Elizabeth: July 1581, 11-20

Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 15, 1581-1582. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1907.

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'Elizabeth: July 1581, 11-20', in Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 15, 1581-1582, ed. Arthur John Butler( London, 1907), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/foreign/vol15/pp255-268 [accessed 25 November 2024].

'Elizabeth: July 1581, 11-20', in Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 15, 1581-1582. Edited by Arthur John Butler( London, 1907), British History Online, accessed November 25, 2024, https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/foreign/vol15/pp255-268.

"Elizabeth: July 1581, 11-20". Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 15, 1581-1582. Ed. Arthur John Butler(London, 1907), , British History Online. Web. 25 November 2024. https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/foreign/vol15/pp255-268.

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July 1581, 11-20

July 11. 262. WALSINGHAM to SOMMERS.
The best news I can write to you is that your proceedings hitherto are very acceptable to her Majesty ; with which good success I hope they will be accompanied to the end. We are here in great expectation of the resolution they will there take touching that cause, finding that the delaying of it cannot but be very prejudicial to them and to us.Greenwich, 11 July 1581. Add. Endd. : recepta 14 ejusdem per Burnham ; and in another hand : answered. 8 ll. [France. V. 110.]
July 12. 263. COBHAM and SOMMERS to WALSINGHAM.
The 9th inst. in the evening, MM. de Bellivre, Brisson, and Pinart came to us with a message from the king that they, having waited on the Queen Mother to Mantes, had made relation of the late negotiation passed in England, and that since their return the king had considered the speech which Sommers had delivered. Whereupon he commanded them to confer with us, which they were ready to perform the next day, together with M. de la Mothe-Fnelon, being also deputed by the king to join them. To this it was answered that we had been bold to importune the king for answer, because her Majesty desired to be resolved thereon, the sooner in respect 'of' the time of the 6 weeks agreed upon by the commissioners lately in England is nearly expired. Thus after due thanks given for their courteous coming, they departed. Next morning about 8 the above-named personages, and M. de Vray appointed likewise by the king and Monsieur, repaired to us. M. de Bellivre began first to declare how it appeared that the king, upon the occasion of the late contract accorded by the commissioners with her Majesty, had assigned them to join with us now, and to deal for the accomplishing of the same contract, and also that they might hear such demands as we had to propound ; for the king had signified to them that he was inclined and fully bent to do for his brother in case of the marriage all that he could, and so for the Queen, with whom he desires to join in strait amity, which they doubted not but will bring with it great good to both the realms. They besought us to do our endeavour therewith, so that some conclusion might follow, with such roundness as the King had commanded them to use in these matters. Hereto it was said that her Majesty, having been 'motioned' now some years past for the marriage with Monsieur, had through that occasion been ever since well-affected in amity to the king ; so far that after she had heard tell how the King of Spain prepared an army not only by levies in Spain, but also gathered in foreign realms and led out of Italy and other parts, which he daily increased and caused to be conducted so far that it soon after appeared that those forces were ordained for Portugal, the Queen, considering how these proceedings would prejudice the most Christian King as well as herself and other princes, commanded me, Sir Henry Cobham, to make overtures of those dangerous practices. Which I did not fail to do at sundry times, as MM. Bellivre and Pinart may well testify ; with whom, by order from the king, I had treated a great part of these affairs. Whereupon it was resolved by his Majesty that there should be some remedy found to oppose against that wrongful rising greatness of the King of Spain ; so his desire was that through a league offensive and defensive there might be some assured strength and amity framed for that purpose. This was afterwards treated of somewhat more particularly, as M. Pinart might remember. But the advancing of the league was referred to be further dealt in, because the king thought good to stay 'as then,' and to follow the negotiation of the marriage, the rather for the satisfying of Monsieur. He resolved to send his commissioners to England, who, the Queen judged, should have had power there to frame that league to such strong effect that thereby the excessive ambition of the King of Spain might be bridled. But it was answered by the commissioners that they had no power to manage any other cause than the marriage. So the negotiations being so far advanced as the commissioners best know, and a time prefixed during which the Queen was to consider of some important points, she thought good to send Somers to understand the King's mind upon the propositions last delivered to him, whereto we now trusted to have the answers by them, to be signified to the Queen. Then after long repetition of that which had been done in the treaty in England touching the contract, and of the good disposition they found in her Majesty, M. 'de' Brisson first said that the king had imparted to them what Mr Somers had propounded to him ; which was, her Majesty was desirous to know whether these actions of Monsieur towards the Low Countries may not be effectually prosecuted by the help of those countries and by the king and Monsieur without any charge to her or her realm, for otherwise she cannot conveniently without offence of her realm consent to the marriage. The king having well considered this question finds that she can well consent to be a looker-on, and suffer him to declare himself openly in war ; which they say were not reasonable, and that this proceeding does not agree with what her Majesty had said to some of the commissioners, that she would send one fully instructed, with authority to propound her demands and to conclude. And therefore would not believe but that Somers being now sent had such authority, which he had not uttered ; and therefore they desired to see or hear what he had besides for the conclusion of the matter, as they would shew their authority to conclude all things on the king's part. Thereto Somers told them that before the Queen could resolve a full conclusion of the marriage, she desired to be satisfied upon certain points touching the charges of Monsieur's enterprise, 'that' otherwise the burden thereof, after marriage, might be thrown upon her, which might breed a misliking in her subjects ; and that therefore six weeks were agreed upon for 'respitt' by a private accord. So it followed in congruity that she must first be resolved in the point propounded by him or any other, and then to give her answer in that time ; so that her Majesty had 'broken no course.' To this they said that the same private accord concerned the king, for any answer or clearing of points to come from him. But, said they, it is until her Majesty and Monsieur may be mutually cleared and satisfied of certain points between them. And thereof her Majesty and Monsieur to certify the king within six weeks in writing ; and therewith they showed the original observation, signed by the deputies on both parts. After long debating this matter, to maintain her Majesty's doing, they said that the king had commanded them to tell us that unless she would make it appear plainly to him what she would do, and conclude for the marriage, he can make no answer to the matter propounded. It was here moved to them some means might be devised to maintain Monsieur's action towards the Low Countries underhand or otherwise. They answered directly that the king would do nothing underhand, for the forces which were now upon the frontiers and elsewhere were so manifestly known that all the world might see the meaning of them and that the king could not disguise it. It was said to them that those forces were not appointed for the king, for he had forbidden expressly that none should pass out. They answered that those 'defences' were made during the time of the treaty, the king being then indeed much offended with the proceedings of his brother. But since the marriage was agreed upon, he is of another mind ; for, said they, as soon as the marriage shall be done, or Monsieur shall go into England to be married, the king will put his army, together with Monsieur's, into the field, and then would appoint a chieftain over them in Monsieur's name, to proceed to the victualling of Cambray, and would be present in his own person if need should require. But we being not come so far, nor having any authority to deal further, as they insisted and believed, as it seemed, that we had, pressed again to have the king's answer to the motion made to him by Somers, and that upon his answer thereunto her Highness would send her resolution, thinking the time very long till she heard from us. They, finding that nothing else to conclude came from us, said that the king had commanded them to answer us, that after the marriage consummated, which he took to be agreed upon, the king would do anything which he [qu. she] would desire, even to declare himself openly against the King of Spain, were it tomorrow ; but that he could not tell how all those charges should be borne until he knew fully her Majesty's mind, what she would do. They then pressed very earnestly to know what she would give, for there was, said they, an offer made in England. It was answered that rather than the enterprise should fail, she would contribute a reasonable portion, to be agreed by persons authorised. Then they said that it had need be great, for the king must bear the burden of the war by his people, and the spoil of his country, and so would not the Queen. They then demanded whether her aid would be of men and ships. It was answered that if any aid must be given, it was like it would be in money, for ships and men would be too manifest ; which they liked not. This matter was long debated ; they insisting still to have the Queen declare herself openly with the king, and we defending that she would not marry a husband and a war together after so long a happy peace. In the end we said that king needed not to 'declare himself into' an open war for this matter, but rather let his brother alone and himself not seem to meddle but 'by the under hand,' as her Majesty might also do. They said it might not be so, for he would not so hazard or forsake his brother who was so dear to him, for he was his only brother, and heir 'suppositife,' and was 'no more nor harder' than another man. They assured us that he so loved his brother, that for his cause he had offered and would perform as has been said. They there made a discourse of the words and messages which the king had sent to Monsieur by the Queen Mother, which they said they heard, and likewise of his answers, mixed with such love, reverence, and obedience towards the king as they never heard come from any person ; wishing that we had heard them both, to testify to her Majesty of the good intelligence there is between them. After they had pressed us to utter more of her Majesty's intents, (for all this while they had heard very little, and yet as much as we knew in that matter), and had laid the king's mind open to us, to do all that her heart would desire, so that she would promise to marry, and that we on the other side had dealt as much as we could to keep her from open charges, and her realm from war, wherein we thought, and so said, that she was resolved, and so had she told them in England, they said (and indeed upon our motion) that they would propound some matters, whereof part had been spoken of in England ; and so to win time to come to a conclusion, whereby it should appear how much the king desired her Majesty's amity, and the advancement of his brother. And so propounded to us three points : The first, that a day certain for the marriage may be set down ; The second, that a league offensive and defensive may be made, fully agreed upon, and ratified ; the same to be delivered to her Majesty by deputies from the king immediately upon the words of the marriage pronounced ; The third, by a secret treaty apart, to determine upon the matters for Monsieur's assistance in the Low Countries and for rescuing Cambray. Upon these three points they said the king rested, and desired to be resolved by her Majesty. He for his part offers and 'assures' to perform that which on his part is to be done, even now, if we had authority to deal therein. After we had answered that they should not need to speak of Cambray, being to be done presently, 'and was' a matter apart, not to be spoken of here, as not hitherto moved, they said it was all one action of the Low Countries, and must be of one match with the rest. [This passage much marked by Walsingham.] To these points we said we would advertise her Majesty as soon as we conveniently could. In this conference when we saw time and opportunity meet, we opened to them that seeing there was such difficulty that the marriage could not well be without open charge to her Majesty and danger of war to the realm, which they might well perceive she would avoid as much as she could, we propounded to them two other means to oppose the King of Spain's greatness, without marriage. One, a like league being first made, to aid Don Antonio for Portugal ; the other, by contributing under hand towards Monsieur's charges, and so open war avoided. They answered that as for Don Antonio, that matter 'followed in order' to be in the secret treaty for the Low Countries, and as for the other, they said assuredly that the king would do nothing that way under hand. As for the league without marriage, the king would make none, and in that case would live in amity with her Majesty as his good sister, but would not abide to hear of any other matter than of the marriage, nor would deal in any other thing as the principal foundation and 'baze (as they termed it)' of all. 'For,' said they, 'the Queen is bound, and Monsieur is also bound, by their several procurations, and the contract is made ; or else what have they done in England?' After we had divers ways debated these matters to this effect, alleging that great causes are subject to many impediments, observing our instructions, not forgetting the great disadvantage which her Majesty's subjects trafficking into Spain would have in this course which they sought, we desired to receive answer from the king himself ; and so the same afternoon towards evening we went to the Court at Saint-Maur. And they going an hour before, procured us audience of the king and Queen Mother, being together in her chamber. There I, Sir Henry Cobham, put the king in remembrance of what had been propounded to him by Somers, and since we had not been directly answered thereto by his deputies, I desired him to make us such an answer as might be to her Majesty's contentment ; which she expects, considering the time passes fast away. The king replied that he had heard from M. de Bellivre and the rest of the conference which had passed between us and them that morning. He much commended the Queen's care to live in peace in the way she had so happily lived so many years, and as she would be loth to have a husband that should bring her war, so should he be sorry to have a brother that should bring a war upon his arms, for he desired the repose of his people and countries that had been so long travailed with wars'twenty-two years,' said the queen. As to the matter propounded by Somers, he trusted that her Majesty would bear a portion, seeing it was also profitable for her to impeach the King of Spain's greatness. He said that one-third might be borne by her, one-third by him, and the other third by his brother and the States. Thereto he was told that this was far from the course of her Majesty's intention, who had often told his ambassador in England that she would not be married to a war, but to a husband that might bring her peace and means to continue it and to augment friendship. Yet rather than these enterprises of Monsieur's should fail, to his dishonour, which (sic) she has specially recommended, we thought she would be content to contribute some convenient sum, as a fourth part, beside what the States contribute monthly to him, as may be agreed upon by persons thereunto authorised. He said it was very little in respect of the great burden which would lie upon him by furnishing men, artillery, and other things, beside the great spoil by the soldiers upon his realm and subjects. As for doing it 'coverly' under hand, he said that he could not do it so, for all the world may see the great troops of horse and companies of foot that come every day and lie in his country, 'and then,' said he, 'how can it be disguised?' Therefore it must be done openly. Thereunto I put him in remembrance that he was once of another mind, to have the succours given 'convertly.' He said it was true ; but that was before these companies of men of war were openly seen and assembled. Then the Queen Mother wished that these matters of the Low Countries might be well compounded, and her son soon retired out of these actions, to save men, and avoid the war and charges. She wished that Cambray might be restored to 'his' former state of neutrality, and her son's men retired from thence. This she said she had propounded to him ; and being requested to tell what answer he made, 'it was,' said she, 'that the States' minds must be known therein, and that he wished it had been propounded sooner.' To this it was said that the Queen would be very glad to hear of an honourable composition which might bring peace ; but that in this case, seeing that it touched Monsieur so much in honour, it was to be doubted how she would like it. Yet if it might be done with Monsieur's content, and with his honour, she might find it good. The Queen Mother was asked if she found it good that Sir H. Cobham should write to Monsieur, that her Majesty might understand his mind. She answered that she had 'lever' that her Highness would do it. And here it was further demanded, how should Monsieur be assured that his men being out of Cambray the enemy should be kept from entering and possessing it ; besides that the town is Imperial, but the castle is not. She answered that the Queen had credit with the States, and by her means to them and to the Prince of Parma (as she herself would write to him) it might be done. It was further said to the king and to her that seeing the States had chosen Monsieur, and he had accepted the government of the countries, how should that be 'used' and his honour saved, leaving such a principal key, which is now in his hands. She answered 'Il y faudra adviser.' And care must be had to avoid this war here, and to deal in some other places further off to 'impeach' the King of Spain. 'And so fell in purpose' of Don Antonio, who the king said was in England, and that as he heard her Highness had honourably used him ; and if she would furnish him with ships, he would give him men. This coming thus in talk, I told him that indeed he [sic] had heard that Don Antonio was in England privily, come thither with a very small company ; but of his entertainment I heard nothing ; and reminded him that in my last audience I had signified to him that Jehan de Souza who was lately in the company of Count Vimioso, as he knew, was repaired into England with letters of credit from Don Antonio to make request to her Majesty for men and ships, to which she would not hearken, nor otherwise meddle until she had heard what his Majesty would do in the enterprise of Portugal. For in that matter she was resolved to 'correspond' with him. He thanked her, and said that those matters might be treated of upon answer from her to the points which he means now to deliver to us ; and might be put into a private treaty to be made between them for the matters of the Low Countries. Then we returned to our first matter, and again desired his more particular answer thereto. He answered, his deputies had propounded three points to us that morning, as he himself would also do then, as things wherein he desired to be fully resolved by her Majesty. The first was (taking, he said, the marriage to be fully agreed upon) that he prays her to 'take a day' within which to consummate the marriage ; which day he there named as we have now set it down. The second, that the marriage being promised to be done by that day, he would upon knowledge thereof enter into a league offensive and defensive with her ; the same to be ratified before, and declared to her at the instant of the consummation of the marriage. The third point is a secret agreement to be made between them for the matters of the Low Countries. Of these three things he beseeches her to send him her full resolution within eight or ten days at farthest, for upon it depends all the course of his affairs, which, he said, are very great. He assures her that she shall not only marry his brother, but also himself, his realm, and all that he has, and shall find him a good brother and a perfect friend in all things, with all his means to be at her command, to do her honour and service ; with as many other good words of amity as might be delivered. Then, finding that in all this course, for anything that we could do, nothing will be allowed here to be done under hand, but all openly, which we perceive her Majesty does not yet like, for avoiding of war, though the king declare himself, as he has largely offered to do upon assurance of the marriage, and in case to yield to anything she would require, I propounded to the king : That in case upon just occasion the marriage should not take place (as great causes are subject to many great impediments) whether some other course might not be taken, both for a league betwixt their Majesties and for other matters touching Monsieur's actions, as had been before propounded, to impeach the greatness of the King of Spain. The king answered that seeing he took the marriage to be agreed upon, he would not alter from that as the principal foundation of all. He desired it as much as anything in the world, for the advancement of his brother, whom he loved very dearly, being both of one ventre, and would not forsake him, and trusted there would be no obstacle in that which is so concluded. He prayed us earnestly to beseech her Majesty to send with speed her resolution to these three points, upon which he stayed other great affairs ; and then rehearsed again those three points, which we leave to her Majesty's consideration. This is the effect of our negotiations here, and we humbly beseech that if things do not succeed according to her expectation, she will think it has not been for lack of care to observe her directions, but impute it to their resoluteness here, finding and following the things already passed, from which they show they do not mean to vary. We assure her that since our being with the king some of the deputies have said to us that the motion now of a league and other means without the marriage have been found exceeding strange and very unpleasant to the king. We will not forget that the Queen Mother standing by the king at our audience uttered sundry speeches ; as that the king entered into a great charge for his brother's cause ; that therewith she adventured the person of her son, which much touched her ; that when a fourth part was spoken of she said it was a very small thing in respect of their adventure and the greatness of their cause, besides the spoils which this realm will feel. And that as the Queen misliked of war, so did she also ; and so wished earnestly that some means might be taken to help that, as by the means before mentioned, or some other that may be thought of. Endd. : 12 July 1581. Copy of Sir Henry Cobham and Mr Somers' letter to me. Marginal summaries in Walsingham's hand, and his mark frequently appended. 12 pp. [France V. 111.]
July 12. 264. Rough draft in Cobham's writing of a portion of the above.
pp. [Ibid. V. 112.]
July 12. 265. Another draft, or notes of the audience, with many alterations.
Endd. : To Mr Secretary by Adams. Audience 10. 6 pp. [Ibid. V. 113.]
July 12. 266. COBHAM and SOMERS to the QUEEN.
In all the course of our negotiations, with the deputies first, and then with the king and Queen Mother (whereof we humbly beg your favourable construction), for anything we could say we find that nothing is plausible here but the continuance to the consummation of the marriage, which the king expects very shortly, and would ere this have sent his ratification of the contract, as he said, had not Somers's negotiation come as it did. He means, however, to send it as soon as he receives answer from your Majesty to his three motions now propounded, which he beseeches you to send within eight or ten days. [Points as already given.] The whole negotiation is contained in a letter to Mr Secretary Walsingham. Endd. p. [Ibid. V. 114.]
July 12.
Lettres de C. de M. vii. 382.
267. The QUEEN MOTHER to WALSINGHAM.
Requesting the continuance of his good offices in promoting the marriage.St. Maur-des-Fosss, 12 July 1581. (Signed) Caterine ; (and below) Pinart. Add. Endd. p. Fr. [Ibid. V. 115.]
July 13. 268. COBHAM to WALSINGHAM.
Seeing that in our joint letter is declared at great length what 'we have passed' since Mr Somer's coming, I think it impertinent to write to you any further thereof. Yet I will note these points how 'my thought' the king uttered his 'concept' to us at this time with another spirit and cheerful sort than I have heretofore heard him. Likewise the manner of the audience was somewhat extraordinary, as it seemed to me ; for we found the king in the Queen Mother's cabinet placed between her and the young queen regnant, she likewise being a party assisting at our negotiations. There stood moreover within the hearing of the conference these personages : the Cardinal of Bourbon, Chiverny, Villequier, Lansac, la Mothe-Fnelon, Brisson, Pinart, and de Vray, whom we found in the cabinet before our entry. The king 'vouches' to have intelligence with his brother, promising to give assistance and approve his doings ; which change of mind has happened since the Queen Mother's and the commissioners last being with Monsieur. So that the 'sway runs' more and more on Monsieur's side thus far forth. During our being with their Majesties the Duke and Cardinal of Guise were in the outer chamber with the ladies. Monsieur determines to return to-morrow from Mantes to Houdan, towards Chartres, to repass the river at Montereau-'fauguyon' [faut-Yonne], whence he departs to join his forces coming out of Berry and Burgundy, and with his 'Risters' so to make their rendezvous about Chateau Thierry, whither yesterday M. de la Vergiu, captain of his guard, passed from Montereau. There is means assigned to 'moonye' [qu. money] Monsieur, whereof Beauclerc receives to-day a good part. The marriage which was 'a framing' between the queen regent's sister and Don Alfonso d'Este is altogether broken off, and a match concluded between her and M. 'd'Arx,' one of the minions, a most courteous well-beloved gentleman, and of good parentage, but somewhat unequal for the birth and alliance of his lady. The King of Navarre has of late 'resorted' from Pau, and returned for his affairs to Nerac. I enclose herewith copies of letters lately sent to 'Il Signor Strozzo' from the Isles of 'Assoures.' Count Vimioso is lodged at 'Vantador house.' I mean to use some words for his stay according to that which you commanded me. Mr Watson delivered his letters to the count before he came to Paris, and is dispatched hence two days ago. There is some bruit spread that the companies levied in the Duchy of Milan 'should' descend into the Marquisate of Saluces. The king has sent the governor, M. de la Valette l'an, money, with order to increase the garrison. 'De Brunnyo,' secretary to d'Aubigny, has audience of their Majesties, and those Scottish causes are favoured by the Guises in this Court. La Mothe-Fnelon told me in private conference that the course begun in Scotland would be otherwise ordered. Lord Hamilton intends to retire towards Poitou, where he may have the use, as he says, of his religion ; but I could wish it otherwise. Paris, 13 July 1581. P.S.M. Lansac has license to repair to Guyenne, to his houses ; under colour of which I am informed he is dispatched with instructions to deal with the King and Queen of Navarre, 'whereon the said queen should repair now with the king's goodwill into these parts.' Add. and Endt. gone. 1 p. [France V. 116.]
July 13. 269. [SOMERS] to WALSINGHAM.
By this 'depeche' from my lord ambassador you shall see so amply the course of our proceedings that there needs no other 'recite.' You will see that particular questions will not be answered here, they founding themselves upon what they hold as already agreed upon, 'resting' nothing but the accomplishment. I assure you that my negotiation gave them matter of musing, not knowing what it should mean, 'naying,' as they said, what had been promised in England, that one should be sent fully instructed and authorised to proceed to a conclusion, which they looked for from me, for they were persuaded that there were now no more questions of doubt to be moved to the king, but that if any difficulty remained, it was to be mutually cleared between her Majesty and Monsieur, and thereof to advertise the king in writing within the six weeks. I beseech you consider the words of the resolution. Now therefore if it please the Queen to come to the three points propounded by the kingto which he earnestly desires a speedy answer for the causes mentioned in the ambassador's letter-or to any of them, to be treated of here, I doubt not but she will send some sufficient person, well-instructed and expert in such causes, and for other respects meet to 'rencontre' the king's deputies here, of whom you can well judge ; who can and perhaps will speak louder here, being at home, than they did abroad as under protection. Then it may please her to command me to return home. I fear greatly that we send nothing more to her contentment. For my part, I must and do yield myself to her wise judgement when she has weighed all circumstances, for we found them resolute to hearken to nothing else than to a coronation [?]. I comfort myself with this assurance that I leave things in no worse terms in substance than I found them. Perhaps in opinion some coldness may be conceived upon the question moved by virtue of my instructions. But finally when nothing could be gotten but their resolution upon the matter afoot, we have advertised according to her Majesty's command. And withal in most earnest manner seen and testified the king's open intention for those actions, as much as by words may be delivered, and his joining in great amity with his brother. The ambassador there has very express command to press for answer ; and surely whoever considers what great causes stay upon this resolution, and how those great companies of men-of-wars daily increasing in sundry parts towards the borders1,200 reiters come in by Lorraine as it is said, all which bring no victuals nor forage with them, and in this time of the harvestwill think that the king has reason to be resolved. I beseech you pardon me 'to say' this much ; yet not without dutiful consideration how much this matter imports to be well digested, for it is a hard morsel every way. God grant an honourable end, to His glory and her Majesty's contentment. Draft. Endd. : 13 July, 1581. A part of my letter to Mr Secretary. 1 pp. [Ibid. V. 117.]
[July 13.] 270. [SOMERS] to WALSINGHAM.
I will not spend your time by reciting here anything of what my lord ambassador is advertising. This serves only to give you hearty thanks for the letters you sent me by Mr Burnham. I pray that the last sent by H. Adams, which you so much expected, move no alteration of the former contentment ; as I trust it will not open good consideration of the circumstances, adding also a favourable construction, whereto I doubt not of your readiness. Since that negotiation I see countenances somewhat altered, and they point to the mind. Some bind fast upon letters, messages, speeches, thereby the matter not to be revoked, howsoever this makes it colder awhile to some that know not of the other. It is not meet for me to advise you nor do I mean to throw myself into discourse of our present estate, nor in what sort those of our neighbours stand now, how many like to fall 'fromwards' and which towards, nor whether we shall like that all fall another way. Yet hearing some words escape from some of credit here whom you know, I desire etc. Rough draft. Endd. : a part of my letter to Mr Secretary. p. [Ibid. V. 118.]
July 14. 271. COBHAM to WALSINGHAM.
I received yours by Mr Burnham and will not fail to deal with the Lord of Arbroth as you wish, for it may be doubted that he will in process of time be 'trained' homeward, since he is suffered to stay in those parts. Of this I somewhat reminded you in my last. Monsieur departed from Mantes two days since, and is now traversing the hither part of la Beauce to amass all his forces together ; which I hear will amount to 2 or 3,000 French horse, most of them armed, and their lances, and very well mounted, besides 1,200 reiters, who are come into Burgundy, as they inform me. It is thought that the Marquis d'Elbeuf will lead the vanguard, followed by 4,000 foot, 500 reiters, and 1,000 French horsemen. Monsieur marches himself with the 'battayle,' wherein he will have 6,000 foot, 700 reiters, and 1,500 French horsemen, most of them gentlemen, with 12 pieces of great artillery. M. 'Pye Gallyard' is commanded by the king to lodge his troops within two leagues of Monsieur's ; with 25 cornets of horse and 3,000 good soldiers to serve Monsieur, over and above his ordinary servants and followers. The king intends to bestow in marriage, with the young Queen's sister, unto M. d'Arques, the value of 150,000 crowns, and erects him to the state of a duke. I shall 'leave' to use any manner of dissuasions to Count Vimioso for his not passing into England, because I have been privately informed by Mr Burnham of this late dispatch sent to him from thence. I thank you for letting me see by your letters that there is a remembrance had of me and my suit, and some hope of comfort to be had. I assure you it cannot come before I have need of it. Paris, 14 July 1581. P.S.As yet they do not within this realm prepare any succour on behalf of Don Antonio. There 'are' a basket with abricocks delivered to Mr Burnham, which I hope will come into your hands in better sort than the other. Add. and Endt. gone. 1 p. [France V. 119.]
July 18. 272. "Extract from the resolutions of the States-General of the Low Countries."
In pursuance of their resolution taken at Delft on Jan. 26 last, they have decided to deliver to her Majesty their obligation for 4,616l. 13s. 1d. on account of the like sum disbursed by her for interest on three obligations given by her in the name of the States to Horatio Pallavicini and Baptista Spinola, amounting in all to 28,757l. 11s. 2d., which fell due on Dec. 30, '80 ; with promise and assurance to pay interest at the rate of 10 per cent. per annum on the said sum of 4,616l. 13s. 1d. until that sum is fully repaid, by equal half-yearly instalments, of which the first fell due on June 30 last past. And whereas the States had hoped to deliver to her Majesty within the next three months the particular obligation of the city of Antwerp for the current year's interest falling due on Dec. 30 next, both on the 28,757l. 11s. 2d. and on the 4,616l. 13s. 1d., amounting at 10 per cent. per annum to 3,337l. 8s. 5d. ; and, owing to the contrariness (dirersit) of the time those of that city find difficulty in giving their obligation : For this reason the States, desiring to give her Majesty reasonable contentment in this matter have resolved to give her letters promising to pay in the course of (partout) August next one-half of the said sum of 3,337l. 8s. 5d. due June 30 last, and to pay the other half on Dec. 31 next ; and further to let her know in the course of next October their final resolution as to the redemption of the capital sums, or continuation of them at similar interest and on good security.The Hague, 18 July 1581. (Signed) Houfflin. Endd. by L. Tomson. Fr. 1 pp. [Holl. and Fl. XIV. 90.]
July 19. 273. BURGHLEY to SOMERS.
I heartily thank you for your letter, and to the end to let you know that I have received them thankfully, I now scribble these ; and am sure you will be glad if Mr Secretary shall come, who shall bring you to one end or other of this long maze. I pray God it may end well to His honour and the comfort of her Majesty. If you find any books of genealogies or pedigrees there published, not here usual, I pray you send me some such. Holograph. Add. Endd. : 19 Julii, 1581, from my L. Treasurer. Recepta 21 per Burnham, at Paris. p. [France V. 120.]
July 19. 274. WALSINGHAM to SOMERS.
Your private letter stood me in very good stead for the ordering of the great cause. Her Majesty has some intention to send me over the seas. Notwithstanding, I will labour by all the means I can to break the journey off. You yourself can tell how hardly I was used in my last voyage, and as this is a matter of more danger than that, I have cause to fear to be served with harder measure than I was. Yet if her Majesty continues her resolution to employ me, as one that is ready to serve her without respect of himself, I will not refuse to sustain the charge ; leaving the success of my negotiations to the good pleasure of God. I cannot but let you understand to your comfort how well her Majesty likes your wise and discreet proceedings in the matter committed to your charge ; in which respect I account you a happy man, and wish the fruit of my travail might be no worse than yours.From the Court, 19 July 1581. Add. Endd. p. [Ibid. V. 121.]