Elizabeth: April 1587, 11-20 | British History Online

Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 21, Part 3, April-December 1587. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1929.

Citation:

'Elizabeth: April 1587, 11-20', in Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 21, Part 3, April-December 1587, ed. Sophie Crawford Lomas, Allen B Hinds( London, 1929), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/foreign/vol21/no3/pp14-26 [accessed 28 November 2024].

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April 1587, 11-20



April 11.	SIR JOHN NORREYS to WALSINGHAM. By yours of March 14, I understand that her Majesty defers her answer to the States' demand for a supply of succour because she has been informed by me that the contributions by these people, if well collected and husbanded, together with the support she gives, would maintain a sufficient force to defend the country. As my letters to her Majesty have been divers and long, I cannot remember every point of them, but my opinion for the defence of the country concurs with your own :that a proportion must be made according to the strength of the assailer ; wherefore it will be good to consider what army our enemy can pay and victual, and thereafter to frame our defence. "Hereupon it hath been thought good to project a competent force, both for the garrisons and for the field" and to set down the charge of it and other provisions appertaining to the war. This my lord of Buckhurst is sending to her Majesty. The proportion is 20,000 footmen for the garrisons, 7000 for the field ; 2000 horse ordinarily entertained and 2000 reiters for this summer ; 2000 pioneers ; 5000 footmen of her Majesty and 1000 horse. Last year's charge was, of the States 432,473l. sterling and her Majesty's passing 150,000l. sterling, and as appears by the accounts, the charge of this projected force will not exceed that of last year. But as the States then had to anticipate some months of their ordinary contribution, they will not be able to do so much this year, therefore her Majesty's charge must be somewhat increased. "And as for the timely and orderly employment of this charge, the first will hardly be provided for this year, the enemy being now ready to march in our quarter, having received supplies of men and money, and we in no forwardness of anything, either to assail or defend. The other must depend upon the care of an expert and provident general, who ought to see the captains that he employeth men of honesty, valour and experience, such as shall content themselves with the lawful profit of their bands and not seek to become suddenly rich, to the hindrance of the service and ruin of the soldier ; and such as may be always resident with their companies, for the better disciplining of them ; that the numbers of the soldiers...may be found in deed and not in paper ; that all superfluous expenses be avoided, with many other things that depend upon the sufficiency of the general, too long for me to trouble your Honour withal." I beseech you solicit her Majesty's speedy resolution, that some reasonable proportion of men and money may be sent: for though matters now seem compounded, yet if nothing follows but words, and in the meantime the enemy takes any place from us, our reputation will soon decay again, "and the latter sore more uncurable than the first." Sir John Conway writes of the want of victuals and munition in Ostend, and that the enemy prepares to besiege it. "The Council of State, notwithstanding our continual pursuit hath no care to supply them, so that if the remedy come not from England, the place will be lost."The Hague, 11 April, 1587. Holograph. Add. Endd. 3 pp. [Holland XIV. f. 59.]
April 11.	SIR JOHN NORREYS to WALSINGHAM. In favour of Capt. Green, whose company was cast by the States before his Excellency's departure, but whom he has kept with him in hopes of giving him the like place in her Majesty's pay. Knowing him to be a very able and sufficient man, who has served nine or ten years in these countries, he begs that he may have a company (if there be any increase of her Majesty's forces) for his valour and service have deserved it.The Hague, 11 April, 1587. Signed. Add. Endd. p. [Ibid. XIV. f. 61.]
April 11.	THE SAME to THE SAME. Recommending Mr. Cosby and Mr. Hovington, lately captains in Sir William Stanley's regiment, but who, within an hour of discovering his treason, left him and all they had. Has ever since entertained them, but finding that he cannot do for them what he desires, prays his honour's favour, to the same effect as in the preceding letter.The Hague, 11 April, 1587. Signed. Add. Endd. p. [Ibid. XIV. f. 63.]
April 12.	DR. BARTHOLOMEW CLERKE to BURGHLEY. Although I doubt not that my lord of Buckhurst writes the particularities of our negotiations here, I think myself bound to send you briefly the sum thereof ; viz :that whereas we found these countries full of misconceits and doubts, both towards us and among themselves, by God's favour and good treating "we have reunited the generality to her Majesty and our nation ; we have cleared all doubts and misconceit between the particular persons and I trust in God have knitted them altogether against the enemy, who, at the very time of our arrival, made public processions and bonfires in joy of their differences, hoping to swallow up all while there was few that knew what was best to be done. "We confirmed the particular towns as we passed through them by good speeches and entertainments and the rest by letters signifying the effect of our coming was to help those inconveniences that were grown among them ... and that her Majesty's gracious care was ever greatest to them when they were in greatest distress ; which was so pleasing to them as the magistrates themselves brought us letters of thanks out of most places, desiring us to do our best to satisfy their citizens in their misconceit of many rumours and libels thrown among them before our coming. "With the States General, in the presence of the Council of State and divers of the Burgomasters aforesaid we treated at large, laying before them the great grace and care of her Majesty for them ; her great and gracious assistance to them, far exceeding any precedent of her ancestors, notwithstanding her many charges for the common cause and her mighty enemies for their sakes,...that it seemed their eyes were well fixed upon their own necessities (wherein they had reason) but nothing upon her Majesty's extreme occasions of expense ; ... that her people (who spent their blood for them) were rejected out of many their towns, starved in their highways, and generally the whole nation taxed for the faults and treachery of two miscreants. That the credit and authority of her Highness' lieutenant was touched in his absence ; many innovations made without her privity, and letters full of approbation written to their governor, as though they had set down their rest to bid us all farewell. Herein, if they could not yield good reason and satisfaction to her Majesty, they must not wonder that their deputies received no better answer ... : if they could, there was no doubt but that her Highness who embraced them when other mighty princes forsook them would still stand fast unto them, and increase her goodness if her present state would suffer it." The Council of State, after half an hour made a very honest, modest, wise answer, which we accepted. The States craved till next day, and then, having many particular articles read to them, denied all in effect, "saving their letter to my lord of Leicester, which they said was written in amaritudine cordis upon the treasons of Yorke and Stanley, according to their custom and liberty used to all their princes, whereby they had long preserved their estates ; imputing all the faults therein mentioned not to their governor but to certain lewd persons ... who sought to seduce his lordship and to cause him to hate the States.... Hereunto we did not urge many replies or particularities, for that we found all things so disjointed as a little bitterness more had made them 'feetter' to determine dangerously than to resolve for the best." This done, we cast up the state of their garrisons and camp as nearly as possible, finding the very necessary garrisons all the year to be 20,000 foot and 2000 horse ; the camp (for four months of their count or six of ours) 13,000 foot, 5000 horse and 1000 pioneers ; and the whole charge yearly besides their 20,000l. a month and her Majesty's succours, to amount to 150,000l. ; there being present the States, the chief captains of both nations and the Advocate of Holland "who knoweth as much and can go as neatly to work as any man." Of this sum they besought her Majesty (in respect of their misery) to bear two parts and they would bear the third, which we utterly refused, and in the end they prayed the ambassador to sue to her Majesty to bear the third, and they would treat with their provinces to bear the rest. We then declared to them that in the former contract there were divers doubts and inconveniences and desired them to write for authority to treat touching their reformation. They answered that the points would be so long debated in the towns that the summer would be spent before they should be authorized ; but they thought they could more easily and speedily get authority to make a new contract, which we liked well of. If it be also agreeable to her Majesty, it may please her to send or appoint some commissioners in that behalf. If they had not had better opinion of me than I deserve, they had refused to negotiate with me in these affairs, as there was no mention made of me, either in her Majesty's letters to the States or to the Council. This negotiation finished, I pray you to think of Dr. Aubrey, Dr. Carewe, Dr. Lewin, or some other for my place, as I have sustained many losses and crosses by my absence, and especially am bound to end the suit between me and Mr. Harris before mid-summer, which being a matter to me of 2000l. I would be loth to trust to solicitors.The Hague, 12 April, 1587. Add. Endd. By Burghley. 1 pp. of extremely small writing. [Holland XIV. f. 65.]
April 12/12.	L. CALVART to WALSINGHAM. You have lately received a letter from me which was written long before the arrival of the ambassador. It was not written for you, but for Mr. Killigrew, but I dared not send it him for fear it might fall into other hands and do me as much harm as others have done. But patience ; provided that we may soon see his Excellency here, well accompanied, as the ambassador gives us to hope ; who has carried himself with singular dexterity. I have not had the opportunity of going to offer my services to his lordship, but have not omitted to do what I believe will be of use. My last will have shown you what course we must take to maintain affairs in a good state, where otherwise we shall lose our pains and ruin ourselves.Delf, 22 April, 1587. Holograph. Add. Endd. Fr. 1 pp. [Ibid. XIV. f. 67.]
April 12.	COUNT DE NEUWENAR to THE QUEEN. After receiving the letter which your Majesty was pleased to send me by the Sieur de Buy, and heard what he had to say, I went to my lord Buckhurst to offer all the assistance in my power for your service, and to confirm all that M. de Buy has said, and also my faithful goodwill to the common cause. The letters which you have been pleased to write to the Princes of Germany have been very pleasing to the Estates who have resolved to send them by M. de Buy, and hope they will be of much use for my levy of German reiters and footmen. And as there must be the like to the Duke of Luneberg and Count of Oldenborg, as I have told Lord Buckhurst, it may please your Majesty to give order for their prompt dispatch, and send them to me here quam cito citissime. As to this country, I will only pray that the return of the Earl of Leicester, which is very necessary, may be as soon as possible.Utrecht, 12 April, 1587, stilo antiquo. Holograph. Add. Endd. Fr. 1 pp. [Holland XIV. f. 69.]
April 13.	WALSINGHAM to WILKES. "You may not take it in evil part that you have not received directions from the Earl of Leicester and me touching your proceeding there, for that we could not draw her Majesty to any resolution. The late severe dealing used by her Majesty towards Mr. Sec. Davison and others of her Council maketh us very circumspect and careful not to proceed in anything but wherein we receive direction from herself. . . . I acquainted her with your letters "declaring the present confusion and dangerous estate of those countries, and how necessary it was for her Highness to take speedy order therein, and specially how needful my lord of Leicester's presence is there, if it were but for two months" but she defers answer and resolution thereupon until she hears from the Lord Buckhurst of the success of his negotiation. I hear secretly that the Prince can make no great attempt this year for want of victuals, so that if her Majesty would yield to an increase of her charges, it were not to be doubted but she would recover great part of the countries lost, and be better able to attain to peace, "which is the thing she chiefly desireth." For your request to be recalled, I cannot but remind you how hardly her Majesty is drawn to revoke those employed in public charges, and therefore advise you not to labour in that suit, but resolve for your continuance for so long as she employs her succours there, "for which service there is none found more sufficient or better experimented than yourself, which ought to give encouragement to your painful service and travail. Greenwich, 13 April, 1587. Signed. Add. Endd. p. [Ibid. XIV. f. 71.] Copy of the above. Endd. 2 pp. [Ibid. XIV. f. 73.]
April 13.	WILKES to LEICESTER. Refers his Excellency to Mr. Atye for news. Believes that he will find the States much more tractable than before, from their experience of the love borne to him and her Majesty by the people, and "the fear they had received of the fury of the people . . . upon their late innovations, and happily stayed by the arrival of Lord Buckhurst." His Excellency's return will be very grateful to all, they having found that only his presence can save them. But if he do not return in haste, there will be "a sudden havoc" made by the enemy of many of the frontier towns, which have hitherto, from the late confusions and the small obedience yielded to the States and Council, been but weakly furnished with means for defence. For himself, as he supposes it would be a hard thing to make his lordship believe that he has in all things acted towards him "with all good offices of duty and love," he will only say that he desires no favour, so that he be not absolutely condemned before he is heard.The Hague, 13 April. Copy. 1 p. [S.P. For. Archives XCI., p. 82.]
April 13.	WILKES to WALSINGHAM. You will have learned of my lord of Buckhurst's proceedings from his own letters. By his arrival, there is grown a general contentment amongst the people from their hope of the continuance of her Majesty's aid, and increase of her goodness towards them ; whereby they are pacified towards the States, while the States are possessed with a fear of a popular commotion. My lord's course in only laying open their errors and violences without urging the same, was most expedient as also his seeming satisfied with their weak and slender answers, and there is followed a full reconciliation and promise of duty to her Majesty and obedience to their governor. But they must be assured by some effects before they give overmuch credit to these general promises, and will not cease their underhand courses, for assuring the state and impugning my lord's authority. "And truly, if something be not done upon this legation to satisfy their expectations, they will relapse and fall into greater confusions ; and if her Majesty mean in good earnest to yield them any extraordinary supply it must be done with speed" ; for the enemy is preparing to attempt upon Ostend, Sluys and Axel ; Heusden and Gertrudenberg, and with a full army to come before Arnhem ; and these poor countries are so weak and bare that they can neither man and victual their towns or put any competent numbers into the field. And howsoever her Majesty takes time to resolve at home, she must send off the Earl of Leicester ; for there is such contempt for the authority of the States and Council that the enemy will be able to prevail where he likes. I pray you to consider how incompatible my stay here will be with my lord's opinion of me, if he returns, "whose nature is not so facile to forget as ready to revenge," and though he will never be able to prove that I have dealt undutifully, it is not safe for me to remain in this service, and I entreat you to hasten my revocation. If her Majesty thinks of staying me here to observe his lordship's actions, as he believes, though loath to disobey her, I should be unwilling to be employed in such actions, considering with what dangers they are accompanied, and how little they would profit her Majesty or advance this cause.The Hague, 13 April, 1587. Copy. 2 pp. [Ibid. XCI., p. 83.]
April 15.	THE QUEEN to LORD BUCKHURST. Finding by a later letter to Mr. Secretary from our ambassador Wilkes that he has been informed that Count Hohenlo (fn. 1) has had secret intelligence with the Prince of Parma, "which being true, considering how the Count Hohenlo is possessed of divers principal towns in the which the captains and soldiers are altogether at his devotion," it is to be feared he may deliver these up to the Prince, whereby the enemy may have the more easy entry into those countries :we desire you to confer with Col. Norreys and Mr. Wilkes what course to take, "which as we perceive may be best performed by seizing the person of Hohenlo," drawing him "under colour of conference with you about matters of great importance...into some town devoted to us and not affected to Hohenlo, when you may take order for his restraint, being first furnished with sufficient matter to charge him withal, which we wish to be done in the presence of such principal persons of that country as are held for good patriots and have credit with the people." (fn. 2) But before doing this, you shall, upon conference with Col. Norreys and Wilkes so proceed that the frontier towns now guarded and possessed by governors and captains placed there by the said Hohenlo, may not upon his restraint revolt to the enemy but may, by some good means to be devised by you, remain still at the devotion of the States of the United Provinces. Copy of letter in cypher. Endd. by Wilkes. p. [Holland XIV. f. 76.]
April 16.	LEICESTER to WALSINGHAM. "By your letters, I perceive her Majesty would now I should go over, and will send me the 10,000l. so she be sure to receive it within a year. [Gives details of his former offers for repayment of the money.] "This was more, I am now persuaded, than I shall be able to do, and keep any countenance fit for the place...but seeing I find her Majesty's hardness continues still to me as it doth, I pray you, good Mr. Secretary, let me [have] your earnest and true furtherance for my abode at home...for my heart is more than half broken. And I do think her Majesty had rather far continue Sir John Norrice there, and...he may now very well, in respect of the reconciliation between him and Count Hollock. "As for the motion you make to me touching the like with Mr. Norryce, God forgive him with all my heart his many injuries offered, but I will never serve with him again as long as I live ; no not for to have 100,000l. given me, for I have had too much proof of his disposition and I know the man too well to trust to his service,...for he cannot obey nor almost like of an equal.... Already he hath taken advantage to curry favour with captains and soldiers in finding fault with the pay by poll, and bid them look shortly for a new discipline, and they may easily guess whence it is, for it was once offered at Bomyll." It is true I there paid all men by poll and he found fault with it, but I saw how well the soldier liked it, and how easily the captains might be brought to it, though I did it only to know the state and number of our bands. I have paid the Dutch in like sort without any grudge at all, and indeed it touches her Majesty and you, my lords, more than me, for I did it by your directions. "To be flat and plain with you, he shall never bear charge under me ; his disdain and craft hath no measure. And I know, for all those speeches of my going, his friends make full account that he shall remain there as her Majesty's general of her forces (fn. 3); which I will not envy nor grudge at,...for if he do well and I not the worse, there is no cause to be offended. There is nothing sticks in my stomach but the good will in the poor afflicted people ; for whom I take God to record I could be content to lose any limb I have to do them good.... God doth see my heart, that I dissemble not, nor stand upon other terms than necessity doth force me unto ; and therefore, if my ability serve not, nor my prince enable me, I hope in good conscience I may sue for my discharge."Bristol, Easter day. Postscript. "I am glad to hear that her Majesty will hear of Mr. Vice-Chamberlain [Hatton] for Keeper of the Seal. Surely he will be the fittest for it." Holograph. Add. Endd. 3 pp. [Holland XIV. f. 77.]
April 16.	SIR WILLIAM RUSSELL to WALSINGHAM. Recommending Captains Cosby and Ovington who bore themselves faithfully to her Majesty by not yielding to Sir Wm. Stanley's treachery, and on their departure from Deventer were retained by Sir John Norris for a service which has fallen out "otherwise." Prays him to further their preferment.Vlishing, 26 April, 1587. Signed. Add. Endd. 1 p. [Ibid. XIV. f. 79.]
April 16.	JOHN DIGGES to WALSINGHAM. Complaining that many of the captains, "inwardly raging against this course of payment by the poll, which utterly taketh away all corrupt gains," and believing him to be the author of it, have been dispersing infamous libels against him, though he has never given them any offence save where he could not please them without abusing her Majesty. Prays his consideration of the matter, as he fears the like slanderous letters may be sent to England.The Hague, 16 April. Signed. Add. Endd. 1 p. [Ibid. XIV. f. 81.]
April 16.	Order by LORD BUCKHURST, DR. B. CLARK, and THOS. WILKES. On some doubt raised by Mr. Digges whether the warrant given to the Treasurer might sufficiently authorise the allowing to Sir John Norreis his entertainment of 4l. per diem and 40s. for his lieut. colonelas it appears by a warrant signed by the Earl of Leicester of 16 November last that the said entertaininments were ordered to be paid, and to be continued during his Excellency's absence ; and Lord Buckhurst finds that by his Instructions he has authority to do or order such things as are for the advancement of her Majesty's service. Order accordingly, that the commissioners make a warrant for the said entertainment, for the space of three months.The Hague, 16 April, 1587. With marginal note by Dr. Clark that the Earl's warrant is in the keeping of Mr. Hudilston in England, and as it provides for a continuance in his lordship's absence, he doubts not but they shall be found blameless. Copy. Endd. 1 p. [Holland XIV. f. 83.]
April 17.	THE PRIVY COUNCIL to SIR JOHN CONWAY. Concerning the provision of armour for the re-inforcements sent to Ostend.Greenwich, 17 April, 1587. (fn. 4) Nine signatures. Add. (on 19 April). Endd. p. [Ibid. XIV. f. 85.]
April 18.	CAPT. ANTHONY WINGFIELD to WALSINGHAM. "There came yesterday a copy of a 'proscript' to our hands from Nimegen, exhorting them of the Catholic religion to stand firm, assuring them within short time, by the diligence of them whom they have put in trust in those places, to bring in Bumble [Bommel] Teell, Week, Wagening and Culingborow"; but no doubt the foresight of our governors will prevent them. By what we can learn from spies and prisoners, the siege of this town is intended, where we must need men and a good governor ; being still under M. Hebergen, one of Count Moeur's followers, and no martial man. It is a place to get great honour in, if we are strong enough to fall out upon the enemy to hinder their beginnings. "It was decreed by the States of Holland to send in four companies more of Scots, and Col. Bafford [Balfour] for governor, but I think my lord President [Norryes] hath prevented it," for he has offered them as many English companies as they wish, whereupon they have referred it to Lord Buckhurst and him to appoint the garrison. If the Scots come in, I think our two companies shall presently go out. I have sent one to Deventer, to learn the state of things there, on whose return I will advertise you what he reports. We hear that they of Wesel try to hinder the rebuilding of the bridge there. I told you in my last of our grief at "the taking the prerogative that we have over our soldiers and putting it to a commissary ; the first fruits whereof now appeareth," for Mr. Digs has sent a 'vitler' to execute the place, who "continueth his trade amongst our soldiers ; a very fit man to buy all their reckonings for half the worth and pay them in nothing but drink. If I made gain the end of my service ... I would desire no better living than to pass my musters with this man." The inconveniences that will result will daily so appear that no man shall need to urge them. Arnhem, 18 April. Add. Endd. 1 p. [Ibid. XIV. f. 87.]
April 19.	LORD BUCKHURST to THE QUEEN. (fn. 5) Humbly beseeching her to send over with all speed enough money to make full pay until the 12th of next month, which will not only redound to her credit (since keeping her money in her coffers yields her no interest) but will preserve the lives of many of her faithful servants, who must else perish of want. Is so moved by sorrow for the past and fears for the future that for Christ's sake he implores her to have pity on them. Also to grant the petitions of the States for a loan of 50,000l. and that speedily, for the dangerous condition of the States and the mighty preparations of the enemy admit of no delay, "so as even to grant it slowly is to deny it utterly." The many and good havens, ships and mariners and impregnable towns, and "the seat of this shore so near to England ; joined with the malice of the mighty enemy who seeks to regain them" :All these things enforce him to speak, write and weep to her, lest this blessed means of her defence be lost, nevermore to be recovered.The Hague, 19 April, 1587, stilo angli. Copy, initialled by Buckhurst. Endd. 1 pp. [Holland XIV. f. 89.]
April 19.	LORD BUCKHURST to BURGHLEY. Doubting lest contrary winds may have kept Mr. Atie on this side, I have written shortly to Mr. Secretary of our proceedings here, which are now upon very good terms, "All things being reduced to a quiet calm, ready to receive my lord of Leicester and his authority whensoever he cometh, and with as great devotion to her Majesty as can be desired." To-morrow I go to Utrecht to accommodate their differences with Holland, which, if I can effect it, will greatly further this cause. The enemy's forces are already marching in divers places, to the number of 8000 as we hear and it is suspected he means some attempt upon Ostend, for he has had twenty cannons at Antwerp "put upon ready carriages" ; at Wesel is making a bridge and has some 2000 men there and 4000 more within two miles, at Berges [i.e. Rheinberg]. For the rest I refer you to Mr. Secretary's letters. (fn. 6) The Hague, 19 April, 1587. Holograph. Add. Endd. 1 p. Seal of arms. [Ibid. XIV. f, 91.]
April 19.	WILKES to VICE CHAMBERLAIN HATTON. I shall not need to say much of the state of these unfortunate countries and people, as you know them all. The storms are somewhat smothered by the promise of her Majesty's further succours, and "a general reformation of the disorders introduced by us, whereat nevertheless, they bite not so eagerly as some do think, and yet, if it may be performed, there is no doubt of the good inclination and obedience in this people. [Dilates further on the matter, and urges his desire to return, as in previous letters.] I am secretly told "by a dear friend of mine, and inward with my great and heavy enemy," that he hath sworn to take his revenge of me. How or in what sort I know not, but believe it will be by means of "a gap opened by mine own letters to him . . . wherein I have touched some persons of quality here for their indirect proceeding against her Majesty and our nation . . . I desire to be at home before he come hither, because I may answer for myself in an evener ground than this will be." (fn. 7) The Hague, 19 April, 1587. Copy. 1 pp. [S.P. For. Archives XCI., p. 86.
April 19.	WILKES to WALSINGHAM. Since my last, all continues in the same terms, differences being smoothed over if not removed. It appears that my Lord Leicester means to be here shortly, having already sent good part of his provisions. "His coming will either consolidate all our wounds or open them again ; for many things concerning himself are dissembled, which his wisdom may make clear and sound . . . howbeit I hope your honour will foresee that his return shall be accompanied with good counsels, instructions and advice. "I have been within these few days advertised by a dear friend of mine, and very inward with Themistocles, that even at my lord Buckhurst's departure from the Court, I was with very bitter words and terms deadly threatened with revenge at his coming hither (continues to the same effect as to Hatton, above). I had not troubled him with my letters at all but by your honour's direction, to whom only I look for safety. God is my witness that since his departure I have deserved as well of him as ever did any, which I shall make appear at his coming ; but if it be possible I pray that I may return before he comes.The Hague, 19 April, 1587. Copy. 1 pp. [S.P. For. Archives XCI., p. 88.]
April 19/29.	H[OTMAN] to LEICESTER. Since Mr. Atye's departure, no great matter has happened, save that Paul Buys, as curator of the University of Leyden, has procured the States of Holland to depose Mr. Donellus from his place of Professor of Civil Law ; who had been placed there many years ago by the Prince of Orange, and had done very good service, being accounted one of the best civilians in Europe, and is a very godly and honest man. The cause was that Buys was told that your Excellency once sent Dr. James to Donellus for his advice about Paul Buys' imprisonment and the charges against him ; and that Donellus answered that, if his charges were true, he deserved perpetual imprisonment. I know not whether this be true or not. The other cause of their hatred is that he is very earnest in Religion and has many times spoken boldly of the magistracy of Leyden and other professors, who are partly papists and partly anabaptists. But these not being enough, Paul Buys brought word to the States that Donellus was a seditious man, and too partial for your Excellency and the English nation ; had spoken and written in your defence and had said that Count Hollock "was but a light-headed man, and that [he] would one day be the cause of the overthrow of this country." And this is all of which they accuse that honest and godly man. I have advertised my lord of Buckhurst, who promises to see these things reformed if he can, and will go to Utrecht by way of Leyden and speak to the curators and magistrates. It will cause great discontent if men see honest men so ill-used, "and we shall lose our best friends here, which we have had so much to do to keep ; besides the mutiny of the scholars of Leyden, and the dissipation of that University." I pray you write to the States of Holland earnestly, not to condemn and dispossess him before he is heard. I can assure you, you have no better friend in the country than this Donellus. I am requested by the Dutch colonel who was at Axel, called Schonoff, lately come from England with M. du Buy, to beseech your Excellency to believe that "though these Earls and the States do offer him some places and charges hereafter in the war, yet having given his word that he will serve none other but her Majesty and your Excellency, he refuses flatly to remain in their service." He prays you therefore to remember him to her Majesty for some place and allowance. "They say here that he is a very good captain and knoweth the manner of wars in this country. He doth not love the Dutch Counts here [Hohenlo and Moeurs] ... and one day drinking with them, had almost fallen out with one of them about this matter.29 April. stylo novo, 1587. (fn. 8) Signed H. Add. Endd. 2 pp. [Holland XIV. f. 95.]
April 19/20.	VILLIERS to WALSINGHAM. Having been occupied with the affairs of the widow and orphans of the late Prince, he has heard little of what has happened, and has not employed himself in affairs, save to persuade those with whom he has some authority or favour to maintain their friendship and give no cause for suspicion. Prays his honour to write to Col. Morgan on behalf of M. de Thelligni, for if not now redeemed, the poor gentleman may remain all his life in prison. The Hague, 29 April, stylo novo, 1587. Holograph. Add. Endd. Fr. 1 p. [Ibid. XIV. f. 97.]
April 20.	SIR THOMAS SHIRLEY to BURGHLEY. Assuring him that if a present supply of money be not sent, the consequences will be very dangerous, "for there is nothing for the soldier to eat but ready money," as no one will take upon him to victual their nation either in garrison or elsewhere." The enemy is making mighty preparations in divers parts. Has sent his vice-treasurer with the account of the money issued.The Hague, 20 April, 1587. Holograph. Add. Endd. 1 p. [Holland XIV. f. 99.]
April 20/30.	COUNT MAURICE OF NASSAU. Certificate and passport for Capt. Dumonstier, who has faithfully served in the Low Countries for fifteen or sixteen years, and now desires to retire into France.The Hague, last day of April, 1587. Signed. Countersigned by Milander. Sealed. Fr. p. [Ibid. XIV. f. 101.]
April 20/30.	HOTMAN to LEICESTER. [Gives the substance of what he wrote about Donellus in previous letters.] Combes is to go over presently. Count Murs and du Buy have entreated him to assure his Excellency that all reported to him of Count Murs and his proceedings is false ; "that he never agreed with Count Hollock nor with the States of Holland," and that he and his wife have always remained his Excellency's good friends. But for this matter, refers him to what Mr. Deventer and all his friends will witness on his return. Nevertheless, he knows his Excellency will wisely suppress the injuries to him, not only by the Count but by all the rest ; whereby he will further the good of the country and increase his own reputation. What he wrote long since has now proved true :that his "greater enemies would sooner" seek his friendship and favour again. Lord Buckhurst is shortly to repair to Utrecht, and Count Overstein and M. du Buy are now going into Germany, for the levy of the reiters and lansquenets.The Hague, 30 April, stylo novo, 1587. (fn. 9) Signed H. Endd. by Walsingham's clerk "To the Earl of Leicester from Hottoman." 1 p. [Ibid. XIV. f. 103.]
April 20/30.	COL. MELCHIOR DE SCHENNA to WALSINGHAM. Sends these few lines by the Seigneur de Combes to ask his honour to assure her Majesty of his loyal affection for her service, to which he has vowed his heart and life. Having quitted a great potentate, he is without entertainment from any prince in the world, and prays his honour to procure him from the Queen what is suitable for a nobleman of his quality.The Hague, last of April, 1587, stilo novo. Add. Endd. Fr. 1 p. [Ibid. XIV. f. 105.]
April 20.	Moneys paid out of the Receipt for the Low Country causes to this 20th April, 1587 ; viz. to Sir John Norreys ; to be conveyed to the Master of Grey ; to Thomas Wilkes and to Sir Thomas Shirley. Total 192,154l. 12s. 6d. Endd. by Burghley. 1 p. [Ibid. XIV. f. 106.]