|
| March 1. |
981. The Queen to the Duke of Savoy. |
|
Has received his letters by M. De Morette, to whom she has
granted a safe-conduct to pass through to Scotland.
Draft. Endd. Fr. P. 1. |
| March 1. |
982. Pietro Bizzari to Cecil. |
|
Sends advices from different towns in Italy and Germany.
—Venice, 1 March 1567. Signed.
Orig. Add. Endd., with seal. Ital. Pp. 3. |
| March 1. |
983. N. Stopio to —. |
|
Encloses news from Genoa, 14th Feb. 1567; Rome, 22nd;
Vienna, 20th.—Venice, 1 March 1567. Signed.
Endd. Ital. Pp. 5. |
| March 1. |
984. Advices from different places. |
|
Intelligence from Messina, 18th Feb. 1567; from Turin,
20th Feb.; Rome, 1st March; Vienna, 27th Feb.
Orig. Endd. Ital. P. 1½. |
| March 1. |
985. John Fitzwilliam to Cecil. |
|
Thanks him for the Queen's letter in his favour to the
magistrates of this town. Part of the Gray Friars church
and cloister is burnt. The Count of Egmont is fallen from
the Prince, and has declared that he would stand to the
maintenance of the old Catholic religion. Divers gentlemen
who were of the Confederates have submitted themselves to
the Regent and have their pardons. At Ghent they go about
to examine who be Catholics and who Protestants, and take
away the weapons of the latter. Within these two days
800 men took shipping for Holland, and have their arms out
of this town. The Regent would have placed men in the
Rammekens, but those within would take in none unless
the Prince gave them order. At Amsterdam there has been
business between the Catholics and the Protestants. The
town of Valenciennes holds out still. The Bishop of Liege
sending ordnance to besiege one of his towns, it was stayed
in passing through another.—Antwerp, 1 March 1566.
Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 3. |
| March 1. |
986. Maximilian II. to the Queen. |
|
Sends to her Ludwig Count Stolberg and James Von
Clarbout as his envoys to treat with her on certain matters
affecting the weal of Christendom.—Prague, 1 March 1567.
Signed.
Add. Endd. Lat. Pp. 1½. |
| March 3. |
987. Frederic II. of Denmark to the Queen. |
|
Having appointed John Clerk to levy four ensigns of
harquebusiers in England, France, and Scotland, he desires
that she will not hinder any of her subjects from voluntarily
enlisting.—Fredericksburg, 3 March 1567. Signed.
Add. Endd. Lat. Pp. 3. |
| March 3. |
988. Sir John Forster to Cecil. |
|
Has let Killegrew and Melville understand the state of
the Borders. The Earl of Murray has taken the Parson of
Fliske, one of the Queen's secretaries, as one of the practisers
of the King's death. Bothwell sent Rob. Elliott into Liddlesdale, and on the 1st inst. the Liddlesdales and rebels of
England, to the number of 300, came to Peals besides Harbottle Castle and burnt all the houses there and a great
grange of corn of his own. Desires that he may have fifty
horsemen and fifty footmen to lie at Harbottle Castle during
these troublesome times.—Alnwick, 3 March 1566. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 2. |
| March 3. |
989. Dr. Man to Cecil. |
|
There have been strange rumours in the Court of alteration
of religion in England, amongst other things that the Queen
has given license to all that will to hear Mass. Has been
required the Queen's answer to the King's suit for Sir Francis
Englefield. The Council think it not good to charge the
King any further for the Bishop of Aquila's debts. The
King's sedula is given forth to make full restitution of the
merchant ships spoiled at Gibraltar. The Duke of Alva
departs in eight days.—Madrid, 3 March 1566. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 1¾. |
| March 4. |
990. Dr. Man to Cecil. |
|
Complains that whilst by every post from Flanders letters
come to some fugitive Englishmen, he has not received one
in nine or ten months, and desires answer to the requests
contained in his former letters.—Madrid, 4 March 1566.
Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. P. ¾. |
| March 5. |
991. Captain Cockburn to Cecil. |
|
No news since his last. The Papist friars preach that the
Mass is up in England, and that those of the religion in
Scotland have murdered their King because he loved the Mass.
Desires him to write to those of the religion to cause the
matter to be tried. Sends letters for the Earl of Murray.—
5 March 1567. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1. |
| March 5. |
992. The Queen to Sir Henry Norris. |
|
Understands that there is arming to the seas in the river
of Bordeaux and other places. He is to desire the King to
give order that her subjects frequenting his dominions may
not be spoiled as they were last year by young Monluc.
Draft, corrected by Cecil. Endd. Pp. 3. |
| March 7. |
993. The Queen's Debts in Flanders. |
|
A note of 4,000l. taken up by exchange on the Queen's
account for the payment of her debts from the 3rd to the 7th
of March.
Endd. P. 1. |
| March 8. |
994. Charles IX. to the Queen. |
|
Letter of credence for M. De Croc, whom he sends as his
ambassador resident with the Queen of Scots.—Fontainbleau,
8 March 1567. Signed.
Add. Royal letter. Fr. |
| March 8. |
995. Pietro Bizarri to Cecil. |
|
Sends news from Rome and other places.—Venice, 8 March
1567. Signed.
Orig. Add. Endd., with seal. Ital. Pp. 3¼. |
| March 8. |
996. Sir Henry Norris to Cecil. |
|
The King and Queen Mother have caused an assembly of
the nobility to consult for the getting of the young Prince of
Scotland into their regiment. La Croc is to be dispatched
into Scotland. The Regent proceeds very severely against
the professors of religion. She has banished twenty-seven
gentlemen from the Court. The Elector beseiges Gotha.—
Paris, 8 March 1566. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1¼. |
| March 8. |
997. Henry Killegrew to Cecil. |
|
Had audience this day and found the Queen in a dark
chamber, so as he could not see her face, but by her words
she seemed very doleful, and accepted the Queen's letter and
message in very thankful manner. Finds great suspicions
and no proof or appearance of apprehension yet. The Earl of
Lennox has required that such persons as were named in the
bill might be taken. Answer is made that if he or any will
stand to the accusation of any of them it shall be done. Sees
no troubles present nor appearance thereof, but a general
misliking among the commons, and some others who abhor
the detestable murder of their King, a shame as they suppose
to the whole nation. The late King's servants intend to
repair home again.—Edinburgh, 6 March 1566. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 2. |
| March 8. |
998. John Fitzwilliam to Cecil. |
|
1. The Count of Egmont has fallen from the Prince of
Orange. |
|
2. There are a number gathered together within a league of
this town who deface the churches and burn the images, who
will depart towards Holland. In Zealand they will receive no
men of war of one side or the other. They of Valenciennes
perceiving ordnance to come towards them have burnt their
suburbs and fortified all such places as they think needful. |
|
3. The magistrates of this town have straight commandment by the Regent to publish a mandment for stay of
preaching, but they dare not go through with all. Thinks it
would not be evil for merchants to stay bringing over any
cloth for a time.—Antwerp, 8 March 1566. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 2. |
| March 9. |
999. Sir Thomas Gresham to Cecil. |
|
Found the Prince of Orange, Count Horn, and Mons.
Hoogstraten, with divers other noblemen, in great counsel
for matters of religion, for that the Regent would have the
preaching put down. The Count Egmont is new sworn to
the Church of Rome, and holds on the other side for the King
and the Regent. The King and Regent's pretence is to get
all the strong towns of Holland, as Amsterdam and Dort,
for the provision of victual for all this country is provision
of corn and wine from thence. The Prince of Orange marvels
that the King should gather up all these men of war, considering there was not one man of war to resist them, but
concluded this was the Bishop of Rome's and Cardinal
Granville's and the Spaniard's practice wholly to undo this
country and the nobles. The Prince and the Count of Horn
have had very great discourse with him of the Queen, and
that in all her time she had put no man to death, and asked
whether the marriage with Don Carlos went forward. The
Prince asked him the manner and who slew the King of Scots.
Gresham told him the manner and how nigh the Queen was to
his lodging. If they should banish the preaching it is thought
that the whole town will revolt. Whereas the Queen owed
en the 20th February last 49,000l. he has prolonged 45,000l.
for six months and taken up the remaining 4,000l. by
exchange, so that the Queen has nothing to pay till August,
saving 8,500l. 3s. 4d. due the 20th of June next. If the
religion has not good success most of this town will come
into England. Great watch is kept upon him and his proceeding of the Bourse.—Antwerp, 9 March 1567. Signed.
Add. Endd.: 1566, with seal. Pp. 2½. |
| March 9. |
1000. Maitland of Lethington to Cecil. |
|
Desires license for the bearer to transport four or five
dozen sporting bows for distribution amongst Lethington's
friends.—Edinburgh, 9 March 1566. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ½. |
| March 9. |
1001. The Earl of Lennox to Cecil. |
|
Beseeches him to be a means and a rememberer of the
Queen of England to the revenge of his son's murder, he
being so near her blood.—Howston, 9 March. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ½. |
| March 9. |
1002. Sir William Drury to Cecil. |
|
Excuses himself for sending his advertisements to him and
not to the Earl of Bedford, who finds great fault with him
for so doing.—Berwick, 9 March 1566. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 2. |
| March 10. |
1003. The Queen to the Earl of Bedford. |
|
Orders him to furnish Sir John Forster with 50 horsemen
and 50 footmen out of the garrison of Berwick.
Draft. Endd. Pp. 2. |
| March 10. |
1004. The Earl of Morton to Cecil. |
|
Thanks him for his great goodwill shewn in the time of
his trouble and exile, and in furthering of his relief. If
there is anything in his power whereby he may be gratified,
desires him to command him.—Aberdeen, 10 March 1566.
Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ½. |
| March 10. |
1005. News from France. |
|
On the 18th ult. the King departed towards Fontainebleau.
On the 23rd there arrived one by whom they understood all
the manner of the Scottish King's death. It astonished the
King here so that counsel was given that the Scottish guard
should have been cassed for a suspicion conceived by the deed
of the nation's infidelity. On the 26th Prince of Conde came
to this town, where he has made very great preparations for
the baptism of his son. The King some suppose shall be godfather. The Admiral has been of late at the Court who has
had a bitter bickering with the Queen Mother, partly for
that he is charged to have sent 60,000 crowns into Germany,
which were levied of the churches in France, and partly for
certain troubles that have been at Avignon and Lyons. At
Lyons there has been a mine descovered which some say was
dressed by the Huguenots, others say that it was a merchant
digging a well. The Chancellor has been in hand with the
treasurers, and divers of them have been hanged and others
banished. The great thieves are afraid that at last they
shall be constrained to give an account villicationum suarum
in the time of King Henry and Francis II., and therefore
seek to stir up another civil war. This was the chief cause
of the last troubles, when the Estates demanded that the
Guisards should show a reckoning and ut revocarentur
inofficiosœ donationes. Egmont is now altogether Spanish,
but if the King be conqueror perchance he will not escape
scot free. Don Garcia De Toledo, the Viceroy of Seville, has
brought out of the old garrison of Naples 6,000 Spaniards
to Genoa.
Pp. 4. |
| March 11. |
1006. The Earl of Bedford to Cecil. |
|
Has despatched the Queen's letter touching the supply to
be sent to the Lord Warden of the Middle Marches.
Forwards a letter which he has received from Mr. Knox,
whose suit he commends to Cecil. Has at his request certified
the Marshal of Berwick of his goodwill. Has written to
the Queen.—Garendon, 11 March 1566. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1½. |
| March 11. |
1007. Sir Francis Peyto to [Throckmorton]. |
|
1. Perceives by his letters that the suit of Sir Francis
Englefield stands but in doubtful terms, and to cause as
[Throckmorton] advises a new charge to the Spanish Ambassador will require a long time. Knows not what to say
of the tragedy of Scotland so horrible it is and so miserable.
The month of February is unluckey to that realm, for in
the same last year was committed the foul murder of David
the secretary, whose blood cried for vengeance. The Queen
of Scotland is too honourable and too virtuous in Peyto's
opinion to have a mind spotted with any such villainy as her
adversaries charged her. She has extended too much mercy
on her enemies now on her own husband to exercise any
such cruelty. The Earl of Sutherland at his being at
Louvain, not knowing who should possess the place, for then
was there no manner of talk of the Lord Darnley, said often
to Peyto, grounding himself as he confessed upon a blind
prophecy, that whosoever bore the name of their next King
should die a violent death, giving for better knowledge of
the party that either two of his fingers or two of his toes
should be grown together. Preachings after the new guise
in Friesland, Guelderland, and Flanders are all laid down.
Holland is now the only place in which they abound. Gives
movements of the Gueux and the King's party at Valenciennes, Antwerp, and other places. They of this city have
sent their predicant to a fair tree not far from his pulpit
Thinks that the King's meaning is to use all mercy and
gentleness. Discerns that on Easter Day they will see some
tokens of a perfect quietness or else of a greater stir.—
11 March 1567. Signed. |
|
2. P.S.—On the 13th inst. he went to Antwerp, where he
found the gates shut and all things in garboil grown upon
the execution which the Droffer of Brabant with the King's
forces had done that morning upon certain rake hells, who
in rebellious manner were clustered together near the town.
Whilst Peyto tarried a wicket of the gate opened and out
came a number of armed men, who made a great shout of
Vivent les Gueux, and began to march in a warlike manner
towards the place where their brethren had been defeated,
but being better advised, before the foremost rank was eighty
paces from the ditch, returned again quietly back, and gave
entry to a number of knaves of their fraternity, and thereupon he guessed that the Calvinists had in the city gotten the
upper hand, and so returned to Mechlin. |
|
3. Gives an account of the rising of the Calvinists in
Antwerp, and their demands that those of the other religion
should be expelled the city; and of the summoning to arms
of the rest of the inhabitants and the disarmament of the
Calvinists. The English remained at home save two or three
who with armour on their backs and some by name of
captains who where seen and marked amongst the Gueux.
The Prince might easily have had that not a cullion of these
rebels should have gone with whole skins to their houses,
which considering their abominable behaviour had been to
God a most worthy sacrifice. They have begun already to
threaten fire. Of the rascals without the town there were
slain or drowned at least 300.
Pp. 4. |
| March 11. |
1008. Mary Queen of Scots to the Queen. |
|
Desires a passport for Thomas Douglas and William
Kincard to go through her realm to France.—Holyrood,
11 March 1566. Signed.
Add. Endd. Royal letter. |
| March 11. |
1009. Mary Queen of Scots to the Queen. |
|
Desires her passport for John Bothwick, Thomas Douglas,
Henry Balfour, Thomas Graham, and William Kincard to
pass and repass through her realm to and from France.—
Edinburgh, 11 March 1566. Signed.
Add. Endd. Royal letter. |
| March 11. |
1010. Sir Thomas Gresham to Cecil. |
|
There has been a great council had by the Prince and the
Congregation, who had offered him a great piece of money
that they might not be molested until the whole States of
the land had determined the matter. The tenth day there
passed by the town four ensigns of footmen, being 1,200 men,
who lie within a Dutch mile of the town, and as they go
they break down all idols in the churches, and pay well for
all things they take. Their captains were here daily with
the Prince. Can write no certainty as yet to what the Prince
will join unto.—Antwerp, 11 March 1567. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. P. 1. |
| March 11. |
1011. News from the Spanish Ambassador. |
|
Gives news from Spain of different dates.
Endd.: 11 March 1566. Span. Pp. 1¾. |
| March 12. |
1012. Advices. |
|
News from Turin, dated 12th March 1567, annexed to a
letter in Stopio's handwriting.
Endd. Ital. Pp. 2½. |
| March 13. |
1013. The Earl of Murray to Cecil. |
|
1. Signifies the constancy of one thankful heart for many
and large benefits from time to time received by his means. |
|
2. As he is touched himself so he judges of Cecil concerning this late accident, so odious and detestable, yet is he
persuaded that for particular men's enterprise so ungodly he
will not withdraw his goodwill from so great a multitude as
detest this attempt from the bottom of their hearts.—Edinburgh, 13 March 1566. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1. |
| March 13. |
1014. Maitland of Lethington to Cecil. |
|
Has received his letters of the 25th and 26th of February,
and thanks him for his frank speech. Likes his intention,
which does not offend such here as have most interest to wish
the matter earnestly recommended to such as Cecil is, for they
mean to demand nothing but right in due time and orderly.
For the third mark he wishes Lethington to shoot at, to
wit, that the Queen would allow of their estate in religion,
he thinks that although she will not yield at first, yet in
progress of time that point shall be obtained.—Edinburgh,
13 March 1566. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1. |
| March 13. |
1015. Pietro Bizzari to [Cecil]. |
|
Sends news from Rome of 8th March 1567; Prague,
3rd March; Cassovia, 25th Feb.; and Vienna, 9th March.—
Venice, 13 March 1567. Signed.
Ital. Pp. 4. |
| March 14. |
1016. Sir Thomas Gresham to Cecil. |
|
On the 13th the 1,200 Protestants without the town were
overthrown by 1,000 foot and 200 horsemen of the Regent's,
aided by two ships of war from Barrow. About 5,000 Protestants would have issued out of the town upon them to
destroy them if the Prince had not by policy kept them in
talk until the Regent's men were past danger. Whereupon
they cried out that the Prince and the Lords of the town
had betrayed them, and by one o'clock there was assembled
20,000 men of the Protestants, who got the most part of the
ordnance of the town and beset every street with wagons and
cannon. They sent the Prince and the Lords word that they
would not trust them, and that they would have the keeping
of the keys of the town, or else they would shoot down the
town house over their heads and kill them all. The Lords
having 2,000 footmen and finding themselves not able to
resist the commons were fain to come to communication, and
agreed that the burgesses should have the keeping of the
keys of the town, and that they should preach and live to
their own conscience. There were chosen twelve captains of
the Protestants, and for their overseeing MM. De Villiers and
Colbocke. It was agreed that as many Protestants watch as
the Prince of Orange shall appoint of his band. Those who
were saved at the conflict were fetched in by ship this morning. Their chiefest captains were MM. Toolosa and D'Andelott.
If they had not consented to the agreement the Lords with
all the religious men and known Papists had been slain.
The saying is that they of Valenciennes have made their
appointment with the Regent. It is to be doubted that the
Regent will make all her power to suppress this town.
Intends to depart upon Monday next.—Antwerp, 14 March.
1567. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 2. |
| March 14. |
1017. Sir Wm. Drury to Cecil. |
|
1. Has brought into use again certain ordinances of the
town, whereof he has first ordered the Scots to keep their
market without the new works. Has likewise cleared the
town of all Scottish born persons. Is now in purpose to do
two things, the one being the sifting of all Northumberland
men out of the bands of footmen, and the other being the
environing the bounds with a ditch, as the Scots seeing
nothing but stones to mark the difference encroach upon the
grounds yearly.—Berwick, 14 March 1566. |
|
2. P.S.—Desires him to be a means with the Queen that
if it please her not to have consideration to his reasonable
suit, yet to remove him from this place and charge so much
against his profit. Sends him another paper which was set
upon the Tolbooth. The Earl of Lennox has sent letters
beseeching to have apprehended those persons who were
named in the bills. The Earl Morton has, upon the 7th of
this instant, secretly in the night spoken with the Queen,
promising her faithful service. The painter who drew the
enclosed is known, and thereupon fled.—Berwick. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 5¼. |
| March 15. |
1018. Advices by Stopio. |
|
News from Saluzzo of 21 Feb. 1567; Rome, 8 March;
Vienna, 7 March; Constantinople, 9 Feb.—Venice, 15 March
1567. Signed.
Endd. Ital. Pp. 5. |
|
1019. Copy of the above advices.
Endd. Ital. Pp. 3¼. |
| March 15. |
1020. Dr. Man to Cecil. |
|
The Count De Feria has admonished certain Englishmen
who are entertained of the King to beware how they dealt
with him, and that the King had written to the Queen to
send another in his place. The Duke of Alva has told him
that this is not so. Finds it were convenient that the Queen
send none hither that savour anything of the spirituality, and
unless he satisfies the humour of the Count De Feria he shall
not find himself very welcome. Complains of the Count's
abusing him.—Madrid, 15 March 1566. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 1¾. |
| March 16. |
1021. John Fitzwilliam to Cecil. |
|
Gives a more detailed account of the events narrated in
Gresham's letter of the 14th. After the agreement the
Calvinists were very earnest to have the priests and friars
turned out of the town, and the next morning ran from one
religious house to another fetching out the friars and turning
them out of doors. The Protestants being still earnest for
more than was decent to be granted, caused a new order to
be taken, and on the 15th all the eight ensigns of the town
were called together with the brotherhood, which is 600 of
the principal townsmen, together with all those who had
goodwill to the Catholics, and all the Martinists, being many
of them Germans; and after some persuasion all these and
the Calvinists agreed to the articles. In the meanwhile the
Italians, Spaniards, and Portuguese gathered together, being
upon the point of 500 well armed, and would fain have had
the Martinists and the others set upon the Calvinists. They
were fain to threaten them before they would retire. The
Prince of Orange and the Count of Hoogstraten thanked the
English company for that they had used themselves so quietly.
—Antwerp, 16 March 1566. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 5¼. |
| March 16. |
1022. Sir John Forster to Cecil. |
|
Having appointed a place of meeting, there met him on
the 15th Lord Hume, Cessford, and Mr. Ballentine. Cessford
openly said that he was no warden, and that neither gentlemen or others under his rule would obey his commandment,
and said that it was strange that he and others should be
troubled with the execution of the Lord Bothwell's office.
Found Wark Castle in great decay. Encloses the names of
those remaining in the castle. Mr. Justice Clerk at their
parting bade him never give him trust in time coming if the
Earl Bothwell and his complices gave not their lives ere
Midsummer for the King's death.—Alnwick, 16 March 1566.
Signed: List of fifteen names of the gunners and soldiers in
Wark Castle annexed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 3. |
| March 10. |
1023. Mary Queen of Scots to Sir John Forster. |
|
Has commanded Lord Hume and the Laird of Cessford to
"convent" with him on the 15th instant touching the matters
of the Borders, and desires him to advertise her at what place
he will meet them.—Edinburgh, 10 March 1566. Signed.
Copy. Pp. 1½. |
| March 15. |
1024. Affairs of the Borders. |
|
Agreement between Sir John Forster and the Lord Hume
and Laird of Cessford to meet on the 25th with their powers
and pursue the rebels of both realms with fire and sword.
Signed.
Copy. P. 1. |
| March 16. |
1025. Sir Henry Norris to Cecil. |
|
Encloses a letter from the Queen Mother, and also an
extract from another letter written by the commissioners appointed to make the process of Pieter Paull. Prays him to
remember the poor men at Marseilles. There has been of late
some disorder at Lyons, and a temple of the Protestants
overthrown.—Paris, 16 March 1566. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 1¼. |
| [March.] |
1026. Extract of a Letter to Charles IX. |
|
They (the Commissioners) desire to have the merchants
plaintiffs to come before them.
Enclosed in Sir H. Norris's letter of the 16th. Endd. Fr.
P. ¼. |
| March 11. |
1027. Catherine De Medicis to Sir Henry Norris. |
|
Has had a reply from the Commissioners appointed to try
Captain Pietre Paul, prisoner at Bordeaux, for certain depredations with which he is charged, committed amongst others
against subjects of the Queen of England. Desires that the
witnesses may be sent to Bordeaux.—Fontainebleau, 11 March
1567. Signed.
Add., with seal. Fr. P. ½. Enclosure. |
| March 17. |
1028. Sir William Drury to Cecil. |
|
On the 15th met Sir John Forster and the Wardens of
Scotland met at Wark, where they agreed to begin the service
for the reformation of the outrages upon the Borders on the
25th. Desires him to send order for the King's servants
stayed here as prisoners. Refers him for accounts to Killegrew.—Berwick, 17 March 1566. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 1½. |
| March 15. |
1029. The Queen of Scots to [Sir William Drury]. |
|
Desires him to grant free passage to Anthony Standen and
four other Englishmen who are desirous of returning to their
own country.—Edinburgh, dated by mistake 15 Feb. 1566.
Signed.
Copy. P. ½. Enclosure. |
| March 17. |
1030. Sir William Drury to Cecil. |
|
The Queen of Scots has sent to the Earl of Mar requiring
him to deliver up the Castle of Edinburgh within twentyfour hours upon pain of treason. The Earl of Murray is in
Fife, and has obtained license to depart out of the realm.—
Berwick, 17 March 1566. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1. |
| March 17. |
1031. Sir Thomas Gresham to Cecil. |
|
Sends a list of the names of twenty noblemen and gentlemen that be banished from the Court. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1. |
| March 19. |
1032. Captain Cockburn to Cecil. |
|
1. On the 6th came Dolie and Bastien, who were married
that day the King was slain, who show the great hazard that
the Queen escaped. It is pity to hear the great dule she
makes, and how she makes such diligence to try the doers
thereof. It is given to understand here that they of the religion have done it. The Queen Mother has written to the
Prince of Conde, but he came not. |
|
2. P.S.—On the 9th in the morning the Queen departed
to Vallery and returned at night, and some say she spake with
the Prince.—Dieppe, 19 March. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. P. 1. |
| March 21. |
1033. Passport for William Henrisson. |
|
Passport for William Henrisson, the servant of the Scottish
Ambassador in France, to go to the English Court.—Bourbon
l'Archambault, 21 March 1566. Signed by Sir Thomas Smith.
P. ½. |
| March 21. |
1034. Sir William Drury to Cecil. |
|
The Earl of Mar has condescended to the delivery of the
Castle of Edinburgh. All manner of persons as well as
officers, gunners, and others displaced. The Captain of the
castle is Levison or Seton. James Murray (who sometime
passed out of France into Scotland to justify the practice of
Bothwell against the Earl of Murray) has discovered himself
to be he who set up the bills of accusation of the principal
devisers of the late murder.—Berwick, 21 March 1566.
Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1. |
| March 21. |
1035. The Earl of Bedford to Cecil. |
|
Desires him to show his favour for the expedition of five
Scottish gentlemen now making their repair into France,
being of that King's guard.—Beauvoir Castle, 21 March 1566.
Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ½. |
| March 21. |
1036. The Earl of Bedford to Cecil. |
|
Recommends the bearers, two Scottish merchants who make
their repair to London, in case they shall want his good help
or favour.—Beauvoir Castle, 21 March 1566. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ½. |
| March 22. |
1037. The Queen to William Winter. |
|
1. Where by a special treaty with the French King it is
covenanted to deliver on the 3rd of April next the town and
port of Calais, she wills him to go there and receive it.—Westminster, 20 March 1566. |
|
2. A letter was written to the officers of the Cinque Ports
willing them to send such ships, men, &c. as Winter should
require.—Westminster, 22 March 1566.
Draft partly in Cecil's writing. Endd. Pp. 1½. |
| March 22. |
1038. Advices. |
|
News from Rome and Ancona, 22 March 1567; also from
Vienna and Prague (Siege of Gotha).
Ital. Pp. 4. |
| March 22. |
1039. Commission for Sir Thomas Smith and Sir Henry
Norris. |
|
Authorises them to demand the surrender of Calais with
its dependencies from the French King on April 3rd in
accordance with the terms of the treaty of Cambray.
Draft corrected by Cecil. Lat. Pp. 3½. |
|
1040. Another copy with some slight alterations.
Corrected by Cecil. Endd. Lat. Pp. 3¼. |
| March 22. |
1041. Instructions for Sir Thomas Smith and Sir Henry
Norris. |
|
It being expressly covenanted by the Treaty of Cambresis
that Calais should be delivered to such as the Queen shall
appoint on the 3rd April next upon a pain of 500,000 crowns,
they are to be at Calais on that day. She has joined William
Winter in commission with them to demand the town of the
Governor and to take possession of it. If the Governor shall
refuse they are to protest that the Queen has performed that
which on her part was to be done, and that the French King
has forfeited the 500,000 crowns, whereof they shall require
the Governor and them that stand by not to be forgetful.
They are then to go to the French King, and communicate
their charge and proceedings at Calais to her ambassador
resident. Gives replies to be made in the event of certain
answers being given by the French King.
Draft corrected by Cecil. Endd.: 22 March 1566. Pp. 5½. |
| March 22. |
1042. Instructions for Sir Thomas Smith and Sir Henry
Norris. |
|
Notes of certain objections which may be made by the
French to the request for the surrender of Calais which
should be provided for in the instructions.
Endd. Pp. 4¼. |
| [March 22.] |
1043. Restitution of Calais. |
|
Reasons why Calais should be restored to the English.
Endd. by Cecil. Ital. Pp. 2½. |
| [March 22.] |
1044. Restitution of Calais. |
|
1. Reasons to prove the Queen of England's right to the
restitution of Calais on 3rd April 1567, founded upon the
seventh article of the treaty of Cambresis. |
|
2. Also an extract from the Edict of Pacification in French,
occupying half a page.
Endd. Pp. 24. |
| [March 22.] |
1045. Demand for Calais. |
|
Things requisite for the substance of the instrument to be
conceived upon the demand, and to be well noted of the
notary.
Endd. by Cecil. P. 1. |
| March 26. |
1046. Sir Henry Norris to the Queen. |
|
On the 20th he declared to the French King the whole
effect of her letters, whereunto he made in general terms very
good and courteous answers. The King having appointed
certain people to show him the house and library, he was led
through the King's bed-chamber, the library, into a gallery
where were many Roman antiques and "stories." Amongst
others over the door was the Delivery of Newhaven exquisitely
drawn, and under the same certain verses which he encloses,
which when they found he had deciphered they were stricken
with a sudden dump, and would have excused the matter by
laying it on the painter, saying neither the King or the Queen
Mother understood any Latin. The King promised on his
faith that it should be razed. There has been likelihood of
some stir in Paris.—Moret, 26 March 1567. Signed.
Add. Pp. 2¼. |
| [March 26.] |
1047. Surrender of Newhaven. |
|
Latin inscription under a picture of the surrender of
Newhaven, stating that Queen Elizabeth had obtained possession of the town during the civil war in France in the
King's minority, "insigni fraude." Norris is informed that
they have altered insigni fraude into vi et armis.
Lat. P. ¼. Enclosure. |
| March 26. |
1048. Sir Henry Norris to Cecil. |
|
Has had audience with the King, who desired him to send
in writing the sum of his negotiation, which he did on the
21st, and received the answer enclosed. There was likelihood
of a stir in Paris. A better time than this could not be
found to demand Calais, they being in such distrust of their
own force, wherefore it might be understood that some
preparation of arms was making in England.—Moret, 26
March 1567. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 1¾. |
| March 28. |
1049. Stone found in Dauphigny. |
|
Copy of an inscription on a stone about the size of a man's
hand, said to have been found in Dauphigny, prophesying
great destruction on 28th March 1567.
Add. to Mr. Secretary. P. 1. |
| March 28. |
1050. Thomas Cotton to Cecil. |
|
Found the tomb of the Lord Courtenay in Padua taken
away which was very honourably set up before by a sort of
friars, and his coffin thrown into an old cloister, and the
furniture thereof made an altar cloth whereon the Queen's
arms stand. Has several times sued the Senate at Venice
for the setting of it up again. The Turk has made in readiness 250 galleys.—Padua, 28th March. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1. |
| March 28. |
1051. Sir William Drury to Cecil. |
|
Entreats his lawful favour for the bearer, who being
indebted fears if any imprisonment is enjoined him, that he
is like to sustain the extremity of his creditors.—Berwick,
28 March 1567. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ½. |
| March 29. |
1052. Richard Clough to Gresham. |
|
1. The people pack away from hence, as well Papists as
Protestants, for all the wealthy men on both sides who should
be the stay of matters make themselves away. Most of the
nobles are at Brussels, and it is said that they have told
the Regent that they will help to punish rebels, but will
not have the country spoiled. The Prince of Orange remains
here. All places about the walls which were not strong
are now in making, and there is very straight watch and
ward. |
|
2. Brederode is at Amsterdam making the town strong.
The English and others are at Brussels sueing for assurance
of their bodies and goods. The Lords of Antwerp sued the
Regent to be good to them for that the town owed between
1,800,000 and 2,000,000 florins at interest, and 30,000 or 40,000
pounds in pensions yearly. Those foreigners that have been
to Brussels are returned without any answer save that they
will consider upon their request. |
| March 29. |
3. Brederode has required a safe-conduct to the Court to
clear himself. The men raised in Germany stay to see whether
the Regent will touch any noblemen or besiege Antwerp.
Valenciennes is given over unto the mercy of the King. They
have broken down the images without the churches at
Brussels.—Antwerp, 29 March 1566. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 8. |
| March 29. |
1053. Sir William Drury to [Cecil]. |
|
1. The judgment of the people is that the Queen will
marry Bothwell. The Cardinal seems much to mislike with
her for the death of the King. She has been for the most
part either melancholy or sickly ever since. There is great
calling upon the Court for money. There was hard shift
made for stuff for Mr. Killegrew's chain, and the like to furnish
necessary things for domestic matters. Some are as willing
that the Earl of Murray should be slain in Scotland as that
he should live abroad. |
|
2. Upon Sunday there was a Mass of requiem and a dirge
for the King's soul. Bothwell does all in the Court. |
|
3. James Murray sent to the Queen craving her favour,
and offered to bring five or six with him and charge as many
in the Court who were the devisers of this cruel murder, and
to try it either armed or naked. The Queen sent for the
minister of Dumfermline and asked him if he knew not the
deviser of the Mermaid. He said no. Bothwell asked him
whether James Murray had not said evil of him, and he said
that he had never heard him say well of him. The men
are well known who bought the powder from Dunbar, and
Drury has spoken with those who have dealt with them.
The divorce between Bothwell and his wife is thus wrought
that it shall come of her alleging that he has had the company
of the Lady Buccleugh since she was married to him. On
Friday the Queen went into the chapel about eleven, and
tarried there till near three o'clock. |
|
4. The Queen Mother wrote very severely to the Queen
affirming that if she performed not her promise to have the
death of the King revenged to clear herself, they would not
only think her dishonoured, but would be her enemies.
Endd. by Cecil. Pp. 3. |
| March 30. |
1054. Sir William Drury to Cecil. |
|
The Queen of Scots was troubled with some sickness of the
which she is not yet all free. Touching the assize of Bothwell,
he sends the copy of some rhymes set up of late upon St. Giles'
Church. The Laird of Skirling is captain of the Castle of
Edinburgh, whose surname is Cockburn. James Murray
has offered again to prove who were the committers of the
murder. There arrived a messenger last week from John
O'Neile, sent to the Earl of Argyll with a present, and also a
chain from Macleane's daughter. The Earl of Lennox has
departed out of Scotland. The Earl of Huntly has now
condescended to the divorce of his sister from Bothwell.
Yesterday there hanged himself a soldier who came out of
Ireland.—Berwick, Easter Day, 1567. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 3. |
| March 30. |
1055. Pietro Bizarri to Cecil. |
|
Sends news from Rome of 22 March 1567; Prague, 17th
March; Ancona, 22 March. —Venice, 30 March. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Ital. Pp. 2½. |
