|
| Feb. 1. |
1531. Francis Walsingham to Cecil. |
|
Understanding that the Lord Buckhurst was already departed from the Queen of England to congratulate the marriage, he sent to the King and the Queen Mother to know
if there were any hope of Her Majesty's speedy recovery,
whereby the said nobleman might proceed on his journey.
Was answered that by reason of her sickness it was doubtful
whether he could have any access to her, and therefore it was
referred to his Lordship's judgment whether he will come now
or stay till the other entry. Has made Lord Buckhurst privy
hereof, and also of his private opinion that for certain reasons
he should rather proceed.—Paris, 1 Feb. 1571. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Pp. 1⅓. |
| Feb. 1. |
1532. Secretary Pinart to Walsingham. |
|
Promises that Lord Buckhurst and his train shall be well
received, but cannot assure him of an audience with the
French Queen on account of her sickness.—Château de Boulogne, 1 Feb. 1571. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Fr. P. 1. Enclosure. |
| Feb. 1. |
1533. John Fitzwilliam to Leicester and Cecil. |
|
Gives a summary of the contents of certain of his former
letters, and an account of his negociations for the conclusion of the articles of restitution with the Duke of Alva and
M. De Noircarmes, in both of whom he finds great professions
of goodwill, the Duke saying that the Queen should be as sure
of him as of her own soul.—Antwerp, 1 Feb. 1570. Signed. |
|
Endd. Pp. 3. |
| Feb. 1. |
1534. John Fitzwilliam to Sir William Cecil. |
|
John Hamilton, the Scot, who had conference with Francis
Norton, has since been found to be a dissembler. The Earl of
Westthomberland repents his former offence, and seeks all
means to obtain the Queen's pardons. Prestall has returned
out of Scotland, whose head is as full of devices as ever. The
Duke has discharged 900 of his light horsemen; there remain
but 700, and the Spanish footmen would fain go home again.
—Antwerp, 1 Feb. 1570. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd., with seal. P. 1¼. |
| Feb. 1. |
1535. John Fitzwilliam to Leicester and Cecil. |
|
The Duke and the Council have resolved to send some man
with commission to end the matters in controversy, whom
they desire should go with Fitzwilliam. Forwards a letter
from the Duke of Alva to the Queen.—Antwerp, 5 Feb. 1570.
Signed. |
|
Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 1¼. |
| Feb. 1. |
1536. The Countess of Murray to the Queen. |
|
Begs that she will grant the suits and petitions of herself
and her fatherless infants, in which she has particularly informed the Earl of Morton, whom she desires her favourably
to hear and credit.—Edinburgh, 1 Feb. 1570. Signed: Anna
Keyt. |
| Feb. 2. |
1537. Maitland of Lethington to Sir William Drury. |
|
Whereas he desired him to employ his credit with Lord
Fleming that no garrison of Frenchmen should be received
within the Castle of Dumbarton; he has received reasonable
answer from him that although he has received victuals and
munitions from France, yet he will not suffer any soldiers to
enter the place.—Edinburgh Castle, 2 Feb. 1570. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. P. 1. |
| Feb. 2. |
1538. Advices from Venice. |
|
Warlike preparations by the Turk and the Venetians. Progress of the Holy League. Earthquake at Ferrara. The
Emperor has summoned the nobility of Hungary to Prague
to take counsel about the war.—Venice, 2 Feb. 1571. |
|
Endd. Lat. Pp. 3. |
| Feb. 2. |
1539. The Cardinal of Chatillon to Cecil. |
|
Has received advertisement that M. Malicorne saw at the
Court of Spain the Irish who were soliciting the King to take
them under their protection, for which purpose he had commissioned Julian Romero to go into Ireland with 3,000
Spaniards.—Canterbury, 2 Feb. 1571. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Fr. P. ½. |
| Feb. 3. |
1540. The Cardinal of Chatillion to Cecil. |
|
Desires that he will move the Queen to appoint Mr. John
Bongay to a vacant prebend at Windsor.—Canterbury, 3 Feb.
1571. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd., with seal. Fr. P. 2/3. |
| Feb. 4. |
1541. Sir William Drury to the Earl of Sussex. |
|
Notwithstanding the storm yet continuing the Taits of Tivydale have burnt two houses in Downham and taken away
such cattle and goods as they could get. Sends a letter from
Captain Wood. The Regent in going to Stirling has fallen
with his horse and somewhat hurt his leg. The Laird of
Minto, provost of Glasgow and captain of the castle, is suspected to have agreed with the Hamiltons. The Laird of
Ormiston and Mr. Elphinstone have been in the castle from
the Earl of Morton to know what Grange's part should be,
who, amongst the rest, said that there was a bond of friendship between him and the Earls of Athol and Rothes and
others, who being absent, he could give no answer. Upon
Sunday last (the Regent being departed the day before)
[Grange] came down into the town to the sermon accompanied
with soldiers. There is an intent to enclose the town from
the Tron upwards, for a refuge for such as are friends to the
castle. Notifies the passage of certain messengers to and from
the Bishop of Ross, Grange, and Lethington. The Earls of
Morton and Argyle are agreed.—Berwick, 4 Feb. 1570.
Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Pp. 3. |
| Feb. 4. |
1542. Sir William Drury to Cecil. |
|
Containing similar information as his letter to Sussex of
this date.—Berwick, 4 Feb. 1570. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Pp. 1¼. |
| Feb. 6. |
1543. Sir William Drury to Cecil. |
|
Destruction of the bridge at Berwick. Cannot yet by boat
get over, such is the multitude of ice.—Tweedmouth, 6 Feb.
1570. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. P. 1. |
| Feb. 6. |
1544. John Fitzwilliam to Cecil. |
|
M. D'Assonville has told him that the Duke has sent for one
who should receive commission to go over, but would not
declare his name. Has learnt from one of his clerks that it is
M. De Swegenham, who has been in England before. Forwards a packet for the Spanish Ambassador.—Antwerp, 6 Feb.
1570. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd., with seal. P. ¾. |
| Feb. 8. |
1545. Francis Walsingham to Cecil. |
|
1. Understanding that M. De la Roche, who, as he learnt by
Rogers, was the party who landed the soldiers in Ireland, was
in this town, he caused Briquemault to ask him whether he
had not been in Ireland, to whom in some cold sort he denied
the same. On the 6th inst. he told the King that his mistress
had been advertised from her Viceroy of Ireland how De la
Roche, his subject, had landed men there who confederated
with certain rebels committed certain outrages, and that she
doubted not but that he would in such sort extend his authority for the redress of this inconvenience that she might have
just cause to think that the new and earnest professed friendship was grounded on sincerity. The King answered that he
knew of no such matter, and willed him to give the names of
such as he could learn were offenders in that behalf, and he
would punish them. After he had thus ended, he repaired to
the Queen Mother, and declared in effect as much to her, and
received for answer divers good words of assurance and continuance of amity, and that whosoever should go about to
disturb the same should receive such punishment as should be
to the Queen of England's satisfaction. |
|
2. To the end that there may be some trial whether these
words are well meant, he has sent into Britanny to search out
the names of the offenders that he may present them to the
King. One from whom Sir Henry Norris had his best intelligence has secretly imparted to him the following news: First,
that the enterprise of Ireland is of great consequence and
danger, and though he thought the King was not privy to it,
yet the faction of Guise were great dealers in it, and that De
la Roche was altogether at their devotion. Further, he showed
that the Pope's Nuncio laboured what he might to draw
[Monsieur] into the practice, promising for the furtherance
thereof 100,000 crowns to be paid in Paris, and making no
difficulty of bringing the said enterprise to pass in respect of
the great intelligence that they had both in England and
Ireland. Lastly, he showed that if Monsieur would not
accept this enterprise yet it was fully resolved that it should
go forward, and that the bills for the 100,000 crowns were
already here. Is advertised by another that Stuckley presented to the King of Spain an instrument, not only subscribed
by most part of the Irish nobility, but also by divers in England of good quality, ready to be at his devotion. Has learnt
that the greater part of those who landed in Ireland were
levied by the Earl of Argyle in the King of Spain's name, in
his government, and embarked at the Mull of Cantire. Letters
of some importance, as is thought, have arrived from the
Queen of Scots.—Paris, 8 Feb. 1571. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 3¼. Printed in Sir Dudley
Digges' "Compleat Ambassador." |
| Feb. 8. |
1546. Lord Buckhurst to Cecil. |
|
At his arrival at Calais he heard that the King's entry is
deferred till about March 5, and that the Queen's coronation
stands altogether unresolved until her health be more certain.
Thinks it best to attend this third appointed time of entry,
Her Majesty's and his own charges therein being already in
great part defrayed, but desires to be satisfied of the Queen's
pleasure herein. M. De Foix shall very shortly be sent into
England from the French King to treat for the Scottish Queen.
—Calais, 8 Feb. 1570. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Pp. ]2/3. |
| Feb. 9. |
1547. Francis Walsingham to Cecil. |
|
Informs him of the particulars of a conference which he
had with the Queen Mother, in which (as a private person not
having commission) he urged the advantages which would
accrue to both realms of England and France, by having some
firm league concluded between the two princes, and which she
seemed by her answer to approve of. Was moved to use this
speech because presently Spain is not very well inclined towards Her Majesty, neither has the French King any very
great liking for Spain, and also because he is informed that
the Admiral has lately advised the King and Queen Mother
to strengthen themselves by a confederacy with the Queen of
England and the princes of Germany. Desires Cecil, according
to his promise, to admonish him of any errors either in this
or otherwise.—Paris, 9 Feb. 1571. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 22/3. Printed by Digges. |
| Feb. 9. |
1548. Sir William Drury to Cecil. |
|
The bearer, the provost marshal, will inform him of the
state of the town and also of the proceedings in Scotland.—
Berwick, 9 Feb. 1570. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. P. 2/3. |
| Feb. 10. |
1549. Advices from Italy. |
|
Venice, 3 and 10 February, Rome, 27 January and 3 February. Designs of the Grand Seignior. Proceedings of the
Pope. Rumours from different places. |
|
Endd. Ital. Pp. 5. |
| [Feb. 11.] |
1550. The Queen to Walsingham. |
|
Has received his and Sir Henry Norris's letter of the 29th
ult., and very well allows of his beginning, and does not mislike his speech, and to the King for the maintenance of his
edict, lately granted to his subjects for the matter of religion.
Approves also of the other matter of the league with France,
which she thinks so beneficial that she rather doubts some
impediment may grow to hinder the success thereof. Would
have Lord Buckhurst proceed, notwithstanding any sickness
of the Queen. He is to tell the Spanish Ambassador that she
would be glad to make use of his master's offer for ending the
causes between her and the Queen of Scots, but she has
already entered so far in a treaty with her that there remains
nothing of any great value betwixt them in difference, so as
to stay the final ending thereof. He may also say that she
finds very agreeable the Duke of Alva's offer to have restitution made on both sides, as the merchants think fit. Has
heard that certain savage rebels, being men of no value, have
fled out of Ireland into Spain, and who pretend that their
departure is for matter of religion, when they be neither of
one or other religion, but wholly given to bestiality. Knows
also that Stuckley has lit into the company of the aforesaid
rebels, pretending by his superfluous expenses, which are altogether of other men's goods, to be a person of some quality
and estimation, and able to do some great thing in Ireland,
whereas he has not the value of a "marmaduc" in land or
livelihood. It is reported, which yet she does not believe, that
the King will send Julian Romero, or such like, with a number
of soldiers into Ireland to follow some vain device of these
rebels. Marvels that the King or his Council should give
credit to such as Stuckley, of whom she is not disposed to say
much because she cannot say any good of him. Cannot but
find it strange that he or any such fugitives should be
allowed or hearkened unto, for though many of the King of
Spain's subjects have come into her realm for safety of their
lives for matter of their conscience, there was never person of
any degree who motioned matter offensive to the King and
the Low Countries who was ever allowed by her. He is to
solicit some answer to this case, and to use such means as he
can to discover the truth. He is not to forget the attempt of
certain French captains upon Ireland, and the bringing over
the young boy, the son of James Fitzmaurice, a rebel. |
|
Draft corrected by Cecil. Endd. Pp. 6¼. Printed by
Digges. |
| Feb. 11. |
1551. Jehan De Court to Cecil. |
|
Having sent over to him by M. Raulet, four months ago, a
little portrait of the French King, and having heard no news
about it, he desires to know whether he has received it.—
Paris, 11 Feb. 1871. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Fr. P. ½. |
| Feb. 12. |
1552. John Fitzwilliam to Leicester and Cecil. |
|
The Duke has been given to understand that a ship from
Lisbon, laden for the King's subjects, and another which conveyed the Queen to Spain have been arrested in the Isle of
Wight, whereof he has desired him to inform them that
order might be taken therein.—Antwerp, 12 Feb. 1570.
Signed. |
|
Add. Endd., with seal. P. 1. |
| Feb. 14. |
1553. Count Louis of Nassau to Walsingham. |
|
Expresses his gratitude to the Queen of England for her
past favours and his goodwill to serve her. Has sent the
bearer, M. De Taffin, with some matters of importance to
communicate to him.—La Rochelle, 14 Feb. 1571. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd., with seal. Fr. P. ¾. |
| Feb. 14. |
1554. English Ambassadors in France. |
|
Inventory of plate delivered by Sir Henry Norris to Francis
Walsingham, Ambassador for the Queen of England in France,
14 February 1571, amounting in weight to 1,668½ oz. Signed:
Henry Norris. |
|
Endd. P. 1. |
|
1555. Modern transcript of the above. |
| Feb. 15. |
1556. Lord Buckhurst to Cecil. |
|
The honourable and courteous entertainment which he daily
received is far beyond his expectation.—Amiens, 15 Feb.
1570. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. P. ½. |
| Feb. 16. |
1557. News from Venice. |
|
1. Venice, 26 January 1571. Preparations for war by the
Turk. The Turk has sent to the Emperor to demand free
passage for his army into the territory of the Venetians, who
has answered that the country appertains to his brother the
Archduke, and has also given the Venetians warning. The
Venetians find greater store of captains than of soldiers, and
seek to furnish themselves with Switzers and Grisons. |
|
2. Paris, 16 February. Cardinal D'Este was one of the
Privy Council there. M. Tavannes has been created marshal. |
|
Endd. P. 1. |
| Feb. 17. |
1558. Advertisements from Italy. |
|
1. Venice, 17 February.—Preparations by the Turk and the
Venetians. |
|
2. Rome, 10 February.—Intercession of the French King
in behalf of Count Gayazzo, imprisoned by the Inquisition. |
|
Endd. Ital. Pp. 2. |
| Feb. 17. |
1559. Francis Walsingham to Cecil. |
|
On the 14th he presented the Earl of Rutland to the King
at Madrid, who embraced him, and told him that coming from
Her Majesty he could not but be very welcome. The King
having asked him what was done touching the Queen of Scots'
matter, he desires him to inform Her Majesty hereof, and to
procure what answer he shall make in this behalf. Has learnt
secretly by the ambassador of Florence that the house of
Guise seek to impeach the marriage of the Prince of Navarre
with the King's sister by making an offer of the Cardinal
D'Este, who is looked to succeed his brother, the Duke of
Ferrara, who has no issue nor is likely to have any. The
Queen is now well recovered, and removes from Madrid to this
town on the 20th inst. Touching La Roche's attempt he can
learn nothing more, nor that in Britanny there is any preparation of ships but of such as belong unto merchants.—Paris,
17 February 1571. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 1¼. Printed by Digges. |
| Feb. 18. |
1560. Oliver Kynge to Sir William Cecil. |
|
1. At the last conclusion of peace in France his company of
English miners were cassed, and his accustomed pension being
retained from him, he was constrained to seek into Spain for
entertainment. |
|
2. Being at Madrid a certain duke of Ireland, otherwise
called Master Stuckley, gave him apparel better than he was
accustomed to wear, and entertained him with great and
marvellous liberality, but a short time after, calling him into
his bedchamber, he declared that with diligence he must
depart into Ireland with 10,000 men, and would have employed Kynge to undermine the forts of Dingle, Wexford, and
Waterford, promising him more entertainment than he had
of the French King. Kynge declared that he came into
Spain to serve the King, and that he would never bear arms
against his natural prince or country. Forthwith Stuckley
called him villain and traitor, and caused him to be taken
prisoner for a Lutheran, but a certain Don Franciscus who saw
that every day he went to mass and knocked his breast as
well as they answered for him that he was no Lutheran.
When Stuckley saw that he might not put him to death by
the Inquisition in the presence of his captains, gentlemen, and
others, he stripped him to his shirt and banished him from
Madrid on pain of being put into the galleys, and being in his
journey with hunger and cold, to pass the mountains full of
snow, he caused all the passages from Madrid to St. Sebastian to
be laid for him. King, however, came by Navarre and St. Jean
de Luz, from whence he writes, praying that "these plagues
may not light in England, which he has seen in France, the
goods and fruits of the earth to be devoured with soldiers, and
the widows, wives, and virgins to be defiled with strangers."
A number of traitors there be in these countries who gape
daily for the death of the Queen. Stuckley has promised the
King not only entrance into his duchy, but also possession of
the whole of Ireland. He comes with the vanguard, which
Kynge supposes to be 4,000 harquebussiers, who come from
Grenada; "they are but rascals, the most part beggarly and illarmed like Bezonians," but their captains are old beaten men
of war. The master of the camp is called Julian, who was
hurt in the leg at St. Quintins, when Lord Harry Dudley was
slain. He has many Italian engineers, and there be soldiers
amassing in all the country of Spain who shall be embarked
at Vigo. By his will a gentleman called Huggins is in prison
and like to die, and Lord Morley's brother is banished from
Spain. All these enterprises are done under the Duke de
Irland Stuckley, for the King will not avow any of them,
pretending a feigned peace. Begs his help that the Queen
may grant him pardon, and that she may grant him the place
of 100 men, who may serve as infantry, and also as miners,
he having by continual danger of his life climbed into expe
rience. Fears that this enterprise will land near the beginning
of March.—St. Jean de Luz, 18 Feb. 1571. Signed. |
|
Pp. 32/3. |
| Feb. 20. |
1561. Lord Scrope to Cecil. |
|
The Abbot of Arbroath has come to Dumfries and the Lords
Maxwell and Herries and the Laird of Lochinvar and others
of that party have concluded, at his desire, to relieve Paisley,
which is besieged by the Regent, to whose aid it is thought
that Drumlanrig will go.—Carlisle, 20 Feb. 1570. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. P. ¾. |
| Feb. 21. |
1562. Lord Scrope to Cecil. |
|
Sends copies of a letter from Lord Herries, and his answer
to the same. Has received the Council's letter concerning the
help to be made for the right course of the river of Eden, and
has sent for the opinion of some as be skilful in such works.
—Carlisle, 21 Feb. 1570. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. P. ¾. |
| Feb. 21. |
1563. Lord Scrope to Lord Herries. |
|
Has received his letter containing that the Earl of Lennox
is besieging Paisley, and intends to persecute the inhabitants
of Clydesdale, and that he is desirous to give them assistance
if Scrope believes that the same would not offend the Queen.
Thinks that Her Majesty would not like that he or any other
of that faction during the time of the abstinence should levy
any forces in that country.—Carlisle, 21 Feb. 1570. |
|
Copy. P. ½. Enclosure. |
| Feb. 21. |
1564. Lord Buckhurst to Cecil. |
|
Is most sorry to hear of his slow recovery. The news of
Sir Nicholas Throckmorton's death has brought no small grief
to him, not only for his private loss but for the general loss
which the Queen and the whole realm thereby suffers. The
King has defrayed all his charges since his coming to Paris.
Has audience granted for the 23rd inst.—Paris, 21 Feb. 1570.
Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. P. 1. |
| Feb. 22. |
1565. The Earl of Rutland to Cecil. |
|
Has received his letter of the 12th inst., and doubts not but
that by this he is a good "footman." Sir Nicholas Throckmorton's death does not grieve the French. Neither the
ambassadors of Florence or Venice will warrant him from the
Inquisition in any place of Italy. Hopes that he shall not
be wanted at the Parliament, as he minds immediately after
Easter to travel along the Loire to Nantes, and from thence to
Rochelle.—Paris, 22 Feb. 1570. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd., with seal. P. 2/3. |
| [Feb. 22.] |
1566. Memoranda by Sir Francis Englefield. |
|
Two notes on separate pieces of paper, the one referring to
certain presents intended for the Duchess of Feria which are
missing, and the other to letters sent to her which have not
yet come to hand. The last entry dated 22 Feb. |
|
Endd. |
| Feb. 22. |
1567. Lord Scrope to the Earl of Sussex. |
|
On Monday last, the Regent won Paisley, and carried them
that were within prisoners to Glasgow. Is advertised that
on Saturday next the Lords Herries and Maxwell mind to
set forward.—Carlisle, 22 Feb. 1570. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. P. ¼. |
| Feb. 22. |
1568. Lord Scrope to Cecil. |
|
The same as the above. |
|
Add. Endd. P. ¼. |
| Feb. 22. |
1569. John Lovel to Cecil. |
|
Complains of the placing of Captain Brickwell in his office,
which he declares he has never deserved. Denies that he has
sold his office without the Queen's consent. Has been ohliged
to borrow money of the Treasurer and has assigned to him
the profits of his office until he be satisfied.—Berwick, 22
Feb. 1570. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 2½. |
| Feb. 23. |
1570. Sir William Drury to Cecil. |
|
1. Has for divers considerations forborne to put in execution
the Queen's letters for putting Captain Brickwell in the room
of the gentleman porter. The bridge is again repaired and
is now passable. On the 17th Paisley House was rendered to
the Regent; the lives of those within were granted conditionally that Lord Semple should be set at liberty. Lord
Semple thinks that he is poisoned. The Regent has charged
the Duke's tenants to bring in their rents and duties within
three days, on pain of fire and sword. |
|
2. P.S.—Of Grange's offer to perform good offices, he has
again to himself some testimony, with affirmation that what
he shall promise in his and his friends' behalf the same shall
be performed. The 10,000 crowns which came from Flanders
to Aberdeen have been offered to Grange to receive. There
is more to come out of France. Will meet Cessford on the
1st March. Wishes he had been in Turkey when he first moved
his suit to Her Majesty.—Berwick, 23 Feb. 1570. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Pp. 12/3. |
| Feb. 23. |
1571. Francis Walsingham to Cecil. |
|
Received the following advertisement from the Premier
President, who desired the party who brought it in no case
to discover his name. The advertisements are these. The
Cardinal of Lorraine goes about to persuade Monsieur to the
marriage of the Queen of Scots, using the help of one Villequier, who is in great credit with him, to whom he has
promised the Abbey of Fecamp, worth 5,000 francs a year.
They have long practised to have stolen her away to the next
port to the place where she is. She has corrupted the greatest
part of the nobleman's servants to whose charge she has been
committed, and besides is promised the assistance of divers
of those of the country. This practise should have been
executed at the time of the marriage at Mezieres, but was
letted through the unreadiness of the ships. Of late, an Englishman high of stature and lean of visage, was despatched
from hence for that effect. Encloses news from Rochelle.
The King of Spain has some dangerous practice in hand that
concerns Ireland. Ludovick has some enterprise in hand,
having in readiness 10 ships and 3,000 shot in good order.
The bearer has order to communicate matters of weight and
secrecy.—Paris, 23 Feb. 1571. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. by Cecil, with seal. Pp. 2. |
|
1572. Advertisements. |
|
In the course of March the Queen of Scots will be at
liberty. One of those who have the government of the young
King of Scots has promised to kill the Earl of Lennox, and
prepare an army if they will furnish him with money. The
Duke of Alva has given 50,000 livres, and the French have
promised 20,000 a month whilst the war lasts. La Roche has
returned to Ireland and has taken with him an Italian captain
who formerly served under Count Rocandolf. |
|
Fr. On separate slip of paper. Enclosure. |
| Feb. 24. |
1573. Lord Buckhurst to the Queen. |
|
1. Has received great honours and favours in all places by the
King's special commandment. Came to St. Denis on the 17th
inst., where he abode three days. Was offered by the Grand
Prior of the abbey to see the great treasure of France, which
is very carefully and curiously kept in the church, which is
accounted by the French to be of so great a value as is far
beyond his estimation. There were also then shown him the
monuments of all the Kings of France, which are well preserved. On the 21st, being accompanied with Walsingham,
the Earl of Rutland, and divers other English gentlemen, they
passed towards Paris, and were met midway by the Marquises
of Trani and Saluzzo, and sundry other knights and gentlemen, who conducted him to his lodging, which he found
prepared with the King's furniture, exceeding rich and sumptuous, and divers officers of the King's household there, by
whom his whole diets were defrayed. His diets are prepared
with such honour and bounty that he fears lest at his return
when he recounts these things to her, he shall hazard some
part of his credit. Audience being appointed for the 23rd,
on that day they passed through Paris in 12 coaches and
wagons belonging to the King, accompanied with many French
and English noblemen and gentlemen, and with a great troop
of horse. Was received by the King, who was accompanied
by a great number of princes, cardinals, and noblemen, whose
names he gives, as also the complimentary speeches and professions of amity and goodwill that passed between him and
the King; after which he told him of certain ill attempts
made by some of his subjects who had confederated themselves with certain "salvage rebels" of Ireland, and besought
him that as Walsingham was better informed therein that
he would hear him; who, having made particular declaration
of the actions of De la Roche, the King promised that he
would prosecute him and all other of his, with condign punishment. After this, he presented Mr. Francis Southwell, from
whom she will receive advertisement of infinite thanks to
her for the present made by him on her behalf. After that
he had declared her hearty commendations to Monsieur, and
that the knights and gentlemen had kissed the King's hand,
he took his leave. From thence, being conducted to the
Queen Mother, after many mutual assurances of goodwill
and desire of amity, with the "sweetest words he could
devise," he told her of the little spark of unkindness which
Her Majesty conceived for the King's so earnest words to
Mr. Norris about the Queen of Scots; which she excused on
account of their relationship and of her having been a Queen
of France, and declared that it was neither her son's intention
or her desire, that ever the Queen of Scots' cause should take
end without Her Majesty's honour and safety were first
sought, and earnestly desired that she would banish all suspicion. On her telling him that it had been reported to her
that Her Majesty never looked so well these many years as at
present, he said that God had therein made her a queen over
nature herself, for to all their eyes that daily attended her
court, time had rather bettered her beauty than in anywise
impaired it. After the knights and gentlemen had kissed the
hands of the Queen Mother and her two daughters, they were
conducted to the Queen of France, to whom he presented her
commendations and letters, and after great thanks given by
her departed. |
|
2. Guido Cavalcanti has declared to him that several times
since his coming, the Queen Mother has dealt with him very
secretly touching this bruit of marriage between Monsieur
and Her Majesty, and that she greatly affects the same, but
stands irresolved how it may be first moved with preservation
of honour of all sides; she has further opened to him that
there be great hinderers thereof, but has not named any.—
Paris, 24 Feb. 1570. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Pp. 8. |
| Feb. 24. |
1574. The Vidame of Chartres to Sir Henry Norris. |
|
Explains the part that he has taken in the negociations of
the proposed marriage between Monsieur and the Queen of
England.—24 Feb. 1571. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Fr. Pp. 3. |
| Feb. 24. |
1575. The Vidame of Chartres to Cecil. |
|
Excuses himself for the part that he has taken in the negociations for the marriage between the Queen of England and
Monsieur.—24 Feb. Signed. |
|
Add. Fr. Pp. 12/3. |
| Feb. 24. |
1576. Advices from Italy. |
|
Venice, 24 Feb. Movements of the Turkish forces. Rome,
17 Feb. Remonstrance of the Emperor with the Pope on the
latter bestowing the title of Grand Duke of Tuscany on the
Duke of Florence. |
|
Endd. by Cecil. Ital. Pp. 2½. |
| Feb. 24. |
1577. Lord Fleming to the Earl of Lennox. |
|
Offers to make redress for anything that can be justly laid
to his charge since the beginning of the abstinence, if Lennox
will do the same.—Dumbarton, 24 Feb. |
|
Copy. Endd. P. ¼. |
| Feb. 25. |
1578. Francis Walsingham to Cecil. |
|
Has repaired to the Spanish Ambassador and declared to
him so much as was prescribed by Her Majesty's letters, not
forgetting to dilate on her good opinion conceived of him.
His answer was in Spanish, which Walsingham does not
understand. He complained that the Queen never used Don
Francisco (for so he named himself) but by fits, and if it had
pleased her to use him thoroughly, he would have done offices
worthy of Don Francisco. When Walsingham came to the
point of the King's entertaining her Irish rebels, and the
countenance given to Stuckley, he protested that he had never
heard of him, and as for any attempts by Julian Romero to
be done in Ireland, they were no Spaniards that had that
enterprise in hand. Never spoke with a prouder man or one
more disdainful in countenance. The King has promised redress in the matter of De la Roche. Hopes that one of the
French King's Ambassador's men upon some pension will
advertise him from time to time how things pass in Spain.—
Paris, 25 Feb. 1571. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Pp. 3. Printed by Digges. |
| Feb. 25. |
1579. Lord Scrope to Cecil. |
|
Although the Lords Herries and Maxwell and the others
were assembled to set forth to the aid of the Hamiltons on
Saturday they have stayed and keep not their appointment.—
Carlisle, 25 Feb. 1570. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. P. ½. |
| Feb. 25. |
1580. Lord Scrope to Cecil. |
|
Encloses the copy of a letter which he has received from
Lord Herries.—Carlisle, 25 Feb. 1570. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd., with seal. P. ¼. |
| Feb. 24. |
1581. Lord Herries to Lord Scrope. |
|
Upon consideration of his writing they have stayed their
journey into Clydesdale. Trusts that the Queen of England
will take some good order for the restitution of their sovereign, which if she does, all Scotland will be at her command.
But if the contrary, then will all who have continued their
obedience to the Queen utterly despair of her goodness, and
seek the aid of some other prince.—Dumfries, 24 Feb. 1570. |
|
Copy. P. 1. Enclosure. |
| Feb. 25. |
1582. John Fitzwilliam to Leicester and Cecil. |
|
Has been spoken to about certain Spanish ships which have
been stayed on the coasts of England. On the 21st inst. he
took his leave of the Duke and received his message to the
Queen in very good speeches. Understands that Fiasco will
be sent. Is waiting for M. De Swethingham in this town.—
Bruges, 25 Feb. 1570. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Pp. 12/3. |
| Feb. 25. |
1583. Advices from Prague. |
|
Report that certain princes of Germany have offered to
supply the Emperor with forces for some enterprise in Italy.
—Prague, 25 Feb. 1571. |
|
Endd. Ital. P. ½. |
| Feb. 26. |
1584. Lord Fleming to the Commissioners of the Queen
of Scots. |
|
Informs them of the wrongs done to him by the Earls of
Lennox and Morton, by putting their men of war into his
house and spoiling his goods, slaying his deer and "wild nolt,"
and destroying his woods and parks. They cease not to use
the same craft and robbery upon all his lands, so that they
are forced to lie unlaboured this year, because there is nothing
left the poor labourers thereof. Defends himself from the
charge of breaking the abstinence in the matter of the Laird
of Garlies, who was sent by Lennox with the advice of his
tutor Morton, with men of war to seize the priory of Whithorn from his cousin William Fleming. They slew three of
his servants and hurt eight or nine, but in the end Garlies
and all his men were taken, who might by justice have been
executed, yet were set at liberty, on their promise to serve
the Queen of Scots, and never to bear arms under treasonable
traitors again. Promises to obey the Queen's command for
keeping the abstinence till the treaty take end, howbeit he
looks for no good success to follow thereon, but spending of
time and wasting of paper and ink.—Dumbarton, 26 Feb. |
|
Pp. 1¾. |
| [Feb.] |
1585. Report of Nicholas Errington. |
|
Finds Grange willing to accomplish all things that may be
to the cause meant by the Queen. Lethington's absence doth
a little hinder the cause. Grange will assure the Regent's
safety in Edinburgh so as he and his may be the like. Means
to deal with the Regent for his remaining there. Is promised
to know of whom they have had money. They will yet refer
all their causes to Her Majesty. Signed. |
|
Endd. Pp. 2. |
