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Mar. 1.
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75. COBHAM to the SECRETARIES.
I have written in my 'particular' letter to her Majesty, how the
King of Navarre has offered to serve her in very princely sort and
with great zeal. I beseech that by your means I may understand
her mind therein, so that I may answer the king to his satisfaction.
The ill-content which the Prince of Condé has received of this
last pacification, breeds great doubt lest he may be provoked to
become malcontent, whereby the peace of this realm will be disordered.
Monsieur and the King of Navarre have nevertheless
written earnestly on his behalf to their Majesties. Howbeit the
king will not be induced to disburse any money or show any grace
to the prince till there be further proof of his good demeanour.
Advertisements have come to the Queen that 'Desguières' has
taken certain castles in Dauphiné, and is at present laying siege to
Briançon, into which M. de la Meure has entered by command of
the Duke of Maine, but with a very small garrison. The duke himself
has returned to Lyons, having sent to the king that he has no
power, nor means to levy any ; whereon the king has given orders
for money to be conveyed from hence, with express commands to
the duke to be before Briançon by the 10th of March.
The whole marquisate of Saluces is clearly restored to the king's
obedience, in which the Count of Retz has done good and politic
service. Captain Anselme at first continued to treat with King Philip,
who by means of the Duke of Mantua had sent him an Italian
engineer to view Sental and see if it was of sufficient strength to
be maintained against this king, since the town and citadel of
Carmagnola were restored to him by Bellegarde. Therefore
Anselme finding the Spanish king deal hardly with him resolved
to yield to this king's offers. The Count of Retz has compassed
these matters with brave threatenings, wise persuasions, and gifts,
using diligence to bring them to a good end. During this negotiation
he advertised to Rome, Venice, and other Courts of the princes
of Italy that his coming thither was only to bring the marquisate
of Saluces to the king's due obedience, and for no other purpose.
He was driven to advertise thus, because King Philip's ambassadors
at Rome and other places in Italy had bruited that his negotiation
tended to the overture of war against the Catholic king. But
now that things are thus settled, what he will further attempt, time
will show.
The Duke of Nemours remains near Turin.
M. de Biron 'leaves not' to use his accustomed artifices to the
prejudice of the King of Navarre, though Villeroy has shown Queen
Mother the king's clear dealing, of which good satisfaction has now
been received. Monsieur and the King of Navarre remain at
Cadillac.
Something is discovered of the King of Spain's practices with
some parties of this realm in Languedoc, which I hear Monsieur
has signified to their Majesties. If it 'fall out more probable' you
shall be further certified of it.
The king has called back all his 'assignation,' and has stayed
other payments, amassing money by all means. Monsieur is likewise
'engaging' most of his domain, and aliening some, for money.
M. 'le Gratin,' the King of Navarre's chancellor, has sought to
'recover' money for the king at Paris.
Chandu, captain of Queen Mother's guards, was last week sent
by her into Normandy to Fervaques. He has informed her that
Fervaques was at Verneuil and thereabouts, in Monsieur's territories,
with 1,000 or 1,200 horse and 3,000 foot, awaiting the coming of the
other companies from Beauce. News came to-day that he was
approaching to pass the Seine.
The Prince of Condé has sent to Queen Mother with request to
satisfy him on four points, according to the justice and equity of his
cause. First that he may be paid the 50,000 francs promised him
by Monsieur for the expenses of his last journey in Germany to
satisfy the wills of some that he respects. Secondly, that he may
have good assignations for his pensions and arrears due to him.
Thirdly, that the Queen would persuade his uncle, the Cardinal of
Bourbon, to give up the jewels that were delivered to his custody
when the princess his wife died, he himself being then in Germany.
Lastly that the gardenoble of his daughter for certain lands in
Normandy, which the Duke of Guise obtained from the king in his
absence, may be redelivered to her.
Young l'Aubespine 'exercises the room' of Secretary Pinart in
his absence.
The money assigned to the Duke of Maine is borrowed from
burgesses of this town.
Letters have come from Rome to the Nuncio 'importing' his
staying here, wherewith he is discontented, not finding himself very
acceptable in this Court.
The King of Navarre has appointed with the Prince of Condé to
meet him early in this month at Montauban, whither the deputies
of the Religion from Provence and Dauphiné are to repair, to
confer about establishing the peace, and to salve such 'inconvenients'
as have happened during the war.
Monsieur has appointed to be about the same time at Agen, so
that the Prince may have 'commodity' to come to him.—Blois,
1 Mar. 1580.
Add. Endd. 3 pp. [France V. 26.]
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Mar. 1.
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76. COBHAM to [? WILSON].
I have according to the command in your last letter sent into
Britanny, to Brest and other places, to see what preparation of ships
there is on those coasts, but my messengers have not returned.
Howbeit I hear by others that la Roche is preparing shipping near
Brest and Vannes ; which is, as I am informed by some of the
Religion, only to be employed about a particular adventure for his
profit, and not for any other enterprise. However, I will seek to be
better informed of it.
Some of the Religion have informed me that the Spanish king
seeks to levy mariners in Britanny and in Provence ; but if I do not
mistake, they will be employed in the voyages which M. Strozzi is
now 'addressing' anew. Young Lansac too has an enterprise on
hand, which they say is to be bestowed on the common enemy.
The King of Navarre has dealt very roundly in surrendering the
towns, performing all things that 'belonged' to him ; which is confirmed
by Villeroy. The courtiers begin to change their language
towards him, uttering in their speeches bad dispositions towards
King Philip and his Spaniards.
The Queen Mother's indisposition, which is yet but a 'grudging'
of an ague, if it increases might grow dangerous to her, the rather
because last year she was sick about this time.
I have not received any dispatch from England since Jan. 17,
save one private letter from your honour dated Feb. 1, brought by
John de Vicques ; at which I have been grieved, considering the
time and state of affairs.
I cannot proceed further with the Lord Arbroth, nor can I send
to him till you deliver me your commands. Touching the answer
to what I have sent, he must become very dishonourable and perjured
if he inclines to yield to the Spanish proffers ; since at my
last conference with him he gave me his hand, and pledged his faith
that on his salvation he neither had nor would yield to serve any
prince but her Majesty, if she will accept of him.
I received a message from you in January, which brought comfort
to me, of her Majesty's inclination to grant my suit. Pray let your
speeches set forward that meaning and bring it to a perfect good
deed.—Blois, 1 Mar.
Add. and endt. gone. 1 p. [Ibid. V. 27.]
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Mar. 4.
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77. HODDESDON to WALSINGHAM.
This week I have received two letters from you, one of the 18th
the other of the 25th ult., but before the last was delivered to me, I
had written to the Ladies of Egmont to such effect as that of the
18th imported. I enclose a copy of my letter ; meaning hereafter
to be silent, 'except' further commissioned.
Although the reports from England had as it were utterly
'dismayed' me for shipping my powder from these parts, yet
through the earnest desire of the powder maker, who is of good
report, and also since he is paid a great deal of money beforehand, a
few days ago I was present myself at the trial and packing of 6,000
weight ; which I find to be so answerable to the sample that I
could by no means refuse it. I have shipped it in one Peter
Olliver's ship, who is ready to depart on its arrival. I beseech you
that some of good knowledge, and trusty, may be appointed to
report on its goodness ; for the maker stands so much upon the
credit and true making of his powder that he will acknowledge no
fault in any, and therefore has sent his son to England with this
post, to see how the matter is handled. If the fault of his former
powder be only in the moisture, it may soon be remedied without
any charge ; but however it proves, he is content all the loss should
redound upon himself.
According to your writing, I solicited those of this town concerning
their bonds, and they are content to deliver them forthwith.
And as M. Junius told me, order is given in this behalf to the
Pensionary Van der Werke ; so that I make account they will be
ready next week. But now I understand there is a certain form of
bonds sent to Mr Gilpin, if you think good, I will remit the following
of this cause to him ; being nevertheless ready, as occasion
serves during my abode here, to further that matter or any other
with my utmost endeavour.
I will satisfy Mr Gilpin's charge for his late journey into
Holland according to direction ; meaning to send the account of it
to John Pryce, to 'solisset' for repayment of that as well as of the
charges of myself, and Mr Brune, which I sent by my former. By
it you may boldly avouch that I lose, besides my 'travell,' 12d. in
every pound by the exchange ; for whereas I have charged that
account 'after' 30s. the pound, the exchange went then at 29.
I was requested by the 'conserviter' of the Scottish nation
to certify you that he has received three letters from Scotland which
all agree that the Earl of Morton will be set at liberty—which God
grant. Also he says the King of Spain minds to come to these
parts in his own person.—Antwerp, 4 March, 1580.
Add. Endd. 1 p. [Holl. and Fl. XIV. 38.]
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Mar. 5.
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78. ROSSEL to WALSINGHAM.
I have been 'hung up' by my public occupations from continuing
my long-observed service of correspondence, to my great regret.
You will not impute it to me, but to the incidents and events of a
state like ours reduced to the extreme extremity. I say so, because
the cause of the Malcontents against the forces of France has to be
terminated by battles, and both parties will be brought to the
extremity of combat ; inasmuch as the Malcontents are forced to
it by necessity. They are assembling their forces at Bouge near
Namur, where 4,000 Germans will shortly join them with 3
regiments of Burgundians. They pay all their men-at-arms for
three months, whether in garrison or elsewhere. The troops that
are at Grandmont will depart in three days. Some have doubted
there would be a siege ; but mistakenly, since the French forces
are so close, according to the report of our deputies, who are back.
They give every hope of good success, especially in the assurance
they give that the King of France will declare against the Spaniard.
I fear there will be default, if he so ill as they say ; I perceive that
a trick will be played to prevent Monsieur's coming ; and that to do
that they will shorten his days, in order that the Guisart may make
a fresh row in the house (rumeur in caza) with the support he has
in Paris, Champagne, and elsewhere ; and he will be well backed
by the Pope and the Spaniard.
In Friesland our affairs are going on very well, and Streuwarden [?]
is delivered. I leave it to Mr Norris to let you know the details.
In the last few days three cornets of the enemy's cavalry have
been routed by M. de Téligny, son to M. de la Noue, and Captain
Lespine ; 50 men and horses killed, and two captains, Nicolai, an
Albanese, and Symeon, taken prisoners, with several soldiers.
I start to-day for Dunkirk, in order to set right the misunderstanding
between the Four Members of Flanders, and pass a muster
of all the garrisons in that quarter. I have to do the same at Ypres,
in order to assemble a force to attempt something against the enemy
under M. de Thian. I hope it will be the beginning of a camp to
join with the French ; for they are working for the payment of soldiers
in Brabant, Flanders, and elsewhere, and they will continue to do so
if the decision taken is carried out. The deputies of the provinces
will all be at the meeting of the Estates at Delft, fixed for the 15th
inst.—Bruges, 5 March 1581.
Add. Endd. Fr. 2¼ pp. [Holl. and Fl. XIV. 39.]
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Mar. 5.
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79. GILPIN to WALSINGHAM.
I received your letter by your servant Thomas Bruyn, and have
shown Mr Governor what you wrote touching the payment of the
money spent in travelling to Holland and otherwise, and he has
promised to see it 'answered.' So I 'am' not only to yield humble
thanks for the favour, but to acknowledge myself at your
command.
Mr Brune has in part, and will for the rest, let me know your
pleasure as to the particulars on which I conferred with him at our
being in Holland, and I will direct my proceedings accordingly and
also endeavour to try what can be learnt here 'by' such as are
conversant among the Scots.
The packet herewith was brought to me yesterday by one that
came from Mr Rogers, and reported him to be in great want and
calamity.
The Prince of Orange is gone from Delft to Amsterdam, and
therefore the day of meeting of the States has been 'prolonged'
some days.
For Friesland news I 'leave' to other advertisements. In these
quarters nothing is done, only those of Cambray of late it is said
have again been succoured with some wagons of necessary
provisions.
The commissioners that were with Monsieur in France have
returned, 'Alegonde' excepted, who took another way. They bring
news that the French forces will be here very shortly.
The Prince of Parma is still at Mons with certain of the
Malcontents. He celebrated there last week the funeral of the late
Queen of Spain. His mother is at Liége, practising with the new
bishop, to further the joining of the country with the Malcontents.
The said bishop, it is reported, is going to Rome for a cardinal's
hat, unless the Duke of Montpensier's son [sic] called M. de
Bouillon (who 'pretends right title' to the princedom of Bouillon,
which the Bishop of Liége has kept for a time) otherwise trouble
him in his new government ; to which end, if credible reports be
true, he is gathering forces, and will recover his own by arms.
There is some speech that this new-chosen bishop has died 'upon'
Cologne on his journey.—Antwerp, 5 March 1581.
P.S.—The 'borrowemaster' Junius told me, since ending the
above, that within four or five days he doubts not but this town
will finally determine for the satisfaction of her Majesty's demands,
to which end he would do his uttermost endeavour.
Add. Endd. 1½ pp. [Ibid. XIV. 40.]
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Mar. 5.
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80. STOKES to WALSINGHAM.
My last was of the 26th ult. In it I wrote to you of some doubts
there were among them here of the dealings on the French side
with the States. But their hearts are since better comforted ; for
three days ago the States' ambassadors that were in France, saving
M. Sainte-Aldegonde, arrived at Flushing from Dieppe. One of
them is of this town ; he is now here, and he says that Monsieur
has taken the States' offer, and thereupon has taken his oath as
Earl of Flanders, and further, that he will be here in person about
the end of next month with a great force, and that the King of
Navarre will be lieutenant-general of his army, and that many of
the chief Huguenots of France come with them. This news has
greatly revived their hearts here in this town.
He also reports that the French King is very sore sick, and by
the judgement of the French physicians he cannot live long, and
that he has given the whole government of France to the Queen
Mother for two months.
The Malcontents about Cambray have intercepted a letter from
Monsieur to M. d'Inchy, the governor, in which he has written that
he will be on the frontier shortly with a good force, and will make
his entry about the land of Luxemburg. Notwithstanding the
receipt of this letter the Malcontents still vaunt themselves that
they care not for Monsieur 'nor for none' of his forces ; and since
the intercepting of it, they begin to bend all the forces that they are
able to make towards Luxemburg, so that the speech goes here
they have forsaken Cambray. And forasmuch as they are forced
to make themselves as strong as they can in the field, they have
agreed to raze all their castles and forts that stand 'scattering
abroad' in these parts, and to bring all their soldiers together. So
now they are breaking down divers old castles and forts between
this and Cortryk, which will make this town lie the quieter. There
are come to Cortryk 500 Allmans, all foot ; to lie there in garrison,
and the old soldiers there will depart to the camp.
M. la Motte of Gravelines is also gathering all the forces that he
can get and spare, and sending them all to the camp ; so the Malcontents
are making haste to have their camp in the field.
For the States' side in these parts, as yet they lie still and do
nothing ; so that it seems their only trust is in Monsieur.
This week M. de la Noue's son with his company of horse has
defeated a cornet of 'Albernoyse' besides 'Ghetringsberghe.'—
Bruges, March 5, 1580.
Add. Endd. 1½ pp. [Ibid. XIV. 41.]
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Mar. 5.
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81. The French king's commission to the Count of Soissons,
the Duke of Montpensier, the Prince Dauphin, Marshal Cossé,
Louis de Luzignan de St. Gelais sieur de Lanssac, Tanneguy le
Veneur sieur de Carrouges Count of Tillières, Bertrand de Sallignac
sieur de la Mothefènelon, Michel de Castelnau sieur de Mauvissière,
Bernabé Brisson sieur de Gravelle, Claude Pinart sieur de Cramailles
first baron of Vallois, Pierre Clausse sieur de Marchaumont
and de Courrances, Jacques de Vray sieur de Fontorte, to negotiate
the marriage between the Duke of Anjou and the Queen of England.
The Count of Soissons is prevented by delicate health, and the
Duke of Montpensier by old age, from going to England.—Paris,
5 Mar. 1581. (Signed) Henry, and below Brulart.
Original, Broadsheet, Fr. [France V. 28.]
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Mar. 5.
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82. The FRENCH KING to WALSINGHAM.
Points out the importance of the proposed marriage to the welfare
of Christendom, and begs Walsingham to do all in his power to
further it.—Paris, 5 Mar. 1581. (Signed) Henry, and below, Brulart
Add. Endd. by L. Tomson. Fr. ½ p. [Ibid. V. 29.]
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Mar. 11.
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83. HODDESDON to WALSINGHAM.
As Mr Rogers since his imprisonment has 'made earnest means
to me for the 200l. which you once gave me commission to pay
him, I have, upon knowledge of his great necessity and your former
letters, taken order to relieve him with some 300 guilders ; staying
as yet from furnishing the rest till I know your further pleasure
herein.
I have likewise, according to your last, paid Mr Gilpin what he
demanded for his charges, amounting to 23l. 2s. 4d. sterling ; which
I desire may be repaid to John Price, with the former sum due to
me, of which you already have the account.
Your servant Bruine is gone towards Brussels about two days
ago ; to whom, beside the 20 marks which he had of me at his last
departure to England, I have now delivered another 20 marks, and
received his bill for them, as I think you will understand from his
letter herewith.
I hear that the staplers are making earnest suit for a certain
liberty to ship wools to Hamburg. If this should be granted it
would both hinder the trade of Embden, and greatly confirm the
'Hanzes' in their obstinacy ; for having, as the proverb is, turned
every stone, and left nothing unattempted, that might seem likely
to breed us any annoyance, and yet finding at length the result of
all their practices to be hurtful only to themselves, they are now as
it were constrained to alter their former cogitations, and think by
what means some agreement may be wrought, the effect of which
will shortly appear, if the present restraint continues, as I am given
by credible letters to understand. Besides which, the great
abundance of wool which the staplers through this liberty might
carry to Hamburg, would so nourish the Germans in the trade of
'clothing,' whereinto they have of late entered very far, that our
English cloth would in time be but smally regarded, and thereby a
great part of the realm brought to poverty ; so that (under correction)
it may seem better there were no staple at all, than that this
inconvenience should be suffered to take root.—Antwerp, 11 March
1580.
Add. Endd. 1 p. [Holl. & Fl. XIV. 42.]
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Mar. 12.
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84. COBHAM to WALSINGHAM.
Upon some conference which I had the other day with 'II Signor
Strosso,' he informed me of his desire to frame an enterprise for
Portugal or land in such place that he may give some annoyance to
King Philip ; so that he may have leave of her Majesty to be received
in some of her ports or out-islands if occasion required, or that she
would join English adventurers with them. I answered that if the
enterprise were conducted 'by the presence of his own person,'
there would be the more hope conceived that it would extend to
the public benefit against the common enemy, the King of Spain ;
otherwise the arming of adventurers by sea heretofore had but
done harm to all countries indifferently, but to the Spaniards
least.
He replied that their purpose would be commanded by himself,
following the directions of Monsieur's commission, whereby they
would be bound to land their forces on any coast that should be
assigned to them. He also wished the Queen would command some
enterprise to be made on Peru.
I moved him to think of some device which might take from the
Spanish King part of his forces, as by device to consume of his
vessels or Armados.
He liked this so far that he promised to send for one Jacques de
Vienne, whom he esteems to be cunning in fireworks.
I have entered thus far into his purposes, so that if you find it
a convenient means to do some probable service that way, I suppose
it may be brought to pass that Jacques de Vienne should repair to
you ; or your pleasure may be to send one or more who have skill
in those affairs, to join with him. And so they shall pass in a small
boat charged with wheat, which must be 'all thoroughly conducted'
on her Majesty's charges. Please let me have an answer herein,
that 'in not proceeding' I may shift it from myself through an
excuse.
I have been told that Saint-Luc has some intelligence in Spain,
to which I hear that his Highness had been made privy.
M. 'Sentleger,' governor of 'Mountfort,' has within the last
month caused a Parisian gentleman belonging to the law to be
beaten in the open market place at 'Mountford,' because he had
enticed a woman out of his house. Now this week 'Sentleger'
having come to Paris to 'put himself in order' to go to Cambray,
the friends of the Parisian have caused him to be apprehended, and
his process is being prosecuted with great diligence in such a way
that if the King's or Queen Mother's commands do not save his life,
it is thought they have to-day executed him ; which would much
displease Monsieur, for he is much esteemed by him.
I am sorry her Majesty has not thought good to proceed to the
release of the Lord of Arbrothe.—Blois, 12 March.
Add. Endd. 2½ pp. [France V. 30.]
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Mar. 12.
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85. COBHAM to the SECRETARIES.
After receiving your letter I asked audience of the Queen Mother.
It was deferred two or three days through her indisposition and
keeping her bed ; so that on the 9th I had access to her. I signified
to her that in requital of her intelligence sent, the Queen being
informed of the enterprise intended for the surprise of Metz had
thought it expedient to impart it to her, whereby the King might
prevent the intended malice.
She received this in very good part, assuring me that on any
such occasions she would not fail to render the like mutual amity.
Upon entering into further conference of affairs she let me know
that the king had given leave to Monsieur's troops to pass and that
sufficient assistance would be given for the relief of Cambray. I
am also informed that the king licensed the conductors of Monsieur's
companies to lead them through 'la Mante,' and between 'la Mante'
and the bridges.
The Queen Mother also gave me to understand that Don Antonio
had sent to King Philip to recover his favour and be pardoned for
what has passed.
I herewith enclose the advertisements that came by the last
packets from Spain to their Majesties and other principal persons
in this Court.
Concerning the commissioners, I doubt not but you will hear of
their departure from Paris.
The king has caused the companies of men-at-arms of Matignon,
Carrouges, d'O, d'Arques, and la Valette to make muster, having
received wages. The regiments of MM. Beauvais-Nangis, Serillac,
Lancosme, and de Grillon have been renewed and supplied.
Those who deal for Monsieur in this Court have received some
comfort from his Majesty's meaning to assist his Highness in his
designs.
The Queen of Navarre, after her husband's departure, sent for
Marshal Biron to come to Cadillac. In Monsieur's presence she
received the Marshal courteously, using this language to him :
That since her brother had been pleased to seek the repose of the
country, for the contentment of the King and general satisfaction
of the state, she would not wish any private displeasure to stay so
good a cause. She had therefore resolved to send for him and tell
him that her meaning was to forget all past injuries, intending to
remain his friend, and purposing to find means for him to come to
the presence of her husband, whereby all matters should be
cancelled by perfect reconciliation. Which speech the Marshal was
very glad to hear, having, it is understood, so far yielded to the
will of Monsieur that it is supposed he will be withdrawn from that
government, and otherwise employed to his own satisfaction ;
which will be a great contentment to the King of Navarre, and a
show of further good meaning.
However M. de 'Meausens,' passing last week from the King of
Navarre's Court, not thoroughly well satisfied, has let slip some
words as if there was a jar between Monsieur and the King of
Navarre, but I hear it is not confirmed.
It has been advertised to Monsieur that the Spanish king has furnished
Pampeluna and other towns in Navarre with new garrisons.
It is thought that his Highness is about this time at Agen, and
the King of Navarre at Montauban, where the Prince of Condé will
meet him.
M. de Laval was lodged here in the Fauxbourgs one night very
secretly ; where being advertised I went privately to him. I perceived
by the conference I had with him that he is very well instructed in
the present state of the Low Countries. He has gone to Monsieur
to make relation of it. He recalled to me the goodness the Queen
had had to Cardinal Châtillon his uncle, and another of his kinsfolk,
so that he remains bound to her Majesty with great obligation, and
requests that his service may be commended to her, which I beseech
you to signify to her.
Count Rochefoucault has been here some days in the company of
M. Strosse. I am told that he would like to enter into association
with young Lansac and Saint-Luc, for making some enterprise by
sea.
M. de 'Gratin,' chancellor to the King of Navarre, has returned
and had conference with the Queen Mother. He has dealt with her
earnestly in the affair of the Prince of Condé, the points of which I
advertised in my late dispatch. He has received very comfortable
answers, so far that the Queen has promised he shall be satisfied ;
and Villeroy, who is gone from hence to the King, has 'assured'
to bring good news of it.
The King, who has been lately in Paris, went thence to
Dolinville, where it is thought the Court will repair if he does
not come here after Easter.
I am informed of a league that is lately framing between the
Catholic King, the Venetians, and the Pope ; for performing which
each gives pledge to the other in this manner : The Venetians for
their security deliver Padua to the Pope, and Brescia to King Philip ;
the king delivers Milan to the Pope, and Cremona to the Venetians ;
the Pope pledges Bologna to the king, and Faenza to the Venetians.
I am told that the Duke of Florence has caused to be imprisoned
the following : Cavaliero Marzi, Cavaliero Gasgoni [?], 'Mazin'
degli Albizzi, Maestro Lorenzo de' Salviati, and others of the
'communalty' for breaking the fountains in the Duke's piazza,
and casting down the arms of the Duke and Duchess.—Blois,
12 March 1580.
P.S.—I wrote in my former letter of the commissioners' request
to have convenient shipping to transport them, and horses prepared
for their arrival.
Add. Endd. 2½ pp. [France V. 31.]
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Mar. 12.
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86. COBHAM to [? WALSINGHAM].
I have written earnestly to Cavaliero Giraldi, requesting him to
consider the debt due to your honour, and dispatch therewith a
man of mine to solicit an answer. When I receive it, I shall not
fail to advertise you. As yet, however, I do not hear of his leaving
France, except the Spanish king has sent for him, as he lately
recalled the ambassador of Portugal who was at Rome. I was
informed that Giraldi last month dispatched his secretary to Castile,
to request payment of the money due for his legation, and to seek
means to be reconciled to the Catholic king ; but what success he
has had, I have not learned. There is small hope of his good
hap that way.—Blois, 12 March 1580.
Add. and endt. gone. ½ p. [Ibid. V. 32.]
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Mar. 14.
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87. W. WAAD to WALSINGHAM.
M. de Béze has written to 'Montgy' [qu. Montgoméry] that the
Bishop of 'Verceil,' legate for the Pope in Switzerland, has behaved
himself so well there that the Swiss are ready to go together by the
ears for matter of religion. And in Germany there are evil signs of
the like. 'Montgy.' promises to write to you by one that accompanies
du Vray, by whom you may understand their proceedings ;
one in whom they of the Religion put great trust.
Those of Picardy are afraid that Fervaques' force is coming
towards them.
There is an Englishman here who gives himself out to be a
Spaniard, and 'always on the place' keeps company with Spaniards.
His name is Fowler, one that lives by brokerage and shipping,
a lewd fellow and of a perilous wit. I have found means to be
acquainted with him, and he offers to do any service he shall be able
here, in Spain, or in Portugal, to go and come 'in any occasion' and
to be rewarded according to his deserving. If he might be trusted, he
were certainly an excellent instrument to be sent to those parts, for
his tongue, his gesture, and person, serve him well to take upon him
to be a Spaniard. I thought it well to advertise you of this, because
you wished me to find some one for that purpose ; and it is everywhere
affirmed that the King of Spain is arming by sea.—Paris, 14
March 1580.
P.S.—Please mark if the packet I sent you by this bearer has not
been opened.
Add. Endd. 1 p. [France V. 33.]
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