, dinner with the
Queen.
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26, Wednesday, confer.
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27, Thursday, dinner with the Earl of Leicester.
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28, Friday, confer.
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29, Saturday, confer.
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30, Sunday, dinner with Lord
Treasurer.—The Triumphs at the Queen's Pleasure.
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May
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1, Monday, Mayday, to dine
with the Queen—The Triumphs at the Queen's Pleasure.
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2, Tuesday, to dine with the Lord Chamberlain.
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3, Wednesday, to confer, and to continue
during the Queen's pleasure.
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Draft in Burghley's hand. Endd. ¾ p. [France. V. 62.]
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153. Another copy, corrected by Burghley. ½ p. [Ibid. V. 53.]
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April.
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154. "THE NAMES OF THE COMMISSIONERS JOURNEYING."
In the 'Coche' :— The Prince Dauphin ; the two Dukes [sic] of
Bouillon ; the elder Count of Sancerre. In the 'Carroche' :— The
younger Count of Sancerre ; M. Brisson ; M. Chasteau, kinsman to
the Prince ; M. Marafin, knight of the Order, and one of the king's
stewards, sometime governor to the Prince ; M. de Fosseuse,
Marquis of Torrey, knight of the Order, son of the elder house of
Montmorency ; and a secretary of the Duke of Montpensier.
Endd. as above. ½ p. [France V. 44.]
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April.
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155. "The PRINCE DOLPHIN'S train."
The Duke of Bouillon and Count of la Marck his nephews ; the
Counts of Sancerre and Baron of Bueil ; the Count of Monrason ;
the Marquis of Fosseuse ; the Viscount of Panny ; M. de la Roche-Joubert,
lieutenant to the Prince ; M. de Monlieu, son to M. de
Jarnac ; the Baron of Seurre ; M. de Panneusse ; M. de Thibottan ;
M. de Guerchy ; M. de la Motthe aux Ausnaize ; M. de Marafin ;
M. de Mondon ; M. de Chasteaux.
Gentlemen of the Duke of Bouillon :—M. de Nuol ; M. de
Maulwart ; M. de Mazarny ; M. de Sillery ; M. de Vaux ; M. d'Auroy ;
M. de Sainte-Croix ; M. de la Haye ; M. de Bezu ; M. de Chalande ;
the Baron of Hadouville ; M. de Téligny ; M. d'Austrude ; Captain
de la Motte ; M. d'Holon ; M. Allemaigne ; M. de Chellandre ; M. de
Chemitte ; M. de Chaunfort. Six valets de chambre, six officers, six
surgeons, six pages, six lacqueys.
Endd. by L. Tomson as above, and train or suyte written by him
against various names. Fr. ¾ p. [Ibid. V. 45.]
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April.
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156. Another list with some variations and notes by Burghley.
Endd. 1¼ pp. [Ibid. V. 64.]
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