Elizabeth: October 1568 | British History Online

Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 8, 1566-1568. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1871.

Citation:

'Elizabeth: October 1568', in Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 8, 1566-1568, ed. Allan James Crosby( London, 1871), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/foreign/vol8/pp559-569 [accessed 31 December 2024].

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October 1568



Oct. 1.	2572. Answer of the Emperor to the Electors.
	1. Would have been glad if they had contented themselves with the painful travail which hitherto he has employed about the pacifying the Low Countries. Will not proceed any further with the publishing of mandates; but is contented to stay and expect the message of the six Princes, with which he is right well pleased.
	2. Thinks that for speed it will be most convenient to communicate of these matters with the Duke of Alva. Promises to use their counsel and advice in what soever shall be returned therein.
	3. Trusts that the Princes will send commissioners to Treves, whereby these weighty affairs and the accomplishing thereof might with more profit be attended.—1st Oct. 1568. Copy. Endd. Germ. Pp. 16½.
	2573. Translation of the above. Pp. 12½.
Oct. 1.	2574. The Emperor's Resolution upon the Princes' Ambassade.
	Expresses his willingness to assay all ways possible whereby these troubles might be quieted. Sends a copy of the Duke of Alva's excuse for his proceedings.—Vienna, 1 Oct. 1568. Copy. Endd. Pp. 4¼.
Oct. 1.	2575. The Queen to Sir Henry Norris.
	1. Has answered the Bishop of Rennes that the things which the French King misliked were by her directed to be spoken by Norris, and that she did not see any cause of misliking if the whole message were well and indifferently pondered. Desired the Bishop to put these matters into writing, which he did, and had such answer as by the copy sent Norris may perceive. After the Bishop's arrival he is to repair to the King and Queen and desire to understand of their satisfaction, and to pray them to think that if there is any thing in her answer whereby they may conjecture her not well content, the same is not for anything proceeding from them, but upon certainty of knowledge that she has of overmuch cause given to her to mislike of some principal persons that abuse their Majesties for their own private interest.
	2. He may also say that she cannot but permit the Cardinal of Chatillon to enjoy quietness in her realm, finding him to profess all hearty obedience that a faithful subject can bear to the King and Queen Mother. Draft in Cecil's writing. Endd. Pp. 2.
Oct. 2.	2576. Lord Hunsdon to Cecil.
	Perceives by Cecil's letter that the Queen of Scots has made promise that none of hers shall offend any within his rule. Has sent a note of the Scottish horses to the Lord President of York. Has written to the Privy Council for the stay of certain gentlemen who are bound to appear in the Star Chamber this next term, and whose service is necessary here, considering the looseness of Scotland at present.— Berwick, 2 October 1568. Signed. Add. Endd. P. 1.
Oct. 2.	2577. The Queen to the Regent Murray.
	Is required by the Queen of Scots to move him not to put to sale or otherwise dispose such jewels as were taken from her. Has also had complaints sent by her of certain oppressions used by certain of his against such as be faithful to her, upon colour of process and attachments for forfeitures adjudged by the late Parliament. Draft in Cecil's writing. Endd. Pp. 1.
Oct. 4.	2578. Attemptats against the King of Scots and his Subjects by those of the Queen's Party.
	List of attempts made by the Earls of Huntly and Argyll, and other noblemen of the Queen's party, since the Regent at the Queen of England's desire left off and forbore all prosecution of arms; consisting chiefly in appearing in arms, detaining certain gentlemen prisoners, resetting the murderers of the late King, and those who have devised the murder of the Regent, fortifying Dumbarton for the reception of the French, and retaking the Castle of Hamilton. Endd. Pp. 6½.
Oct. 4.	2579. Don Guerau Despes, the Spanish Ambassador, to Cecil.
	Begs that he will cause reparation to be made to Peter Romerson for his losses.—London, 4 Oct. 1568. Signed: Don Guerau Despes. Add. Endd., with seal. Lat. P. ½.
Oct. 4.	2580. Sir Nicholas Throckmorton to Cecil.
	Prays him to have some consideration of the vintage fleet, as the Cardinal of Chatillon doubts that Monluc will either take them for a prey, or stay the best ships to serve the King. The said Cardinal further advertises that there is arrived a Frenchman named Pygett, who has come to do many evil offices. He says he is Beza's nigh kinsman, and makes great pretence to be an earnest favourer of religion. and for that he very secretly carries about him sleeping and waking his papers and memorials, he advises that he should be apprehended suddenly. Mons. Genlis and others are at Chateau Cambray with 1,500 horse and a good number of footmen. Those which were said to come from La Rochelle be arrived.—London, 4 Oct. 1568. Signed. Add. Endd. Pp. 2¼.
Oct. 5.	2581. The Queen to Catherine De Medicis.
	Is surprised that she should have conceived any suspicion of the last message of her ambassador, and that any question could have arisen about such plain words, but is not ignorant from what shop such drugs come. People often speak about her like hunters who divide the skin of the wolf before they have his body, but they will have to pay double for having counted without their host in celebrating their triumph before their victory. Her son shall never have cause to accuse her of having failed in the good course which she has begun, unless she is roused by evil means which touch her honour and safety. Her peaceful government and security have not so lulled her to sleep that she has not made provision for any accident. Draft. Endd. Fr. P. 1.
Oct. 5.	2582. The Cardinal of Chatillon to Cecil.
	Writes in favour of the bearer, who was secretary to the late Prince De Porçian, and now to the Prince of Condé, and has composed some hymns which he desires to dedicate to the Queen.—London, 8 Oct. 1568. Signed. Add. Endd., with seal. P. ½.
Oct. 5.	2583. Sir Nicholas Throckmorton to the Earls of Pembroke and Leicester and Cecil.
	1. Has received their order for his dealing with the Cardinal of Chatillon concerning the repair of the French to him and his access to the Court.
	2. This day the Cardinal sent to him to dine with him, and showed him that he had been busy with M. De Cavagnies and others sent from Rochelle from the Prince of Condé to the Queen, the Prince of Orange, the Count Palatine, and the Duke of Deux Ponts. Throckmorton took occasion as of himself to counsel him according to their instructions; which finished, the Cardinal said that he would despatch the other gentlemen to the Prince of Orange and the Princes of Germany; and as to M. De Cavagnies he would leave him here for that he is thoroughly instructed of all matters from the Prince and the Admiral, and perfectly authorised to treat and give caution for the money. The Cardinal also said that the vintage fleet might go since the Prince had two companies of footmen in the Castle of Bloy [Blaye], which had the domination of the river of Bordeaux. The Cardinal also informed Throckmorton of the raising of forces by certain of the Prince's party.—London, 5 Oct. 1568. Signed. Add. Endd. Pp. 4½.
Oct. 6.	2584. Sir Nicholas Throckmorton to Cecil.
	Upon receipt of his letter containing that Her Majesty would not disallow of these gentlemen as accompanying the Cardinal so as they came as his followers, he declared so much to him, whereupon he brings with him M. De Cavagnies and another.—London, 6 Oct. Signed. Add. Endd., with seal. P. 1.
Oct. 6.	2585. The Regent Murray to the Queen.
	Has received her letter moving him not to dispose of the King's mother's jewels. He may boldly affirm that neither he nor any of his friends have been enriched the value of a groat of any of her goods. As for the other complaints he will not weary her with anything in that behalf, but will answer to the same according to truth and equity, in such sort as he doubts not that her deputies will find themselves satisfied.— York, 6 Oct. 1568. Signed. Add. Endd., with seal. P. 1.
Oct. 6.	2586. Lord Hunsdon to Cecil.
	Desires him to obtain threescore pounds for the Laird of Haggerstone, one of whose houses has gone to decay during his nonage.—Berwick, 6 Oct. 1568. Signed. Add. Endd. P. ½.
Oct. 9.	2587. —to Sir Henry Lee.
	Advices from Rome of 9th Oct. sent to Sir Henry Lee. Add.: "Arigo Lee." Endd. Ital. Pp. 3½.
Oct. 10.	2588. Valentine Dale to Cecil.
	Has been with the French Ambassador for redress of the poor merchants of Ireland, who has written to his master, as Cecil may perceive by the copy thereof.—London, 10 Oct. 1568. Signed. Add. Endd. Pp. 2.
Oct. 12.	2589. Valentine Dale to Cecil.
	The French Ambassador was ready at the first motion to write to the King to make present payment without any further process, and then fell into suspicions that these matters were moved at this time of purpose and that he understood of new preparations, and said that he was presently sending his secretary to Cecil touching these matters.—12 Oct. Signed. Add. Endd. P. 1.
Oct. 12.	2590. Valentine Dale to Cecil.
	Desires to know whether he shall deal with the French Ambassador by declaring as of himself that the Queen was wearied with particular complaints, and so demand satisfaction in one mass. Her Majesty might have better occasion upon refusal to see the seas kept herself.—London, 12 Oct. Signed. Add. Endd. P. 1.
Oct. 12.	2591. The Regent Murray to Cecil.
	Requests a passport for his servant, Nicholas Udert, to go to and return from France.—York, 12 Oct. 1568. Signed. P. ½.
Oct. 12.	2592. Lord Hunsdon to Cecil.
	Has received 700l. from the Treasurer. Cessford has performed little or nothing of all his fair promises. The master gunner has made a mill to refine the powder, and as the summer is past so that they cannot dry their powder by the sun he has offered to make a stove which shall stand Her Majesty not in 40l. and do 1,000l. worth of service.—Berwick, 12 Oct. 1568. Signed. Add. Endd. P. 1.
Oct. 12.	2593. Christopher Mundt to Cecil.
	1. The Electors have sent an honest legation to the Emperor that these grievous troubles in the Empire may be componed and redressed after the laws and statutes of the Empire. They with the other princes have exponed to the Emperor the grievous practices and attempts which the Pope and his adherents, as Sabbatha and Sanctifices (the Cardinals of Lorraine and Granville) stir and contrive in the Empire to accomplis the league at Bayonne, and required that the states of the Empire may continue in their true religion, liberty, and peace as is agreed in divers Diets of the Empire.
	2. The Emperor requires great sums of money of the Estates in Austria, Lusatia, and Stiria, which promise to do after their uttermost power, requiring again the grant of the Gospel and true religion, whereupon the Emperor has sent for certain learned men to have their advice upon a new interim, which the Pope mislikes very much and expostulates with him. There is great practice in the Empire with all Princes Catholic for the French King.
	3. The two young Rhinegraves, the Count of Westerburg and Philip Marquis of Baden, have commission to conduct 5,000 horsemen for the King of France. So the Duke of Deuxponts is already gathering 4,000 horsemen and 5,000 soldiers. There is a common noise that the Queen has already denounced war to the French King. Many French gentlemen are come hither who be compelled to fly and leave their houses because they cannot come to the Prince. The Duke of Brunswick's son Julius after his father's death is joined with the Protestants.—Strasbourg, 12 Oct. 1568. Signed: N. Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 3.
Oct. 14.	2594. Sir John Forster to the Duke of Norfolk.
	On the 23rd September he with Lord Hunsdon met the Warden of Scotland and Mr. Justice Clerk at Ridingburn, at which meeting they openly refused to make redress for Liddlesdale, or the Laird of Buccleugh, for that neither of them were in obedience to their authority. The men of Tynedale and Redesdale have made a raid upon Buccleugh, and as fortune has favoured them they have overthrown him and all his company, and taken him and 260 others prisoners. There were slain of the English six, many Scots slain and many hurt.—Alnwick, 14 Oct. 1568. Signed. Add. Endd. P. 1.
Oct. 14.	2595. Sir Henry Norris to Cecil.
	1. The Prince of Conde has presented himself at Chatelherault ready to the fight, but Mons. D'Anjou not having all his forces together retired into the town.
	2. The Prince has prevented his adversaries by celerity, and causing his footmen to march four leagues towards Bourges next morning made a muster of his horsemen as though he would have fought, and the day following Monsieur preparing for battle found the Prince advanced five or six leagues forward. The Prince of Orange is at Chateau Cambray, but his coming into France is much doubted. Monluc has discovered a practice amongst the councillors at Bordeaux to deliver the town to the Prince, and has executed the greatest part of them who were consenting thereunto.
	3. The King sent Malascisa, Master of his Requests, to negotiate of peace, but the Prince sent him word to Limoges that if he passed any further he would hang him. The Rhinegrave has sent word to the King that he cannot pass with the reiters unless he have money to wage lansquenets to make them passage with artillery.
	4. On the 12th the Doctors of the Sarbonne and the Jesuits covering themselves with the King's ordinance have made a great spoil of books of religion and scripture.
	5. The Cardinal Chatillon, being conservator academiæ, was deposed on the 8th November (fn. 1) by the rector and regents. Thanks him for his advertisement touching the Queen of Scots, who being released there is hereafter not to be looked for any safety to them of the religion, or quietness in both realms.—Paris, 14 Oct. 1568. Signed. Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 2¼.
Oct. 15.	2596. William Norris to Cecil.
	All the poor men of the religion who kept in Rouen, Dieppe, or any of these frontier towns were compelled last Sunday to go to Mass, yet notwithstanding they look to be spoiled and murdered. Has had a dangerous passage, a French and a Scotch vessel being wrecked at their entry into the haven.— Dieppe, 15 Oct. 1568. Signed. Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 1½.
Oct. 16.	2597. Advices.
	Intelligence from Rome of the 16th and from Vienna of the 14th Oct. Endd. Ital. Pp. 3½.
Oct. 16.	2598. Don Guerau Despes to Cecil.
	Desires him to procure a diploma for Alphonso Vasurto from the Queen.—London, 16 Oct. 1568. Signed. Add. Endd., with seal. Lat. P. ¼.
Oct. 16.	2599. The Emperor's Answer to the French King's Demands.
	The Emperor has heard that which has been declared to him by the Ambassador of the King of France on behalf of the said King, and was very glad to hear that he did better than he had done before. Is greatly sorry for the troubles and civil wars in France, which he advises him to pacify. As many other princes have not only goodwill towards the rebels but also will help them with all the means they can, for that the matter is a common cause, the Emperor cannot see that the French King may hope to have any commodity of the succours which he asks, and the favour he requires for the levying of men of war in Almain. It is of far greater difficulty what he has secondly demanded, that the Emperor should impeach any succour to come out of Almain to the help of his subjects, as if he shall forbid any to carry their companies into France, it is to be feared that he should be accused of breach of the liberty of Germany.—Vienna, 16 Oct. 1568. Copy. Endd. Fr. Pp. 2¼.
	2600. The Emperor's Answer to the French King's Demands.
	Translation of the above.—Vienna, 17 Oct. 1568. Copy. Endd. Pp. 2½.
Oct. 19.	2601. Charles IX. to the Queen.
	Recalls M. De la Forest and appoints the bearer, M. De la Mothe, to be his ambassador at her Court in his place.—Paris, 19 Oct. 1568. Signed. Add. Endd. Fr. Broadside.
Oct. 21.	2602. Lord Hunsdon to Cecil.
	Has sent the Lords of the Council's letter to Forster that he may send away such men as may best be spared. Marvels that he has received no answer to his letter of the 27th ult. This country is somewhat quieter.—Berwick, 21 Oct. Signed. Add. Endd. Pp. 2.
Oct. 22.	2603. Sir Henry Norris to the Queen.
	1. After the return of the Bishop of Rennes he had audience with the King and Queen Mother on the 15th, and prayed them that if there was any speech in her answer to the Bishop by which they might conjecture she was not well contented, the same not to be for anything proceeding from the King or his mother, but upon certainty of knowledge that she has of some principal persons who abuse them for their own private interest. Whereunto the King said that she had fully satisfied them by the answer sent by M. De Rennes. Norris then proceeded to declare that where the Cardinal of Châtillon has of late come into the Queen's realm, she has been certified by some of her own that they coming from hence immediately after the said Cardinal was escaped, spoke with the very persons who had pursued and missed him, who openly avowed that their intent was to have had his head, which weighed by Her Majesty she could not but permit him to have quietness within her realm, especially finding him to profess all hearty obedience to the King and his mother.
	2. The King said that he needed not to have stolen hence without his knowledge or leave, and if ill had happened to him the fault was his own, as under his protection he might have lived at his house in safety, wherefore he had no better opinion of him than of his brothers, whom he accounts as enemies and rebels. Except the Queen stands his good lady they mean to perform to the Pope that which the Queen Mother and the Cardinal of Lorraine promised aforetime as for a token to make him a present of the Cardinal of Chatillon's head.
	3. Thanks her for confirming his doings and not disavowing his message, for it being bruited that he had not commission from her he was commanded by the King to keep his house as prisoner. The Queen of Spain died on the 13th inst., being six months gone with a daughter, and the bruit is that she was poisoned by some of the well wishers of the Prince of Spain. There is some pique grown between the Duke of Montpensier and Monluc, who has departed discontented, and written to the King wishing him to make peace.—Paris, 22 Oct. 1568. Signed. Endd. Pp. 2¼.
Oct. 22.	2604. Sir Henry Norris to Cecil.
	1. On the 14th at nine o'clock at night one unknown came to him and declared that he was sent from one of honour to advertise that about the end of this month an enterprise should be attempted against the Queen as also against the Earl of Murray by the Cardinal of Lorraine's men. For confirmation whereof the 19th inst. another named Wodd, a Scotchman, advertised that the Bishop of Rennes coming was not for that it was pretended, but to practise with some there, and that he has promised 12,000 crowns either to destroy this Queen or to raise up some sedition about the latter end of the month.
	2. The King's forces are at Chatelherault; the Prince of Conde at Rochelle; and the Admiral at Rochefoucauld; but as yet nothing understood of any enterprise betwixt the armies. Complains of the continued imprisonment of his courier. Sends him a book, De Novelles Invencions pour bien bastir.—Paris, 22 Oct. 1568. Signed. Add. Endd., with seal. The first part in cipher. Pp. 1½.
Oct. 23.	2605. Christopher Mundt to Cecil.
	To the same effect as his letter of the 12th. From Germany, 23 Oct. 1568. Signed: W. Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 3.
[Oct. 23.]	2606. Intelligence from Scotland.
	On the 23rd Sir Thomas Carr of Ferniehurst entered amity with the Lord Hume. Dan Carre of Sheeles Stockebrayes was lately taken by Cessford; he is supposed to have been a great spy and conveyer of letters for the Queen of Scots. Andrew Carr of Fawdonside enterprising to escape was sore hurt by a fall and taken again. Raid upon Buccleugh.
Oct. 24.	2607. Mr. Robert Stuart to Cecil.
	Has deferred his voyage unto now by the Cardinal's advice; but being deliberate to depart to-morrow will receive his letters or what commandment it shall please Cecil to burden him with.—London, 24 Oct. Signed. Add. Endd. P. 1.
Oct. 26.	2608. The Duke of Norfolk to Cecil.
	Finds many wants in the Middle Marches almost of all points contained in his commission. Never saw worse weather for snow and frost in the south at Christmas and after than they have had here in all his journey since he came from York.—Alnwick, 26 Oct. 1568. Signed. Hol. Add. Endd. P. 1.
Oct. 28.	2609. Sir Henry Norris to Cecil.
	Has received such courtesy from the bearer, M. De la Mothe, sent to supply the place of ambassador resident, that he cannot do less than recommend him as one who will be tractable in all his proceedings, and rather desirous to continue the amity between the Princes than to hinder the same.— Paris, 28 Oct. Signed. Add. Endd., with seal. P. ½.
Oct. 29.	2610. Sir Henry Norris to Cecil.
	1. It is resolved for the King to go to Orleans, hoping by his presence not only to draw very many to be ready to serve in this war, but also to confirm the good wills of the common soldiers, who by his absence are induced to think that the same is rather made at the instigation of the Cardinal of Lorraine than upon any desire of revenge that the King has. The government of Paris is left to the Duke of Alencon assisted by the advice of the Duke of Montmorency. Angouleme has drawn to composition with the Prince of Conde, who is to have 50,000 crowns, and who has commanded certain of the captains there to be hanged. He has taken Mons. De Messieres his wife and the Princess Dauphin their daughter. The conducting of the prisoners was committed to M. D'Andelot, who having notice that the Duke of Montpensier and the Prince Dauphin his son lay in ambush to rescue the Princess his wife and his father-in-law, gathering together the flower of the Prince of Conde's cavalry put them all to flight. It is reported that Martigues and Brisac are sore hurt.
	2. The same emulations which reigned amongst the nobles the last wars still continue, and greatly avail the Prince of Conde in his proceedings. Monluc is commanded to tarry in his government, new motions beginning there. There is news that M. De Mouvans is joined with the Prince with 6,000 footmen and 800 horse. In Provence and Languedoc the peasants have slain as many as they suspect to be of the religion. At Toulouse, Lyons, and Bordeaux they do the like, constraining all men to go to mass. On the 18th at Auxerre were on a sudden a number murdered. The cruelty they use is so extreme that the very Papists abhor to hear the same. Levying of reiters in Germany for the King and the Prince. On the 26th at his being at the Court to condole with the Queen Mother she said that she trusted that the Queen of England would give the world to understand how displeasant the great loss sent to her is to her; meaning (as he takes it) covertly to request funerals for the death of the Queen her daughter.—Paris, 29 Oct. 1568. Signed. Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 2¼.
Oct. 29.	2611. Sir Henry Norris to the Earl of Leicester.
	Gives the same information touching the taking of Angouleme, the attempted rescue of the Princess Dauphin, the dissensions amongst the nobles of the King's party, cruelties against the Protestants, and levying of reiters as is contained in his letter of this date to Cecil.—Paris, 29 Oct. Signed. Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 3.
Oct. 30.	2612. Advices.
	Reports at Rome about divers Princes and estates of Italy, 30 Oct. 1568. Endd. Ital. Pp. 2½.
Oct. 31.	2613. Sir Henry Lee to Cecil.
	The Pope has conceived great displeasure against certain of his nephews. The state and case of the Duke of Alva is much doubted, for the Duchess of Parma has written that fortune nothing favours him. The Emperor has sent certain commissioners to him and the Prince of Orange. Complains of one of his neighbours who refuses to pay certain tithes.— Venice, 31 Oct. Signed. Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 2.
Oct. and Nov.	2614. Advices.
	News from Vienna of the 29th Oct., and from Turin of the 29th Oct. and the 1st Nov. Endd. Ital. Pp. 2.