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Jan. 21.
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512. STOKES to WALSINGHAM.
My last to you was the 14th, since which matters have been still
in these parts.
The Prince of Parma has been this week at Corttrick, where he
was but one night, and thence returned to Tournay. The cause of
his coming is not known.
The general meeting of the Malcontents that should have been
at Mons will now be at Douay, for it is said the Prince of Parma
has no mind to be at Mons.
By letters from Lille and Corttrick there is great discontent
among the nobility and gentlemen of the Malcontents ; partly
because the government of the town and castle of Tournay is put
into a Spaniard's hands, and also because the King of Spain is
preparing 10,000 troops in Italy to be sent hither next March.
The Prince of Parma has stayed the forces that were coming to
these parts from Artois and Hainault ; for it seems they have some
enterprise in hand 'about Brabant side,' for this week the enemy
has withdrawn from these parts 7 cornets of horse and 1,000 foot,
who have marched towards Hainault, saying they will be here again
shortly.
M. de Villeneuve, colonel of M. de la Noue's companies that are
lying at Eccloo has leave from the Prince to go to France for two
months, and is gone.
This week M. de Rochepot and M. de Villers with 3 cornets of
horse and 500 foot went to take a house which the enemy keeps
within a small mile of this town, in which are but 40 soldiers,
whom they found in such good order that they turned back and
durst not meddle with them.
There is great fear here that the long tarrying that Monsieur
makes of his coming will make some 'alteration' here on the States'
side, for they fear that he will not come hither at all ; so they
greatly fear their estate.—Bruges, 21 Jan. 1581.
P.S.—'By means' the post does not come this way, here is
'scant' of conveyance for England, and the posts might pass this
way as they have done without danger from the enemy.
Enclosed I send a letter from M. Rossel, sent me from Eccloo.
Add. Endd. 1½ pp. [Holl. and Fl. XV. 11.]
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Jan. 22.
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513. COBHAM to WALSINGHAM.
It seems that they have been advertised here that the Earl of
Desmond has fallen into her Majesty's hands, whereon they are
curious to understand the truth of me. I let M. Brulart know that
I had seen some letters written about it ; which I was the more
willing to do, because they informed me that some of the Papists
and Scottish faction looked to have seen the said Irish earl within
a few days. I am further told that the Pope's nuncio has signified
to Rome that the Earl of Desmond remains prisoner ; which being
so, it would seem there were other expectation.
Morgan, sometime the Earl of Shrewsbury's secretary, sent
from hence, four days ago, a Welsh boy about the age of 17
years with letters for England, by way of Calais. His name is
Price ; he is full-faced, apparelled in a black cloak and black hose,
with sky-colour nether stockings.
There is a packet of small books which Dr Allen sent from
Rheims to Dr Darbishire hither, to the intent that they may be
conveyed into England ; which books 'should' only contain matter
concerning the burning of English Smith [sic ; but qy. Atkins] in
Rome.
They inform me that one Parsons, an English Jesuit, was in the
house of Mr Yates, where Campion was taken, at that instant, and
not found out ; haunting still the same house.
It is written lately from Scotland that James Stewart, Earl of
Arran, 'pretended' to have slain d'Aubigny ; wherewith the
Scottish Papists and others are much discontented.
I forgot in my other letter to tell you how the king has appointed
for every one of the Swiss commissioners a chain of gold weighing
300 crowns, with his portrait in gold hanging to it.
The two Boroskys of Poland, of whom I told you in my former
etter, are come hither because they are not well liked by their own
king, and the elder of them has slain a gentleman in their king's
Court. And since they have sought money of this king, the
countenance they at first had in the Court has failed them.
It is 'delivered' in Court today that Laverdin and Randan have
fought together, having, as they report, slain one another, and the
other gentlemen who were on both sides are 'evil' wounded.
'It is sent me word' there is some meaning that Villeroy was to
pass into England from their Majesties.
I have had advertisements from Bordeaux that 8 ships of 140 tons
apiece are 'pressed' in that port for the service of Strozzi and
Lansac, who have been there together and have given order for the
rigging and victualling of them. Notwithstanding, those ships
cannot be in readiness before April. They bring me word that
Count Vimioso was to arrive here today.
The Queen Mother 'this other day' showed in Court her Majesty's
picture, made in full length and proportion by her own French
painter who was lately in England ; of which this queen seems to
make great estimation. The ladies highly commended the Queen's
rare gifts and princely comeliness with exceeding praises and
admiration, marvelling very much at the number of those great
pearls wherewith her gown is set forth and beautified ; supposing
that all the other princes of Christendom had not the like quantity
of pearls of that sort. The great princesses noted, and were very
much satisfied to see her apparelled and attired all over à la
Françoise.
I thank you for the comfort I received in your last letter, awaiting
the fruit of it when it pleases God to send it, and her Majesty
to do that long longed-for good.—Paris, 22 Jan. 1581.
Add. Endd. 3 pp. [Ibid. VII. 12.]
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Jan. 22
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514. COBHAM to WALSINGHAM.
After I had made up the packet to you, I was advertised that two
English Jesuit priests had arrived in this town. They have been
newly admitted into that Order this Christmas at Rheims. One is
named Harvey, a bald man with a round leg, somewhat long-visaged,
and 'flexsone' [qy. flaxen] -haired, which he wears long ; apparelled
in a black cut doublet, wearing a white pair of stockings. The
other's name is Freeman, a man of very low stature, red-headed,
narrow-eyed, and little hair 'in' his face ; wearing a russet cloak, a
black 'frise' coat, and a 'sky' pair of nether stockings. They are
to pass at once, by the way, as I am informed, of Calais ; but they
will pass towards the North by sea, if they can. I thought good to
signify this to you ; wishing them condign punishment according
to their intents.—Paris, 22 Jan.
Add. Endd. 1 p. [Ibid. VII. 13.]
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Jan. 22
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515. MASINO DEL BENE to WALSINGHAM.
I have with much content heard of the prosperous voyage of the
'Conte di Lesmonte,' and I pray God to give her Majesty grace to
profit by the favours which He has long done to her, and which if
she well considers them, are not small. Not only may this please
Him, but may He guard and preserve her from the wiles of her
enemies, and especially those of the King of Spain and the Pope.
The capture of Tournay has set the Prince of Parma up again ; and
the King of Spain is taking occasion from it to take order in the
affairs of those countries. If something is not done from another
quarter,—God grant that I be not a true prophet in this as I have
been in other things—next summer Brabant from Antwerp outwards,
and Flanders, will be in great peril.
Here, more solito. The Swiss are here, and I only hope we shall
satisfy them, and renew the league with them. Affairs in the West
go so that I do not expect much of them. The Queen Mother goes
at it very warmly, and has already embarked more than 100,000
crowns. If I had been of her counsel, and she willing to believe
me, I would sooner have employed them on her son, than where I
fear they will bear no fruit ; and if only I had seen that her Majesty
does not wish to pay any attention to the affairs of the Low
Countries, to thwart the King of Spain in that quarter, to make
him lose patience. But he would sooner let one put his fingers in
his eyes than break off the war before he has reconquered the Low
Countries. All which things I have preached for the last six years,
but as they say a noiaporri (pestering deaf ears) ; nor have I gained
anything by this and many other signal good offices that I have done.
God be praised for all.
I am very eagerly awaiting till, in pursuance of what you said
here, you use your offices with the Queen that she may employ me in
something ; and I promise that I will not excuse myself. I heard here
of his stay and I lay the blame on the winds.—Paris, 22 Jan. 1581.
Add. Endd. Ital. 2½ pp. [Ibid. VII. 14.]
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Jan. 23.
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516. COBHAM to WALSINGHAM.
I had given my last dispatch to this bearer, Mr Needham, but
that one of the ordinary posts had waited for it. Now, having been
advertised of the following, I would not 'leave' to impart it to you :
how Madame d'Aumale came to Queen Mother and required to have
justice on those who had said that the king had lain with her. Duke
d'Aumale said as much to Queen Mother, wherewith she was
astonied, not determining at first what to answer other than "Jésus
Maria, qu'est-ce que vous dîtes? Vous vous faîtes fort. Qui estce
qui a dit cela?" To which the duchess answered that the
Princess of Condé and Mad. de Sauve had said it. They have
denied it, and Duke d'Aumale says that Mad. de Sauve has not said
it ; and that they lie who so affirm. This may grow to a little
broil.
The king sometimes now in the evenings begins to visit the
houses where there is any honourable assembly of ladies, accompanied
by the 'Prince Genovaise' [de Genevois] and the Dukes of
Guise and Joyeuse.
I received now at this instant your letters, sent by 'Du Beas
[Bex], secretary to M. Marchaumont.—Paris, 23 Jan. 1581.
Add. Endd. Cipher (deciphered) parts in ital. 1 p. [Ibid. VII. 15.]
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Jan. 27.
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517. COBHAM to WALSINGHAM.
Having 'commodity' to write to you by this merchant the bearer
hereof, called Hankin, I may advertise you of such little affairs as
pass here in Court or otherwise, which have come to my knowledge,
though of small importance.
As first, how the king and his wife proceed in their determined
form of devotion, giving to understand they hope through such
merits to obtain grace to get that issue which they, as it seems,
greatly desire. Whereon the young queen departed yesterday on
her journey towards the Lady of Chartres, intending to pass some
part of it on foot, whereby her pilgrimage may be more meritorious.
It is moreover thought that the king will meet her at Chartres for
the better accomplishment of their vows. Meantime the king and
Duke Joyeuse say their mattins together, and other prayers assigned
for that purpose ; so it appears the king admits the duke to be his
'intrinsical coadjutor' as his dear brother. M. Joyeuse seems to
be entirely devout therein. They daily observe this custom,
though the king passes his time abroad, as at present he is 'on'
hawking, accompanied by the Dukes of Guise, Joyeuse, Aumale,
Mercœur and Épernon, and the Cardinal of Guise ; who all eat at
the king's table with him.
Whereas I wrote to you in my last concerning the king's disposition
in the matter of the chief gentlemen of his chamber, since
they also conceive in the Court that Villequier will leave that office,
as the Marshal of Retz is to do, I hear there is some stay at the
instance of their friends. Some think the king will bestow the
office on Joyeuse and Épernon, meaning they shall wait by quarter.
I have otherwise understood the office will be bestowed on Lavalette,
Épernon's older brother, if the Marshal and Villequier are deprived.
The 'bruit of Court' which I told you in my last concerning
Laverdin and Randan does not prove true. They have not yet
fought nor met, it is understood.
The petty broil I wrote of in cipher in my last letter is smothered,
and only the Duke of Aumale's brother charged with the report,
being young and of the prelacy. Therefore no further respect is
had of that cause.
The courtiers say that de Roissy 'prevailed himself on' the
favour that he has with the young queen to the prejudice of
Villequier ; whereon Villequier has likewise used his credit to thrust
back Roissy. But Roissy's behaviour bred a kind of jealousy,
which perhaps was the chief cause.
I hear no further of M. Villeroy's departure to any place.
Count Vimioso, who lately was here about the furtherance of his
king's causes, has returned to Tours, and Rodrigo de Souza remains
there in prison. They have taken John le Gendre, sent from the
Spanish agent to Rodrigo de Souza with order to advise him to
escape, because the agent perceived their dealing together was discovered.
This le Gendre is companion and friend to the party who
spoke to you in Carnavalet's garden concerning the 'pretence'
intended against the Prince of Orange. But seeing that he is discovered
to be affected to the Spanish cause it is to be suspected that
the other is bent that way and lingers waiting in Amiens about
those affairs ; which party Monsieur may 'consider on,' as pleases
him.
I am told that the ambassador ligier of Savoy is grieved that the
Queen Mother does not press the marriage between his duke and the
Princess of Lorraine so earnestly as she was wont to do. He has
said in some place how his duke hoped that after the sending of
Count Montreal into England to return the Order of the Garter the
Queen would be pleased to send some one to him with compliments,
as other princes have done.
The Swiss will have their money delivered to them at Solothurn.
I perceive the Bishop of Ross intends to go into Poitou for the
ordering of some of his 'spiritual livings.' M. de la Mothe-Fènelon
was with him on the 20th, remaining in conference with him above
an hour. The bishop has 'delivered' that there are sixteen
noblemen in Scotland who have 'subscribed their hands' to maintain
the Popish religion ; 'discoursing' further how there were in
Scotland not above five or six principal ministers, who easily on a
sudden might be 'attrapped' and imprisoned. He hoped further
that Mr. John [sic] Creighton, their learned Scottish Jesuit, would
prevail much with the young king. The advertisements which the
Scottish bishops had concerning James Stewart's falling out with
d'Aubigny, came by the means of a Scotchman dwelling at Dieppe.
On the 24th inst. Morgan was met coming out of the Louvre by
a friend of mine with a packet of letters a span high under his
cloak, and followed till he entered the house of Madame 'du Seze'
[qy. d'Uzès] in which house nobody lodges but herself.
The same day the Bishop of Ross went to Count Saint-Aignan,
to entreat him to be his friend 'towards' Monsieur for a benefice
which he promised him long since. The count has assured him of
his furtherance.
On the 24th some gentlemen departed hence towards England.
Mr Thomas Page, late servant to Lord Mordaunt, Mr Browne,
late servant to the Earl of Leicester, and Mr Digby, who spoke
with Dr Darbishire before his departure, receiving of him letters
to carry into England. Others went in their company, whose
names I cannot learn. There has passed one William Duckham,
late of Exeter College, Oxford, born in Gloucestershire. He is
departed to Rheims, with letters of recommendation to Dr Allen
and others. He brought letters with him out of England, and
passed by Dover, pretending to the searchers there that he was
a cook, and went to seek service. Two Englishmen have lately
been robbed going to Rheims, and their letters taken from them.
There is also gone to Orleans one Hodgson, whose father is a
vehement papist, dwelling in Newcastle-on-Tyne. He brought with
him about 300l. in gold.
I have written you these particulars, doubting they will serve to
small purpose. Howbeit I would not 'leave' to signify them.
I send herewith a book in French, containing a brief discourse of
those who have been principal martyrs for Christ's religion.—
Paris, 27 Jan. 1581.
Add. and endt. gone. 3½ pp. [France VII. 16.]
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Jan. 28.
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518. STOKES to WALSINGHAM.
My last was the 21st ; since which certain speeches have come to
the magistrates of this town from Lille and Corttrick, which are
these.
At Tournay the Marquis of Risbourg has slain M. de Capres,
Governor of Arras, with his dagger, sitting at table at dinner
together. Some say the cause was that M. de Capres wished the
aid of the Spaniards, some that it was for some words about the
death of M. de Hèze, and some that it was for some displeasure the
Marquis had against him about the government in Artois, for
Capres was his lieutenant there.
It is said that the Malcontents have proclaimed war against the
Duke of Alençon in Artois and Hainault.
The Baron de Selles, who was prisoner at Cambray, has been
brought thence to the castle of Rammekens in Zealand, where he
lies prisoner for M. de la Noue.
An ambassador has come to Zealand from Don Antonio to the
Prince and States for some aid of ships for his money.
There continues to be great discontent among the nobility of the
Malcontents about the government. It seems this discord has
stayed some enterprise that they had in hand upon some places in
these parts and elsewhere.
The enemy continues in these parts, and ranges from place to
place spoiling and burning. This week they have burnt 3 or 4
churches and divers houses between Corttrick and Ghent, so that
they deal cruelly against the poor peasant, as well their friends as
their enemies.
M. de Rassinghien, Governor of Lille, and M. de Swevinghem,
Governor of Corttrick, have protested against the Marquis of
Risbourg and M. de Montigny for suffering their soldiers to spoil
the country as they have done ; by which means the peasant is now
unable to pay them any more tribute, money or victuals, which
every village paid them every week according as they were 'sesced' ;
which was the chief help they had for money and victuals, which
now they will greatly want.
The Scots of Meenen have this week slain about 150 Germans of
the enemy's side, who lay in a village within two miles of Meenen,
and taken many prisoners.
There is still great longing here for Monsieur's coming. They
think his abode in England very long, and the Prince and States
are yet in Zealand, awaiting his coming. His long tarrying has
raised many fearful speeches here among them ; for which cause it
seems the General States who are now in Zealand are determined
if he come not speedily to deal some other way.
The Scots at Meenen are half in a mutiny for want of their pay.
The Four Members of Flanders owe them since their first coming
into Flanders above 200,000 guilders, and great sums to other
soldiers in like case, and daily they come still into great debt ; so
that by the judgement of most men here it is not possible for them
to continue long unless better order be amongst them, for all their
Church goods and abbey lands are sold and gone to small profit to
the general purse. While those goods lasted, every one sought to
fill his own purse, and none that 'sorrowed' for the general cause ;
such is their great covetousness here, which will be their overthrow.
Besides, every man will command, and few 'that' will be commanded,
so there is no order nor good government among them.
All manner of grain and victuals is scant and very dear here ; for
which cause they seek to have some grain out of England. At
present comes from Sandwich and out of the Isle of 'Tennett'
great store of wheat and malt to this place ; which will 'occasion'
to make some dearth in those parts.—Bruges, 28 Jan. 1581.
Add. Endd. 2 pp. [Holl. and Fl. XV. 12.]
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Jan. 28.
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519. GILPIN to WALSINGHAM.
According to my last I failed not to ply the burgomaster and
other magistrates particularly, in order to drive them thereby to
such consideration of the cause, that the better end might be concluded
on their appointed day of meeting about it. This part I
repaired last Tuesday afternoon for answer. Though they had then
resolved, the Pensionary Van der Werke had not made it ready as
it was to be given me, and therefore desired my forbearance till next
day, which continued till the Thursday after. Then in the afternoon
they delivered their answer, with solemn affirmations and
protestations that it was all they could do for the present ; trusting
and humbly desiring it might be so taken, with other words to like
effect. I received all at his hands, without prejudice of any right,
and reserving that which upon sight of it I should see cause to
reply thereto.
After I came home, finding it to be in no point answerable to what
was required in her Majesty's name, I found it needful to proceed
with the Senate according to your commands ; and having set down
a discourse of her Majesty's favourable dealing, and their slender
requital notwithstanding the long and continual suit about the
cause, concluded in form of protest contained in few words. Yet as
some lawyers, and the notary whose opinion I took therein, say, it
will suffice and is as effectual as if a number, of more circumstance,
had been used. This being ready the Friday morning after, since
no notary would willingly go to deliver it, by advice aforesaid I went
with two witnesses to the Town House, and after a while was
permitted to come into the 'college,' where the greater number of
the Lords were assembled, who looked somewhat strangely to see
the others come in with me. I began to repeat my dealing since
the first time I delivered her Majesty's pleasure to them ; and that
forasmuch as their answer delivered to me by their Pensionary was
in no sort as I hoped in respect of what was required for her
contentment, I was forced, as I had somewhat forewarned them at
former times, to proceed with the rest of my commission and to
protest against them. After other speeches I delivered the protest
in writing ; which they received and requested me to withdraw for
a while till they had read and considered it. This done, they called
me again into the college, where their Pensionary Van der Werke
after accustomed order began to say that as before, so still
the Lords hoped that her Majesty would be content upon sight
of the first and especially of the second answer in writing
by them delivered to me, because thereby would appear their
willing readiness to endeavour (notwithstanding their present
necessity and low estate) by all possible means to procure such
reasonable satisfaction for her as the favours received merited ;
acknowledging themselves so far bound to her that all the ways
they now had were not sufficient to show the due requital.
Howbeit, as they were not to be put in oblivion, her Highness need
not doubt but such gratefulness should be showed on their behalf
as they trusted would stand with her good liking, and to the full
discharge of their dutiful goodwill. They were also most sorry
that any cause was given (or at least, as he said, taken), to
proceed by any extreme ways against this town, which would be
not only to their utter overthrow and ruin, but a great harm to the
present oppressed estate of the whole country ; for help whereof
they trusted in God, and humbly eftsoones desired, her Highness
might continue her accustomed neighbourly care.
These and many other like words passed, he concluded : That
forasmuch as they took the payment required to touch not only
them of Antwerp, but the States generally, and that their part or
portion had been, was, and should be ready, besides their
endeavour, at no time wanting, to draw the other provinces, so
much as in them lay, to prepare the money, and yield due
contentment, which they wished had been long since accomplished,
they did not accept the said protest ; howbeit, would keep it,
thereby to work all they could both at the coming of his Excellency
and the States, sundry of whom were already arrived, and also
forthwith among themselves and with those of the Council of State
and others of other provinces, that such resolution might be
wrought for her Majesty's better indemnity as was requisite. Thus
much they desired me to take and advertise as their answer, which
their Pensionary should in like sort deliver to me in writing.
I replied briefly, that although they 'seemed and said' not to
accept of the protest for reasons by them alleged, yet I took the
keeping of it to stand and suffice for sufficient acceptation. And
as they desired, I would as near as I could remember write over
the effect of their present answer, and doubted not but her
Majesty and the Lords of the Privy Council would fully consider
upon the one and the other, and take that way to see her satisfied
either by the General States or any of them in particular, being
comprehended within compass of the words singuli in solidum, were
it this place or other at her choice and pleasure, as their Honours
should find most agreeable with equity.
This done in substance as above-written, I left them, and at a
notary's house did myself, and procured the aforesaid witnesses in
his presence to subscribe and put their seals to two copies of the
protest ; one of which I send you enclosed. The one with the last
answer 'per' the college given me. If the other now promised be
made ready, for which I solicited them most earnestly, you shall
likewise receive it. To deal any further till I hear your good
pleasure, I think not convenient ; only, as opportunity may serve,
to require their carefulness, and all endeavour to travail so that her
Majesty be not occasioned to proceed with such rigour as their
'longness' and irresolution has, does, and may provoke her to.
Thus you understand what has passed since my last, and to
repeat again what I 'enlarged of' in my former (though they harp
still upon the same string, viz. their estate, disability, necessity, and
causes of continual forced charges, etc.) is needless, since I know you
sufficiently remember and consider it ; and therefore I await your
further pleasure to the 'premisses.'
The Prince is still in Zealand and divers of the States with him,
awaiting Monsieur. If his Highness come not ere long, they are
looked for here, to enter their general meeting, and take some order
to prepare for this year to withstand the enemy and define their
limits.
Both the Prince's authority as Lieutenant general, and the
'provincional' Council of 30 expire this month, so that a new
course must be taken, and choice made of Governors.
The 'platt' for the Union of Utrecht, the Council of States of
Brabant, and other particular and late-devised councils, cease in
effect, or at least are so little respected and accounted of that
nothing is done ; and whatever is begun for redress of former faults
or abuses and to pass their business more resolutely and with
expedition, within few days fall into wonted courses, so that the poor
common people 'grow' in a manner into desperate terms. And for
those of Flanders, I heard credibly that if some apparent help come
not ere long trial will be made to enter into communication with the
Malcontents about an agreement. It seems they would hearken
thereto ; yea, if it were to make peace with the States and United
Provinces.
There is a speech here that the Malcontents have declared Monsieur
and all that take his part to be enemies to the King of Spain, and no
pardon to be showed to any that serve the French against them. To
begin which, we hear that certain Frenchmen that were going out
of Cambray or coming thither, were met with, and now saved.
I understand that Mr Norris has laid siege to two castles or
strong houses in Gelderland, and it is hoped will have them if the
frost continues.
The Malcontents in Flanders keep their old courses and do
nothing further.
The book which I sent herewith was sold publicly, but called in
suddenly and all copies forfeited by the 'Scout.' It 'began to procure
great murmuring' of many by reason of the oath ; and would
have 'moved some alteration,' and expelled a number that would
have forsaken this and other towns, being loath to take any new
oaths until appearance of a better new Governor or government.—
Antwerp, 28 Jan. 1581.
P.S.—I have made a suit to Mr Governor, which if he move to
you for, as I judge he will, I beseech you to continue your favourable
goodness towards me, the reasonableness of it considered.
Add. Endd. 3½ pp. [Ibid. XV. 13.]
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Jan. 29.
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520. JOHN NORRIS to WALSINGHAM.
Since the enemy got the castle of Bronkhorst, Keppel, and the
castle of Werd belonging to the 'Grave' of Culenborg, nothing
worth the writing has happened in these quarters. We have been
these nine days 'ensconced' before Bronkhorst, and played with the
cannon two hundred times to batter the walls ; being persuaded by
the Estates that it was a place of small defence, but we find it both
strong and defensible. Also the Baron of Anhalt and Schenck are
this day come with a regiment of Frisians of 9 'ancients,' 2,000
strong and 2 cornets of horse to the rescue of it. Heghman, colonel
of a 'Dutch' regiment, was shot before the castle, and died next day.
We still hold our enterprise good. I cannot conjecture the event
of this enterprise ; as it falls out, you shall be advertised.—Bronkhorst,
29 Jan. 1582 [sic].
P.S.—Before the sealing of this, the enemy have put powder into
the castle and have retired, not finding it good as yet to assault our
fort.
Add. Endd. ¾ p. [Holl. and Fl. XV. 14.]
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Jan. 30.
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521. COBHAM to WALSINGHAM.
Since I wrote my last, the king has continued abroad in his
pastimes. An opinion is grown in Court that Marshal Biron will
have commission to go into Picardy towards Flanders. There-withal
they speak much of Monsieur's preparations which he commands
to be made in France.
I certified you in my letter of the 27th, sent 'this other day' by
Hankins, and English merchant 'trading Bordeaux,' of the young
queen's going on pilgrimage to the Lady of Chartres, waited on by
the Duchesses of Mercœur, Aumale, and Guise ; and now follows
Mme de Joyeuse, the queen's sister, having been a little 'crased
with Mallancoly.' With her went Mesdames the Maréchale de
Retz, Dampierre, Bouchage.
It was bruited in Court that Marshal Montmorency had taken
Carcassonne ; but the contrary is understood from a secretary of
his who came yesterday to Court. Howbeit, they of the Religion
have entered into an uplandish town in Languedoc, towards the
said Marshal's government, occasioned [sic] through some injustice
shown them. It is named Montfort, in the county of Armagnac.
'Monsieur Marquis de Malespina,' lately sent extraordinary
nuncio from Rome, deceased on the 28th. He was of noble birth,
entirely esteemed by the Pope, and was 'in election' to have become
Cardinal. As he was passing out of his miserable life, he received
news that the Pope had bestowed on him the bishopric of Albenga
besides Genoa, in his own native country. He was buried in St.
Paul's church yesterday towards evening, accompanied to the
church by all the Orders, and the nuncio resident, with all the
other ambassadors. The Cardinal of Bourbon, the Prince of
Condé's brother, was present, with other principal personages of the
clergy. The Queen Mother had placed herself in a house not far
from the church, where she saw the order of the funeral.
I am told that the Florentine secretary seeks to win favour with
their Majesties, and to 'return' the duke his master into their
good graces ; offering some better composition to the Queen Mother
for the palaces and lands in Florence and those territories to which
she pretends title and right. They say the Duke of Florence is
moved to return to this course, because he misdoubts the Pope's
malevolence towards him. He has offended him by showing favour
to Piccolomini and others, the Pope's fugitives ; and now lately
Signor Paolo Giordano Orsini, Duke of Bracciano, has fled from
Rome to the Duke, the Pope having imprisoned La Accorambona,
whom Paolo Giordano 'pretends' to marry, as in my former letters
has been specified. But that this Pope's stoutness has in appearance
'mated' the courages of all the princes of Italy, this hard manner
of proceeding with Giordano Orsini might in some other time have
given cause of trouble to the Pope's state. Howbeit it seems that
he has forced the Duke of Florence to dissemble his injuries received,
and has made the stateliness of the Duke of Ferrara to quail. As
for the Dukes of Mantua, Urbino, and Parma, they have bowed
their neck as vassals of that see ; and San Marco now with the
rest has been contented to cry 'Peccavy,' yielding to have the
Inquisition, and all things else as pleases the Pope. Whereon the
Pope, finding himself thus well settled in Italy, begins to enlarge
his practices hitherwards, into France, and likewise in Germany.
So it is no marvel though all subjects bend their necks to this
tyranny, when the greater number of princes also abase themselves
to the government of a most unworthy and unlawful superiority,
and but few cast their minds to withstand the practices and poisonings
of the Romish malice which daily proceeds infesting every
country.
I am told that Nicolson, servant to Lord 'Vause' is come over,
passing at Dover, with a great packet of letters, and is gone hence
to Rheims ; from whence they say he goes to Rome with
information of Lord 'Vause's' troubles and 'estate,' together with
new instructions of Campion's and his confederates' acts.
Lord Hamilton yesterday sent me by a friend of his a message
that the two Scotch bishops here have received new advertisements
and confirmation that James Stewart, Earl of Arran, had taken
arms and was gone with forces into the field ; being 'at debate'
with d'Aubigny, Duke of Lennox. He also sent me word he
supposed that the said James Stewart could not have undertaken
so great an enterprise unless he were supported by her Majesty.
He was sorry she did not rather make choice of him than of James
Stewart to do that kind of service, which he hoped he might better
have undertaken ; James Stewart being but of mean birth and of
new creation. He doubted withal that through the respect of the
grace shown in this sort to him, his own pension was on that
consideration detained. I heard this message and desired the
messenger to answer Lord Hamilton, that 'when' those news
should be true, he as I thought mistook the cause of the lingering
of his pension ; for I had just cause rather to assure him that it
happened through other important affairs which for the present
thoroughly occupy her Majesty's mind and those who are nighest
about her, considering his Highness was yet in England. I
besought him not to be induced to enter into any such conceit till
he saw some further cause.
They inform me that with these two or three days two Irish
priests have arrived with letters from Ireland. They 'pretend' to
go to Rome.
I am told that Covert, the 'procuror' here for the Papists,
received on the 24th inst. 400 crowns from London. He sent it at
once to Rheims for the maintenance of the seminary. It was the
contribution of sundry Papists, of whom there are named to me Mr
Roper of the King's Bench, Hopkins of London, Dr Smith the
physician, of London, one Burgen of Hertfordshire, and one
Busterd of Oxfordshire. I trust this advertisement may do none of
them any further harm than 'shall appear otherwise they have
given just cause.' Yesterday went from this town towards Rheims,
John Hedley of Glosterhall in Oxford.
The King of Navarre has written here that the queen will depart
on the 25th from those parts towards Bordeaux by river. There
she will stay some time till the king comes by land to Coutras,
whence he goes to meet his queen at Blaye. So they will go thence
to sojourn together fifteen days at Cognac, taking their 'joint
further voyage' to Saint-Jean-d'Angely, where they will rest and
refresh themselves. Afterwards the king thinks to return to
Guyenne, and she purposes to repair to this Court.
The peace in the parts of Gascony and Guyenne begins little by
little to take good foundation ; the better because Marshal
Matignon shows his willing endeavours therein.
M. de Bellièvre and Clervant are in Languedoc, using all their
means to establish the Edict of pacification ; which proceeds in very
good sort.
It is thought M. 'Rosas' the queen's preacher has used as little
discretion as religion to persuade the young queen to go afoot on
pilgrimage this foul weather, 'having had' both snow and rain.
I hear young Pinart arrived here yesternight, and is gone to the
king, who is looked for today.—Paris, 30 Jan. 1581.
Add. and endt. gone. 4 pp. [France VII. 17.]
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|
Jan. 31.
|
522. MASINO DEL BENE to WALSINGHAM.
We have here a general embassy of all the Swiss and Grisons'
leagues. They have returned very well content, and if we maintain
our promises to them the league will be retied with a closer
knot than ever. What has been promised is that at Easter men
shall be sent to them with full powers to act and with a part of
what is due to them.
The business about Larache in Africa seems to have remained
incomplete ; and similarly the provisions for Tercera do not go on
as I could have desired, nor any of the others of that set (banda).
Our queen took the opportunity there has been these days to
fulfil a vow of going barefoot to Our Lady of Chartres, in order that
she may grant her grace to have offspring. The first frosty day, in
spite of all, she did not fail to carry out her pious purpose, and
some tell me that his Majesty will follow her, to the same end.—'
Paris, 31 Jan. 1582.
Add. Endd. Ital. 1 p. [France VII. 18.]
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|
January.
|
523. ANTONIO DE CASTILLO to WALSINGHAM.
To let you know that I am not a private person in this Court,
you will do me a very great favour to read this letter from his
Catholic Majesty. But perhaps the Lord Treasurer esteems my
quality by my fortune ; would to God I were what he thinks.
Illi mors gravius [sic] incubat
Qui notus nimis omnibus
Ignotus moritur sibi.
I pray you also of your kindness, and by the service which Mr
Edward Dyer (born for the ornament and splendour of England)
has done, that you will let that bankrupt poltroon know that
sheriffs' officers are not wanting in England to hang men who go
bankrupt after having notice of their losses and misfortunes ; for
I understand that many have already been satisfied by order of the
Council.
Add. Endd. with date by L. Tomson. On the back a list of names
in Walsingham's hand : Sir Amias Paulet ; Scotland ; Hor. Palavicino ;
Ant. Castillo ; Darcey ; Throgmorton ; Sir H. Cobham ; The
Lord Henry ; The Lady Delvin ; Return Fogaza ; Mr Rauley Bowcer ; the
Earl of Shrewsbury. Ital. 1 p. [France VII. 19.]
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|
January.
|
524. STOKES to WALSINGHAM.
Because a license on a great deal of barley and malt will make a
great show and be small benefit to me, if you would let me have a
license on 700 tuns of beer, I should think myself much bound to
you, and so beseech you, when Monsieur has left England, to stand
my good friend herein. Endd. 8 ll. [Holl. and Fl. XV. 15.]
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|
January.
|
525. M. DE PENA to WALSINGHAM.
Although I fear that the repetition of my request to you touching
the matter of 'Monsieur de Manssel' may be wearisome to you,
your goodness emboldens me, as well as the promise you gave to
let yourself be reminded of it when necessary. Since then an affair
so pressing and important has come in my way, that the recovery of
that sum would be as profitable to me at this moment, as if some
one were to make me a present of it. Wherefore I humbly beg
you to arrange this favour for me ; especially as the occasion is so
appropriate for the presence of the debtor, and of Mr James
Thomas, who is the principal middleman to whom I have written.
This kindness will plunge me into eternal obligation towards you.
Undated and unsigned.
Add. Endd. by L. Tomson, with date and name : To procure
the payment of the debt due to him by Mr Mansfeld [sic].
Fr. 1 p. [France VII. 20.]
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|
? January.
|
526. "The copy of the chapter of a letter of Francis Anthony
of Sousa, dated the 10th of January last, and directed to
Diego Botelho from Antwerp."
The Duke of Anjou as yet is not come. Before the holidays he had
shipped his household stuff to come away, 'and was asaltead by the
saint dronken and kissing of him' in such a sort that it kept him
there the holidays, and there were made tourneys. But according
to the opinion I have of the affairs of England, I think it will not
be concluded, for the reasons following.
The Earl of Leicester knows well enough that if the Duke should
be married in England, he cannot be 'sure' to live there. Because
after the marriage was 'in talk,' he procured some place in
Germany, to dwell there if the marriage should take place. And
therefore he speaks as much as he can against this marriage. And
because most of the lords are his enemies, he persuades the people
to withstand, and there are those that speak against it, that it
shall not take place.
Some others say that the lady is not barren, and that by God's
grace she has two girls, and that the marriage shall be concluded
with one of them. And let it be as it will, there goes much
'brablinge,' insomuch that there is no talk of any weighty matter
of the realm ; and the Queen does not attend to other matters, but
only to be together with the duke in one chamber from morning to
noon, and after till two or three hours after sunset. 'I cannot tell
what a devell they dooe.'
As concerning his Majesty's business, you can understand she
will not deliver a boat, neither would she lend any money upon the
colour ; therefore make no account of her, that she will do anything
to the value of a pin. Therefore his Majesty upon this plain speech
may take order in his business.
Writing and spelling as in a letter of Dr Hector Nunez of 10 Oct.
1582. Add. in a different hand : For Mr Lopez. Endd : Secret
advertisements out of a letter of Ant. Sousa's dated in Janu. 1581.
1 p. [Ibid. VII. 21.]
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? January,
1582
[or, qy.,
earlier].
|
527. 'Orders on the equipment of vessels of war under the
Admiralty of Zealand.'
We, William Prince of Orange, Count of Nassau, on behalf of
the King's Majesty, as Lieutenant and Captain-General of Holland,
Zealand, Friesland and Utrecht, have appointed as our Lieutenant
at sea, and admiral, William of Blois and Treslong, who will have
command over all ships of war, both those in the service of the
country, and those seeking adventures at sea [original draft : à la
picquorée].
The admiral or our vice-admiral will take the oath required from
all captains fighting under our commission, on the following points,
before putting to sea.
All prizes acquired by the adventurers shall be brought to the
same port from which they started, saving the fortunes and perils
of the sea, without calling elsewhere. Nor shall they proceed to
break bulk until a proper disposition has been made by the
Admiralty, that the general cause be not injured.
Nor may they sell, ransom, or otherwise alienate any prize or
booty acquired at sea ; nor any persons. Any captain or other
who may be guilty of doing so shall be punished by attachment of
their persons, ships, and goods.
No ship is to go to sea insufficiently found in admonition and
victuals according to the requirements of the voyage it is proposed
to make.
Whenever the word of God shall be proclaimed and preached,
all persons shall listen and pray reverently for God's grace.
No man shall take God's name in vain, or swear, or blaspheme,
on pain of being fastened to the mast and thrashed (? chargé) by all
the ships' { watch company } (? quartier).
A provost-general is appointed, whom everyone shall be bound
to assist and obey for the preservation of good police to punish
malefactors. Any resistance to him, verbal or other, to be punished
by imprisionment. And he shall appoint a provost on every ship
that sails, who shall be paid as the captain appoints.
All lieutenants, masters, officers, and seamen shall obey their
captain, and not leave their ship without his consent on pain of
death (? forfaicture du corps).
Every man shall be answerable for and bound to defend his
office ; the masters and pilots for the ships, the gunners for the
guns and ammunition, and if any damage is incurred through their
neligence or ill will, they shall be corrected according to the value
(selon taxation).
Every man shall be on board when ordered, and not remain
ashore but by express orders and leave from his commander, on
pain of forfeiture of pay besides other correction.
Every man shall hand over to the admiral-general all booty,
concealing nothing great or small, on pain of physical punishment.
He is to keep a full register.
If any ship, friends or enemies, is met with and taken, no one
shall open any boxes or examine any secret letters, but place them
in the hands of the admiral-general, on pain of the gibbet.
If any prisoners are taken, they shall not be concealed or kept in
secret, but brought before the admiral-general without delay to be
examined.
Captains and sailors shall ask no questions and make no
complaints of each other during the present fitting-out of ships of
war, under such penalties as the law may direct and the captain-general
appoint.
No one during this outfitting shall sue afresh for any debts or
damages, nor mention them ; except in the case of misdeeds, of
which the captain-general shall take notice.
If anyone is sent ashore by his superior officer, he must not stay
longer than he is ordered, without notable and legitimate excuse,
on pain of forfeiting a month's pay, besides being 'arbitrarily'
corrected.
If any man is not at his post, he shall be punished at the
direction of the admiral and the other captains.
Anyone who wastefully spills his beer, or throws victuals overboard,
or takes them ashore and sells them, or anything of the sort,
shall be corporally punished, and may be hanged.
Whoever does not wake at the sound of the whistle, shall the
first time be punished at the captain's discretion, on the second
occasion be thrashed (? chargé) by all the crew, and the third time
keel-hauled (jetté sous la kille du navire).
If anyone having taken the oath or received pay departs without
written permission from his captain, he shall be corporally
punished, and proscribed as a rogue (forfant).
If anyone wounds another in the hand, he shall lose his hand at
once.
If anyone kills another with blow or thrust, the dead and the
living shall be tied back to back, and thrown overboard.
If anyone on board goes on fighting after hostilities have ceased,
he shall lose the hand with which he broke the peace.
If anyone signs on in two or more ships, he shall be incontinently
hanged.
No one shall handle fire, candles, or anything of that sort, save
those appointed thereto by the captains.
No one shall receive or send any letter save in the presence of
the captain, who shall first examine them, and be bound to declare
them to the admiral-general, on pain of corporal punishment.
No one shall venture, after beating to quarters (après que la garde
sera assise), to speak in a foreign language, or give the signal for
fire, or make any noise or alarm, unless he actually sees the enemy
about to attack, on pain of personal arrest.
No one in any vessel, merchantman or other, shall venture to
speak with the shore save by express order of the captain, nor
commit any violence in such vessels by beating, wounding, or
otherwise maltreating, under pain of such punishment as the
offence demands.
No officer, gunner, seaman, or other, shall hide, sell, or take
ashore any casks, clothing, or horns ; nor any powder, balls, or
munitions ; under pain of being punished for a thief by the
gibbet.
No person whatever shall hide, sell, or make away with any
implements or materials belonging (compétents) to the gunners or
the carpenters, under pain of being punished without favour, as
right demands.
Gunners and seamen shall be bound to keep their watch, to look
out, to go to the boat, and take charge of, and manage the small boat,
under pain of 'arbitrary correction.'
No one shall move from the mess (? plat) assigned to him to go
and eat in another mess, nor hide or sell victuals, under pain of
correction at his captain's direction.
No one shall give food or drink to prisoners in confinement, under
pain of losing a month's pay, and being under arrest for eight days
on bread and water.
No one shall remain standing still after beating to quarters, but
shall at once go to his appointed place, under a penalty of two souls
gros, half to go to the poor, and half to the provost.
When it is anyone's place or turn to stand by the boat, when the
quartermaster calls to go to the boat [altered from 'Val, val, aisi']
any defaulter shall be liable to the last-named penalty.
When the whistle goes for morning or evening prayers, any
defaulter shall be placed before the mast, and thrashed (?) by his
watch ; and also pay a fine as above.
All these articles the King's Majesty and the Prince of Orange,
his lieutenant-general for Holland, Zealand, Friesland, Utrecht,
etc. order to be observed under pain of the penalties therein
contained, by all captains, officers and seamen, and all persons great
and small ; who shall take the proper oath to the admiral-general,
or person by him appointed.
Draft, or copy, with some corrections in a non-official hand. Endd.
in English, and on the verso of first (blank) leaf, in Portuguese. Fr.
12 pp. (4 blank). Stitched. [Holl. and Fl. XV. 16.]
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|
? January.
|
528. "Touching sugars at Holyhead."
428 chests of sugar, and 6 sacks of cotton wool, laden at the
Bay of Todos los Sanctos in Brazil.
|
|
Resident in
Lisbon
|
|
John Halcher, Almayn
|
Proprietors of
sugars and
cottons laden
in Brazil in a
ship called the
St. John.
has 85 chests of
sugars.
|
|
Conrad Coimans
|
Dutchmen
|
|
Francis Lawrence
|
|
Dutch resident
in Brazil
|
John Vanderbeke, Dutchman
resident in Brazil
|
|
Portugals.—Jasper Roderiges, Portugal and master of the said
ship, has 38 chests of the same sugars appertaining to him, and 40
chests belong to him and the company, and 50 chests or thereabouts
were lost in Ireland.
The merchants aforesaid have appointed William Vermeyden to
be their procurator to recover both the said goods and all others
which should happen to arrive in England, Holland, or Ireland, by
procuration bearing date Lisbon, 5 January, of this year 1582
according to the account of Portugal.
The said Jasper Roderiges, sworn and examined before the Judge
of the Admiralty deposes that all these sugars and cotton wools
appertain to the said merchants, except the 38 and 40 chests,
belonging to himself and the mariners.
The marks of every man's chests are laid down in the procuration,
whereby they claim property in the goods.
Vegleman, that went to Holyhead with process of this Court, for
Vermeyden the procurator of the proprietors, has concluded and
agreed with Sir Richard Bulkley so that Sir Richard is to receive
for charges and his 'travail' in ready money £80, 6 chests of sugar
and the Portugal bark.
Of the 428 chests of sugar there are left to be delivered to the
merchants proprietors but 280, whereof some are little worth, as is
reported.
Endd. as at head. 1 p. [Spain I. 84.]
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|
? January.
|
529. "A note of the ships to be lent unto Q. Mo."
|
|
The Mary Rose
|
700
|
The West.
|
|
|
The Bonaventure
|
700
|
Plymouth—The Salomon -
|
300
|
|
The Dreadnought
|
500
|
Dartmouth--Bark Chapeley -
|
200
|
|
The Swiftsure
|
400
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hull.
|
|
|
Subjects' ships.
|
|
The Primrose
|
200
|
|
London.
|
|
Newcastle.
|
|
|
The Gullyon -
|
300
|
The Isabella - -
|
200
|
|
The Royal Merchant
|
350
|
The John Bonaventure
|
260
|
|
The Salomon -
|
220
|
|
|
|
The Anne Parnell
|
200
|
|
|
|
Mem. in Walsingham's hand. 1 p. [Portugal I. 73.]
|
