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Sept. 11. |
1490. Gio. Vallete, Grand Master of the Knights of
Malta, to the Pope. |
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On the 7th inst. the Catholic armada arrived, bringing 8,000
or 9,000 men to raise the siege, upon which the enemy hastily
embarked, but sustained a loss of 1,500 men.—Malta, 11 Sept.
1565. Signed.
Copy. Ital. Pp. 2. |
Sept. 12. |
1491. The Queen to Bedford. |
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1. Has determined with all speed to send him 3,000l. He
shall let Murray have 1,000l. of it in the most secret sort that
he can. |
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2. Perceives by his letters the request of the Earl of Murray
and his associates that they might have at the least 300 of
her soldiers to aid them. Bedford also writes that though she
would not command him to give them aid, yet if she would but
wink at his doing herein, and seem to blame him for attempting what he with the help of others should bring about, he
doubt not but things would do well. |
|
3. She has no intention to maintain other Prince's subjects
against their Sovereign, neither would willingly do anything
to make a war betwixt her and that Queen; but considering
that the Lords are pursued notwithstanding their submission
and offer to be tried by law, which being refused them they are
retired to Dumfries, and adding thereunto the intention that
presently the French King pretends by sending one of his to
join with some of hers, and jointly to treat with the Queen
to forbear this rigorous proceeding against her subjects,—to the
intent in the meantime the said Lords should not be ruined
for lack of help to defend themselves, she authorizes him to
let them (without notifying that he has any direction therein
from her) have 300 soldiers. And to cover the matter the
better, he shall send them to Carlisle, as to be laid there in
garrison to defend that March, and so from thence to direct
them covertly to the said Lords, whom he shall expressly advertise that he sends them that aid only for their defence, and
not to make war against the Queen.
Draft. Endd.: 12 Sept. 1565. Pp. 4. |
Sept. 13. |
1492. The Queen to Bedford. |
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He shall offer the Earl of Sutherland, for recovery of his
health, any means he may desire, saving that he do not depart;
and in repressing any outrage done upon her subjects by the
Scots he shall take care not break the peace.
Draft. Endd.: 13 Sept. 1565. Pp. 2. |
Sept. 13. |
1493. Bedford to Cecil. |
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1. The bearer, Mr. Robert Melvyn, repairs to the Court, sent
from the Lords with instructions, or rather overmuch knowledge of their distress; none can remedy it but Her Majesty, and
without aid of money and men from her all will go to wreck.
Their case and necessity he understands for lack of shot, and
now most of their livings are given and disposed of by the
Queen, and besides that having consumed all the treasure and
money they could make, what rests for them since their liberty
is gone but to lose their lives? Trusts he weighs the same,
and every commodity, else that a little help now employed
may help them unto. They seek God's honour, liberty of
conscience, and the freedom of their country. |
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2. The Queen proclaimed this other day in Edinburgh
that all men should be in readiness within three days' warning
with twenty days' provision against her old enemies that have
taken part with the rebels. |
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3. The Papists say that the Queen's Majesty will not help
them, nor do aught for them. They spare not for all that to
proceed, and assure themselves of her favour towards them.
If other help fail they mean to come hither to him; and he
purposes to meet them with that aid that shall bring them
safe to Eyemouth, and there will not only place them but will
also assist them with all things necessary, for so he knows
the Queen's pleasure is he should. What provision he should
make for them for money he does not know, they having none,
this town always so evil furnished; thinks he must seek it
at Newcastle. Thinks it strange that having many times
written to the Court.he can have no resolution hereof. Prays
that if no resolution be passed hitherward in the mean season,
that something may be determined that he may either help
them in time (if it so please Her Majesty), or else they in the
best sort they can provide for themselves; for one of these
two must come to pass shortly. This matter of aid is but agreed
upon between this gentleman and him, if the worst should
come.—Berwick, 13 Sept. 1565. Signed. |
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4. P.S.—If the Queen so countenance this matter with aid
as it is hoped, many that stand to look how things should
pass will wholly come to this side, and that in great number.
Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil: By Mr. Manvile [sic].
Pp. 4. |
Sept. 13. |
1494. Warrant for Mr. Tamworth. |
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Gresham has been ordered to deliver to him 3,000l., which
he shall convert (with the advice of Cecil) into gold and send
to Bedford.—Windsor, 13 Sept. 1565.
Draft, in Cecil's hol. Endd. Pp. 2. |
Sept. 13. |
1495. Valentine Browne to the Marquis of Winchester. |
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If the requests of the captains of Berwick are granted, the
gain from the sale of the provisions being taken away, it will
yearly cost the Queen in wages, transportation, &c., 3,000l.
There should be a special officer appointed for the victualling.
Any fault in the victuals or price should be reformed by the
magistrates.—Cambridge, 13 Sept. 1565. Signed.
Orig., with seal. Add. Endd. Pp. 2. |
Sept. 13. |
1496. The Commendador çapata to Ruy Gomez. |
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Account of the disembarkation of Don Garcia on the 7th
inst., and his subsequent proceedings against the Turks in
Malta.—Sept. 13.
Copy. Ital. P. 1. |
Sept. 14. |
1497. The King and Queen of Scots to —. |
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Order him to be at Stirling by the last day of September,
with all his force and twenty days' provisions.—Dundee,
14 Sept. 1565. Signed: Marie, R., Henry, R.
Orig., with seal. Address carefully obliterated. Endd. by
Cecil: The Queen of Scotts to * *. Pp. 2. |
Sept. 14. |
1498. The Marquis of Winchester to Cecil. |
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Sends Valentine Browne's answer to the articles of the
captains of Berwick and the inhabitants of the town touching
the victualling of Berwick. It seems he stands lacking for
his discharge, 600l.—14 Sept. 1565. Signed.
Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 2. |
Sept. 14. |
1499. Valentine Browne to the Privy Council. |
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Has travailed about provisions for Berwick. Grain is so
risen within these ten days that he cannot buy now for 30s.
what he could for 20s. The price has risen by transporting
over the seas, which he recommends to be stopped.—Stilton,
14 Sept. 1565. Signed.
Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. Pp. 3. |
Sept. 15. |
1500. The Lords of Scotland to Robert Melville. |
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They complain that Bedford has no commission to send
them aid or money, at which they marvel, having had other
advertisement from the Queen's servants here. He is to
"insist with utter diligence" of the Queen that support of 300
men be sent to them by the 4th Oct. or sooner.—Dumfries,
15 Sept. Signed: James Hamilton, James Stewart, Glencairn,
and Rothes.
Orig. Add.: To Melville, "at present resident in the
Court." Endd. partly by Cecil. Pp. 3. |
Sept. 15. |
1501. The Lord Treasurer, Cecil, and Sackeville to
Bedford. |
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Require him to will Mr. Lee and others to make perfect
books of the money due for the works. Also a certificate of
the number who shall remain on the works this winter.—
Westminster, 15 Sept. 1565.
Draft. Endd. Pp. 2. |
Sept. 15. |
1502. Intelligence from Scotland. |
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1. [Francis Yaxley] came hither on Tuesday last in a ship
of Flanders, of whose coming their young King so much
rejoiced as immediately he imparted all his matters to him;
and he, as one that would be reputed meet to be a counsellor,
immediately began to make discourses of England, France,
Spain, Rome, and of Italy, and therein used such talk that to
the wise he was soon discovered, and to the King and his
young company he appeared to be a meet man to send abroad
for their affairs. Hereunto he enabled himself, declaring how
he knew the King of Spain's Court, as well as the Court of
England; that he had such acquaintance in Flanders and at
Brussels, as whatsoever should be committed to him to be done
he doubted not but to bring it to a good end. Whereupon it
was devised he should secretly pass into Flanders by sea, and
there be directed for all things to be done there to the
Duchess of Arscott, and by her means should procure audience of the Regent, to whom he should declare that the Queen
of Scots, having cause to doubt of the credit of her uncles in
the Court of France, was advised to address her causes to the
King of Spain, and would commit herself, her husband, and
her country into his protection. And where she perceived
that the Queen of England had a disposition to marry with
the French King, the rather to maintain that estate she, the
Scottish Queen, and her husband, will remit all her titles to
the realm of England, to the direction of the King of Spain.
And if she thought these offers meet to be reported to the
King of Spain he was to pass into Spain. |
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2. At his departure from Scotland he had a roll of names
of all such Englishmen as live now out of England. He
declared to his secret friends the names of sundry noblemen
and gentlemen in England that were of good power that
would be ready to follow such direction as the King of Spain
should appoint them for the alteration of religion. |
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3. He pretends great acquaintance with the Conte De Feria
by reason of his wife, and that he had heard in Flanders that
the said Conte should come into Flanders next spring, and if
he so did then should the Queen of Scots have a special friend
of him. |
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4. At his departure, for lack of money to be given him, he
had some plate and two jewels.
Orig. Add. by Cecil: 15 Sept. 1565. Franc. Yax. sent into
Flanders. Pp. 3. |
Sept. 16. |
1503. The French King to the Queen. |
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Desires the restitution of a ship, laden with woad, belonging to one of his subjects.—La Rochelle, 16 Sept. 1565.
Signed.
Orig., with seal. Add. Endd. Fr. Broadside. |
Sept. 16. |
1504. The Queen Mother to the Queen. |
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To the same effect as the King's letter of the same date.—
La Rochelle, 16 Sept. 1565. Signed.
Orig., with seal. Add. Endd. Fr. Broadside. |
Sept. 16. |
1505. Smith to Cecil. |
|
1. Commends the bearer, who has been a continual haunter
of the Court in this progress.—Rochelle, 16 Sept. 1565.
Signed. |
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2. P. S.—Since this was written he received in the Queen's
packet two letters. Was glad to have so good comfort of his
returning home. Mr. Hobby shall never come in better
time, nor when there appears more amity betwixt the two
Princes.
Orig., with seal. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary.
Pp. 2. |
Sept. 18. |
1506. Tho. Jenyson to Cecil. |
|
Has perused the books for the fortifications of Berwick, and
estimates this year's charges will amount to above 11,000l.,
towards which there is defrayed 4,000l.—Berwick, 18 Sept.
1565. Signed.
Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 2. |
Sept. 18. |
1507. Tho. Jenyson to the Marquis of Winchester. |
|
To the same effect as his of this date to Cecil.—Berwick,
18 Sept. 1565. Signed.
Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 2. |
Sept. 18. |
1508. Smith to Leicester and Cecil. |
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1. Sept. 11. Three of his best horses and almost all his
saddles and bridles are burnt. |
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2. Sept. 15. The King entered Rochelle. |
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3. Sept. 17. News came to the Court that the Prince of
Roche-sur-Yon is dead without issue, and that he left 3,000
francs to the Prince of Condé. In all places where the Court
comes all is done to establish the authority of the Papists, and
to abase them of the religion. As yet the Prince of Condé is
not come to the Court. |
|
4. Sept. 18. The King took his journey from Rochelle to
Nantes.
Orig., with seal. Add. Endd. by Cecil: By Mr. Hamilton.
Pp. 3. |
Sept. 19. |
1509. Bedford to the Queen. |
|
1. In answer to her letter of the 7th, touching Wilson, says
that he knew of the letter of marque, but could not stay him,
having no means thereunto, so thought it better to employ
him here than lose the commodity of his service. |
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2. To hers of the 12th, answers that when the money
comes, Murray shall have some part, but not the whole, and
the Duke and the Lords shall have a good portion thereof
to help their common necessity. In so doing she has done
an act that shall redound to God's glory and her own high
honour. Dares take upon himself the blame. This aid will not
be curiously sought for whence it comes, so it be found there,
with the supply of 200 shot and 100 pikes for Captain Reade,
whom the Lords desired to have; who making a show as if
they went to lie in garrison at Carlisle, shall after a time of
tarrying there press forward. Has sent the Lords word
thereof, and has dealt therein for their safety according to her
meaning. Of the rigour of the Queen of Scots has written
to Mr. Secretary. |
|
3. To her last letter, answers that the Earl of Sutherland
is so weak of an ague that he cannot stir out of his bed.
Forwards a letter from the Queen of Scots for him. Complains of the disorders of the Tividale men, and of the theives
and rievers of the borders. Fears the English must use all
the revenge they can, if Bothwell (who is now two days
since landed at Eyemouth) comes among the thieves of Liddesdale. Asks for reinforcements.—Berwick, 19 Sept. 1565.
Signed.
Orig. Add. Endd. partly by Cecil. Pp. 5. |
Sept. 19. |
1510. Bedford to Cecil. |
|
Has received his of the 12th and 13th instant, and thanks
him for his help in the resolution of aid for the Lords.
Wishes that this uncertain dealing between them and their
neighbours might fall out either to a firm peace, that
disorders might be amended; or else open war, that the same
might be revenged by force. The oldest borderer has not
seen these Marches here so quiet. If the Queen grants this
aid, the Earl of Morton, Lord Ruthven, and Lethington will
come to the Lords, and also many other great personages.
The Protestants are sore persecuted, and the Papists highly
advanced. The old Laird of Lundy, a man sixty years old,
(who was sent to her by the Lords at the first, and he and his
sons serving her contrary to their conscience,) was this night
taken out of his bed by arquebusiers, and put into a dungeon.
The old Lord Dun, who never stirred against her, the Provost
of St. Andrew's, and twenty or thirty gentlemen more, are
put in prison. The Countess of Murray, who is now with
child, had she not fled had been taken and kept in such
sort as the Lady Lennox is with them. What countenance
that Queen shows to David, an Italian, he will not write for
the honour due to the person of a Queen. This David,
Fowler, and one Balfour rule all. Beton affirmed this at his
passing by here, and it is since confirmed by further intelligence. The escape of Bothwell happened in this sort: he
had two small boats with oars, and getting under sail with
the help of their oars went his way, albeit Wilson shot at
him, but did no harm. He landed at Eyemouth, and brought
with him six or eight men, certain pistolets, and some armour.
He tarried not there a quarter of an hour, but went to the
Court. He reports that Charleboyes has in readiness 2,000
or 1,500 men to aid this Queen if need be. He is a mischievous and an evil disposed man, and will practise with
the Liddesdales much unquietness. Has written to the Lord
Warden of this Middle March, who will keep them sure and
stedfast. Lord Seton comes home with armour, and his ship
is very well furnished. Wilson shall not be able to encounter
with him. Touching Wilson and his letter of marque,
albeit "we" had gone about to have stayed him, yet could
"we" not so have done, having not a boat of six ton
about this haven for that or any other service; and since
Bothwell is gone (for which cause they chiefly used him)
he may now go where he will, "and if we could take him we
would." Mr. Willock (whom that Queen seemed most to
favour of that sect) she would have put in the castle of
Dumbarton had he not escaped. She thought to have sacked
Dundee, but now has compounded with the same, and they
have bought their quietness with 2,000l. Scottish. The cause
was she lacked money to pay her soldiers, having already
laid many of her jewels to pledge. |
|
2. Asks him to provide more men for these Borders, for
of able men within this East March there are not 600, and
of horses serviceable not 160. There are not 3,000 armed
and able men within this lieutenancy. The Lord Lieutenant
of Yorkshire has taken order for levying of this new supply
of 600. Lord Wharton writes to him that the country is
not willing. Upon these Borders are none that favour
religion but Lord Scrope, the Lord Warden, and Sir Henry
Percy.—Berwick, 19 Sept. 1565. Signed.
Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 6. |
Sept. 19. |
1511. The Griefs of the Lords of Scotland. |
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The nobility and congregation professing the right religion
of Jesus Christ within Scotland complain that they are
burdened with the odious title of sedition and rebellion. They
rehearse the proceedings of the Reformation in Scotland, and
also the Queen's severity towards certain Protestants; her
inhibiting Knox and others from preaching and giving away
the thirds of the benefices. They complain that she is guided
by certain mean strangers, by whose advice the most weighty
matters are handled, and Darnley proclaimed King; also of
the delapidations of the royal patrimony. Through this same
fountain of sinister council proceed the divisions that are
raised betwixt the nobility, and the lives of divers sought.
They complain also of their taking bribes. Protest that they
do not crave the reformation of these enormities through
ambition.—Dumfries, 19 Sept. 1565.
Copy. Endd. by Randolph: The griefs of the nobility of
Scotland touching the governance [of] my Lord of Levenax,
and dated by Cecil. Pp. 10. |
Sept. 19. |
1512. Smith to Cecil. |
|
1. Sept. 19. De Mauvissier's errand is to bear the Queen
of Scots the ratification of her marriage, or else she cannot
enjoy her dowry after she is re-married. |
|
2. Sept. 21. Condé came to the Court at Niort, accompanied
with the Conte Rochfoucault. |
|
3. Sept. 29. At the Duke de Monpensier's house, called
Champigny. The Cardinal of Guise came again, and the
Marquis D'Elbœuf with him, to the Court; both of them were
embraced and made much of, as is told him of the Prince of
Condé at the first entry without the gates. But the Prince
would not enter the Duke de Montpensier's house, although
the Duchess entreated him. |
|
4. The King in this journey lay at Chavigny, M. De
Chavigny's house, lieutenant to the Duke de Montpensier,
the greatest prosecutor of the Fideles. Condé would not come
there. |
|
5. M. D'Aubigny, the Earl of Lennox's brother, bore the
King's train at the ceremonies of St. Michael's Order. He
looked to be made there knight of the order, and also his
brother, and to have his writing to be captain of the Scottish
band of 100 men-at-arms; both were deferred till the King
came to Blois, or rather till they understand how matters go
betwixt the Scots within themselves, and betwixt Scotland
and England. |
|
6. Condé shall marry Mdlle. De Longueville, the Duke's sister,
who already wears his colours. |
|
7. Oct. 8. The last news of Malta came, that the Viceroy
of Naples had landed 9,000 soldiers at Malta, and the same
returned for 9,000 more, which done they will give battle to
the Turks. |
|
8. Oct. 12. The King entered Nantes. |
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9. Oct. 13. Since the news sent to the Pope's Nuncio
of Malta, there have been two books, one at Poictiers, at the
report of letters sent to Madame of Parma, Regent in Flanders,
the other printed at Paris. Sevre told that the Cardinal of
Lorraine is nothing contented with the marriage of the Queen
his niece. Howsoever the Cardinal and Selzede be agreed,
the Guisians do not remain in the Court. |
|
10. The marriage betwixt Condé and Mdlle. De Longueville
is concluded. She is very earnest of religion, and has prayers
and sometimes preaching in her chamber, even in the Court. |
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11. Oct. 15. Yesternight there supped with him an Almain
who came from the camp of Lazarus Swendye, who at his
departing had an army of 50,000 and the Turk an army of
100,000 about Sakmar, a town in Transylvania. |
|
12. Has taken order that the bearer, Mr. Hampden, takes
up for him at Paris for either of them one of these books,
discourses of the wars this year in Hungary, and the history
of the wars in Malta, both printed in Paris. Item, another
called La Guerre Cardinale of the war in Metzin by the
Cardinal of Lorraine. |
|
13. There are two other books containing all that has
been done in France for religion in the reigns of King Henry,
Francis the Second, and this King till he came last from
Bordeaux, well worthy the reading, if they can be got for
them.
Orig., with seal. Pp. 7. |
Sept. 19. |
1513. Pietro Bizzari to Cecil. |
|
To-day has arrived an extraordinary courier with news
that Don Garcia has disembarked 9,600 men in Malta, with
provisions.—Venice, 19 Sept. 1565. Signed.
Orig. Hol., with seal. Add. Ital. Pp. 2. |
Sept. 19 and 20. |
1514. Randolph to Cecil. |
|
1. Sees little hope of any accord. This Queen has been
sought divers ways, but rejects all means that may do good,
and with a full resolute mind is determined to deal with them
in all execution; so that if God provide not for them and send
them speedy support they are like to abide marvellous adventures, for of themselves they are not able to withstand her
force. Many that are willing to take their parts doubt so
much of the issue, that before they know what succour they
shall receive of the Queen they join not with the others. It is
therefore craved by as many as favour God's Word and love
their country and that would have this great plague taken
away that hangs over their heads, that God would move the
Queen to have consideration of them. |
|
2. Yesterday it was proclaimed that all men should be in
readiness the last day of this instant at Stirling, with twenty
days' provision. She has been in St. Andrew's, Dundee, and
St. Johnston's, and of every town she has taken a benevolence,
with as evil a will of the givers as ever money was paid.
Shortly she will be looked for in this town. She has commanded divers gentlemen of Fife to ward. Lady Murray
has been sought and cannot be found. Some say she has
been imprisoned for the relief of Lady Lennox, whose husband, now lieutenant of the West country, leaves no man
unspoiled of whom he likes to take. The Earl of Argyll
spares as few of his he can meet with. Such order is in
this country that no honest man is sure either of his life or
goods. To amend these matters it is told that Earl Bothwell
is arrived, whose power is to do more mischief than ever he
was minded to do good in his life; a fit man to be a minister
to any shameful act, be it either against God or man. |
|
3. Certain men of Chester and Wales and other places in
England being spoiled by pirates and the goods sold in Scotland, they can get no redress. |
|
4. Those that drew their swords upon Mr. Tamworth and
him the day after Tamworth's departure were set at liberty.
—Edinburgh, 19 Sept. 1565. Signed. |
|
5. P. S.—Francis Yaxley is sent ambassador into Spain, and
embarked three days past. He passes by Flanders, and in
the name of such poor scholars and others that are at Louvain
he has promised their services to this Queen. He also assures
her that one Pole is coming to her with a ship and 100 gentlemen in her to serve her either by sea or land upon their
own charges for a year. This Pole was or is a pirate. |
|
6. Cecil shall shortly have with him Mr. David Chamber,
of whom to speak good should be a great slander.—Edinburgh, 20 Sept. 1565. Signed.
Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. partly by Cecil and partly by
his secretary. Pp. 5. |
Sept. 20. |
1515. The English Commissioners at Bruges to the Privy
Council. |
|
The magistrates of Bruges fearing scarcity, desire licence to
import 2,000 quarters of wheat from England; and as they
have used themselves very courteously the writers desire that
this may be done.—Bruges, 20 Sept. 1565. Signed by Montague, Wotton, and Haddon.
Add. Endd. Pp. 2. |