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| [1576. May.] |
752. Letters from the French King and the Duke of Anjou. |
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1. The King to the Maréchal [Damville]. |
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Having spared no pains to bring about the pacification of the kingdom, it has pleased God (who knows the thoughts of his heart) to bring matters to the conclusion which the Maréchal will learn from his secretary [M. Marion], now returning to him with the Edict and all the articles agreed upon. |
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Desires that orders be at once given for the cessation of all hostilities, that his poor subjects may be delivered from their oppressions and enjoy a lasting tranquillity, and begs the Maréchal himself to lend a helping hand therein, as he is bound to do both by interest and duty, and for which he will ever have the King's gratitude and appreciation. Copy. Fr. ½ p. [Cf. letter from the Queen-Mother to Damville of May 7, Lettres de Catherine de Medicis, Vol. V, p. 192.] |
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2. Proclamation by the King. |
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To his trusty and well-beloved friends. All know the disorders in which he found the kingdom at his accession, and that he has employed every means to bring them to a good end. Yet God
permitted the evil to increase, with such oppression of the poor subjects that only ruin could ensue, unless remedy were found. Wherefore he has issued his edict of pacification, and now sends it to them, desiring them to publish it without delay, both in the court of parliament and throughout its jurisdiction, and to take care that it be duly observed. Copy. Fr. ½ p.
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3. By the King. |
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To his dear and well-beloved friends. It having pleased God to give them peace, he has devoted himself to its firm establishment, having nothing more at heart than the lasting tranquillity of his subjects. |
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And as he desires to assure those who have been faithful to him of his satisfaction, and well knows with what duty and zeal they have acquitted themselves, he writes this to testify his pleasure therewith, which he will acknowledge to each one when occasion offers, praying them to persevere in their devotion, thereby to increase his esteem and render their memories more and more honourable to posterity. Copy. Fr. ½ p.
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4. The King to his Cousin——. |
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His desire to establish a durable peace in his kingdom having induced the Queen his mother (with the affection which she has ever shown to its welfare and the comfort of his subjects), to take the trouble to go to confer with his brothers, the Duke of Anjou and the King of Navarre, upon the best means to effect his pious intention, he desires that she may be assisted therein by his most faithful and loving servants, especially those who have the principal charge in these kingdoms; and therefore prays his “cousin” to accompany the King of Navarre to the appointed meeting-place, feeling assured that he will bear himself with entire affection to his service, and offer good and prudent advice to aid in the settlement. Copy. Fr. ½ p. [Written before May 6, when the peace was concluded, therefore earlier than the three preceding letters.] |
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5. The King to his Cousin——. |
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Knowing that his “cousin's” devotion to his service will recommend to him any office which may be for its benefit, he prays him on all occasions to continue to render such service, for which he will have opportunity enough where he is, by confirming in their obedience the nobility of the country of which he holds so great a part. Also to lend a hand in all ways possible to the maintenance of peace amongst his people, that it may not be disturbed by the passions of factious people, such as are always to be found. Copy. Fr. ½ p.
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6. The King to——. |
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Assuring him that his good-will and affection is well known by the many proofs he has given thereof, and praying him to continue in his devotion and to put it into effect when occasion shall offer. Copy. Fr. ¼ p.
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7. The King to——. |
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No occasion at present offering to recognize good servants of his crown as he would wish, he desires at least to assure them that he shall never forget those who have rendered the duty and fidelity due towards their Prince, and knowing that he to whom he writes has ever shown himself very affectionate, testifies hereby his satisfaction and prays him to continue in the same. Copy. Fr. ¼ p.
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8. The King to the Premier President [of the Parliament of Paris?]. |
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Seeing that there are spirits impatient of peace and who cease not to stir up something new, it is the more necessary for good men to hold firm to their duty. Is assured that the President will omit nothing on his part, and in order to render his offices more efficacious, especially in the case of those of quality and consequence, is sending him a number of blank letters, to fill in and give out as he shall find good, leaving it to his discretion to use them as he shall think fitting, and praying him to act in the matter with his accustomed prudence and zeal. Copy. Fr. ⅓ p.
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9. The King to the Seigneurie of Gennes. |
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Thanking them for their “delegation” of the Sieur Francesco Beavary and their congratulations sent by him, and assuring them of good “correspondence” on his part whenever occasion shall serve. Copy. Fr. ⅓ p.
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10. The Duke of Anjou to the King. |
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The Sieur de Brineau [or Bruneau], the elder, has died, in whom his Majesty has lost a good servant. Prays him to grant the Abbey of Nogent, near Cossi, which some time ago he gave to the said Bruneau, to his younger brother, brought up as a page of his Majesty's chamber and now in his army, to hold under his uncle, as his brother did. Copy. Fr. ½ p.
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11. The Same to the Same. |
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Knowing well his Majesty's esteem for the Duke of Longueville, to whom he was formerly pleased to grant all the custom money in Rouen, Caen, and other towns in Normandy, prays that the grant may hold good for the future, and that the commissioners deputed to receive the said moneys may be ordered to execute their commission so that he may still receive the fruit thereof. For which favour the writer will be as grateful as if it were granted to himself. Copy. Fr. ½ p.
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12. The Same to the Same. |
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Hears that the office of Provost to the court of St. Seine, which takes the place of Seneschal in that court, is vacant by death. The Sieur de Montalt prays to be allowed the charge, which would be very easy for him to undertake as he lives near the place. Believes his Majesty will be pleased to gratify him, as he has well deserved favour and will ever be ready to give his life in his service. Copy. Fr. ½ p.
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13. The Same to the Same. |
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Knows that his Majesty has much at heart what may gratify the Sieur de Montlu¸ and his family, in regard of the services he has done and still does to the crown. The Sieurs de Montesquo and de Fonteilles, his children, have been told of a confiscation escheated through a case of coining false money, which they humbly beseech (and the Duke with them) may be granted to them, and the fruit of which they will never spare in his Majesty's service. Copy. Fr. ⅓ p.
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14. The Same to the Same. |
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His “cousin,” having been informed of the death of the Governor of Ville Franche, in Champagne, desires the place for an old servant of his Majesty's, who began by serving his predecessors fifty years ago; humbly praying that his memorial, the Duke's request, and the ancient services of the man may move his Majesty to grant him this favour. Copy. Fr. ⅓ p.
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15. The Same to the Same. |
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Knows well the state of his Majesty's affairs, and how difficult it is for him to meet all the expenses he has on his hands; but weighing against this the merits of the late Seigneur de Martiques, he feels it but right that his memory should be recognised to his family. Leaves it to his Majesty's kind and wise judgment to ordain what may be done to show the gratitude due to such a servant. Copy. Fr. ⅓ p.
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16. The Same to the Same. |
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Has lately learnt that the Maitre d'hotel of the Queen, his Majesty's spouse, is dead. Copy, unfinished. Fr. 2 lines.
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The whole document endorsed: Copies of French letters. Fr. 6 pp. [S.P. For., Elizabeth CXLVI, 21a.] |
