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| Dec. 2. |
503. The Council to the Lord High Admiral Clinton. Francisco
arrived with his letters on Monday forenoon. Request that, if
his health will permit, he will personally present his Majesty's gift
to the Princess Elizabeth, now at Blois. Acquaint him with the
proceedings of the trial and sentence of the Duke of Somerset. The
French Ambassador has this day received from his Majesty the
ratification of the treaty. The King sends by the bearer a chain of
gold of the value of 300 crowns and upwards, to be presented by the
Admiral to Mons. De l'Aubespine, the French King's Secretary,
with his Majesty's thanks for the goodwill and diligence always
used by Mons. De l'Aubespine towards the affairs of this realm.
[Three pages. Draft. Printed, disjointedly, by Tytler, Vol. ii.,
pp. 63, 97.] |
Dec. 4.
Fontainebleau. |
504. Henry II., King of France, to King Edward VI. Thanking
his Majesty for the handsome present of horses brought by Sir
Jacques Granado. [Countersigned by De l'Aubespine. French.
Broadside.] |
Dec. 4.
Brussels. |
505. Sir Thomas Chamberlain to Sir William Cecil. Thanks
him for his letter just received, and refers for particulars to his
common letters until he has more leisure to reply, meanwhile will
not forget the things which he recommended to him. Requests him
to be mean unto Lord Pembroke for his money stayed by his Lordship in Mr. Mildmay's hands, for he has great need thereof, and
especially now that the Queen doth remove, which will cost him
every day 12 shillings in lodgings only, besides carriage. If his
Lordship will take his bill to answer the thing claimed at all times,
so far as can it be proved he received ought of the same iron
mill, and so let him enjoy his money, he would be much bound to
his Lordship. [One page.] |
Dec. 5.
Venice. |
506. Peter Vannes to the Council. Concerning the loss of the
ship Ragazona. [Two pages. This letter is a verbatim copy of that
to the Council of 24th November previous.] |
Dec. 5.
Venice. |
507. Same to same. The 5,000 [sic] landsknechts lately arrived
are at present in the territory of Parma, and have required of the
Duke of Ferrara the city of Reggio near Mirandola, wherein to
quarter themselves this winter, and if he will not deliver it they
will venture to take it perforce, feigning to have so in commission
from the Emperor. To this the Duke will not consent, fearing that
if once they are in he will not easily regain possession of it. Wherefore he makes all plain, with divers other breaches and fortifications
about the town, manning and provisioning it well in case of any
attack. In like manner he strengthens all his other places, and
specially Ferrara. To prove his neutrality, the Duke has issued a
proclamation forbidding either French or Spaniards to sojourn any
long space in Ferrara, which always used to be a resort for all kinds
of people, especially military, by reason of its proximity to Parma
and Mirandola. Of this latter city the Bishop of Rome's men daily
continue the siege, and have commenced to construct other forts, for
the disturbance of which many sorties are made, much to the hurt
of the Papists. During this vacation time Parma has been well
supplied with provisions of all sorts, and 10,000 of the unprofitable
sort of people have been put out of the town, which thus well
furnished and with well-willing soldiers is nothing afeared. In
Piedmont is nothing but occasional skirmishing. The Imperialists
write that the Turks have been driven out of Transylvania with the
loss of 2,000 men. The King of Bohemia and his wife have arrived
at Milan, whence they proceed to Mantua and then to Isbrowgh
[Inspruck] where the Emperor looks daily for their coming. The
Seigniory have received letters from Piedmont to the effect that the
French have taken by assault and battery a strong castle 12 miles
from Turin, a place of importance for their purpose. Notwithstanding the beleaguering and vigilance of the Papists, 300 Italian infantry have been brought into Mirandola, a proof that there is
no want of victuals there, and of determination to defend the
town. At Parma a conspiracy to betray one of the gates to the
Imperialists has been detected; some of the parties have been taken,
and the rest have fled. There are news from Hungary that the
Tartarians have joined the Turks, and have taken a town called
Lippa, killing the most part of the men and taking the rest, to the
number of 800, prisoners. [Two pages.] Annexed, |
|
507. I. "The copye of the newes wrytten in English," being the
circumstances mentioned in the preceding letter. [Italian.
Three pages.] |
Dec. 5.
Brussels. |
508. Sir Thomas Chamberlain to Sir William Cecil. Urges the
remittance of his money stayed by Lord Pembroke, as these postings
do waste his money. He can bear witness that their merchants
have never worse sales, for having employed the most part of the
money of his diets late received, because he would not use the
exchange exhibited, which is nevertheless almost as much used as
tofore, and so come down from 19 to 17 shillings, he cannot sell one
cloth but to loss. [Two pages.] |
Dec. 6.
Inspruck. |
509. Sir Richard Morysine to Sir William Cecil. Wotton writes to
him how careful Cecil was that he should choose such time to speak
for Morysine as he might hope to be well heard. Acknowledges his
benevolence, and will lay it up where moths shall not consume
any part thereof. If Wotton would now particularly speak to a
few, as he has generally sued to all, the matter would easily take
effect. Is desirous to have news of the Duke and his adherents,
many questions being put to him. He says as much as he can, but
loves to be able to warrant his talk. As yet he has no diets or any
word of them. As God help him, he would think it less pain to
starve, than still to sue and never to speed. His man is gone, and
now he wishes that the money which is spent by the way had been
kept, as it would have stopped a gap here this lenten Christmas.
Yet who would tarry as he has tarried, still gaping, and still afraid
diets will never come ? He would money were as evil as ever it was,
then he should at the least have 10 for 20, where now nothing
comes. [One page.] |
Dec. 7.
Brussels. |
510. Sir Thomas Chamberlain to same. Will learn by his
common letters to what good end his proceedings have come. The
bearer, Mr. Morysine's man, has excused him an express messenger,
which else he would have sent to declare his conclusions about the
relaxing of the ships as the same did require. Thus his money
wastes, for the bearer, as he saith, arrived with six batzes and therefore hath of him 12 angels to bring him home, advanced at request
of Morysine. It is pity that such as are well furnished have not
such places as this, which cannot be served without expenses and
bearing of an honest port. [Two pages.] |
Dec. 8.
Milan. |
511. Sir William Pickering to the Council. Had received their
letters of 2d curt. Had only done his duty in transmitting the
document for which they are pleased to commend him. The French
King has granted permission for the exportation to England of 400
tons more wheat than had been asked, the same to be received in
Gascony and Guienne, because that in the parts of Picardy and
Normandy there is great scarcity this year. On Monday last, at
mass time, the King sent for the Lord Admiral and him to his
chapel, and there formally ratified the treaty, and delivered it to the
Admiral. Upon Sunday night the Lord Admiral was sumptuously
feasted by the King, who was pleased to place Pickering at his own
board, and the rest of the gentlemen at a side table. Sir Jacques
Granado has taken his leave, and has in reward from the King, the
Queen, and the Dauphin, three chains, in value by estimation 800
crowns. The King's Majesty will receive from hence six curtalls,
three Spanish horses, one Turk, a Barbary, one courser, and two
little mules. [Two pages.] |
Dec. 10.
Strasburg. |
512. Christopher Mount to Secretaries Sir William Petre and Sir
William Cecil. Transmits the conditions of the capitulation of
Magdeburg. The soldiers who were in and about the city have
been hired by Duke George of Mecklenburg, now restored to liberty,
but how they are to be employed is not yet known. Count Albert
of Mansfeldt, who during the whole time of the siege in the city was
negotiating with regard to his wife's dowry, has left the castle, and
some hope to his sons of obtaining their father's possessions. The
brother of the King of Denmark has been elected by the Chapters
to the bishoprics of Bremen and Hildesheim; but Henry Duke of
Brunswick had 16 years ago taken possession of a considerable
part of the diocese of Hildesheim, which the Bishop elect it is said
will attempt to recover; wherefore the Duke of Brunswick raises
troops. The present winter is pregnant with warlike events. The people here are summoned to the Council on the Feast of the Conversion
of St. Paul, but they make very tardy preparations. For the Duke
of Wirtemberg and Maurice demand conditions from the Council
which they will not easily obtain; the first of these being, that
impartial and neutral judges shall be selected both by the Council
and the Protestants, who shall determine the religious questions
controverted according to the Holy Scriptures, as they cannot
trust these very serious points to the Roman Pontiff and his
partizans; the other, that the Council shall proceed de novo, and
not suffer injury to be done to the doctrine of the universal Church
by the prejudices and ill-considered decrees of the few formerly
present, or condemn unheard the doctrines of their opponents,
which they know to be in accordance with those of the prophets
and apostles. Such requests have been preferred to the Council in
writing by the Ambassadors of Wirtemberg. Those of Maurice
desire the same from the Emperor; they seem to him rather to seek
grounds for refusing the Council than to expect to obtain what they
ask. The banishing of the preachers of Augsburg has unmasked the
designs of the crocodile. [Latin. Two pages.] Incloses, |
|
512. I. Conditions of the capitulation of Magdeburg. The city
shall pay to the Emperor 50,000 [crowns], and six pieces
of artillery. They shall restore the forts sometime occupied to the magistrates. They shall ask pardon before
the Elector and Schwend on bended knees. Their Prince
will derive this reward and benefit by the war being
terminated, that the people of Magdeburg shall be constituted into a county (Burgravium), and enjoy his presidency and protection for ever; and thus a firm and
lasting peace is established between the House of Saxony
and the city, profitable for both. But whatever right the
magistrates had in it is now taken from them. . . .
[Defective. Latin. Half a page.] |
Dec. 13.
Inspruck. |
513. Sir Richard Morysine to Sir William Cecil. Thanks him
for his friendly letters. Used as he is to the want of all kinds of
comforts, such new come guests come very welcome to him. His
wife knows, when he lays his frowning aside, that some friend has
laid his skin smooth, which else wrinkleth, although months went
not so fast away as years come upon him. As gladly understands
that the Duke and his shall be openly arraigned, as it is all their
comforts who serve abroad when they are as able to answer, as
others are free to oppose them. And yet no gladder that they shall
be charged at the bar, than he is with all his heart sorry that any
of them hath deserved to be seen there. But when he sees Sir
Thomas Arundel to be one, and the Earl another, he supposes Sir
Thomas to be the root of as much mischief as might have budded
out of this practice. He has a head able enough to set them all
upon as evil a work as this they had in hand, be it as big as it can
be. It seldom happens that a man's head aches for giving good
counsel; and it happens even as seldom that malum consilium non
sit consultori pessimum. Longs to know more of the matter; a
few lines will serve; if they may not, the subject is such as a good
many may seem well bestowed. Gives more thanks for his January
diets than Cecil is wont to look for, how many soever he willingly
deserves; and yet he must say that as yet his July diets are not
come hither, not having at this present, so God help him! of as
many as he has borrowed, more than 43 ducats in all the world.
True it is he looks this night for some from Schorer, who may be as
weary of lending as he is of borrowing; not that he would seem to
be so, but telleth Morysine till his comes he shall have part of his
own. Must be allowed posting from hence to Augsburg, else his
letters may sometimes be seen. One of his men will ride it in two
days and a half, else he must send but the occurrents, bare as they
come, using no discourses at all. Has written a word or two in his
letter to the Council, and begs Cecil will signify their answer to
him, and he will do as he may understand they mean he should. His
wife unites her hearty commendations to Cecil and his lady. [Two
pages. Indorsed by Cecil.] |
Dec. 15.
St. Denis. |
514. The Lord High Admiral Clinton to the Council. On
Monday se'ennight left the Court, and came to Paris in the hope of
recovering his health, but has been compelled to substitute Sir
William Pickering for presenting the King's gift to the Princess
Elizabeth, and this day takes his journey towards Calais, being evil
able to travel, having a double quartan. The gift presented to him
by the French King is in value 3,400 crowns, all in gilt plate,
saving two small cups of gold, which make up the just sum aforesaid.
[Two pages. Printed by Tytler, Vol. ii., p. 100.] |
Dec. 15.
Paris. |
515. Sir William Pickering to same. With reference to the
contents of their letter of 24th October last, relating to the complaints of certain English merchants in Normandy, the Constable
has directed the Baron de la Garde to inquire into the circumstances
and give redress. In consequence of his continued illness, the Lord
Admiral is obliged to leave Paris this day, and has delivered to
Pickering a diamond ring, to be presented by him to the Princess
Elizabeth as a token from his Majesty, likewise a chain of the value
of 300 crowns for M. De l'Aubespine. It is rumoured that M. de
Vendôme has received an overthrow in an enterprise he made upon
a town on the frontiers. [Two pages.] |
Dec. 15.
St. Denis. |
516. Same to Sir William Cecil. Has presently put to
binding for him three books: Euclid with the figures in a small
volume, and two discourses, one of Machiavelli, the other of Mons.
Long. Does not know of any new works, but of one out of Italy,
which is not got abroad, but shall be sent as soon as it comes into
his hands. If the logical demonstration whereof Cecil lately wrote
were converted into geometrical, he should surely have good cause
to praise much that metamorphosis. Seeing he is but a curse craver,
and a much worse beggar, reason requireth the plan should be considered; and he thinketh high time, for here all things pass pour
l'argent comptant; and though he has hitherto deserved nothing,
yet that he sink not before he may deserve, prays Cecil to procure that he may have the one, or that he may shortly be quit of
the other. Has just received Cecil's and Hoby's letter touching
a Scottish suit, which he shall attend to at convenient season.
Requests a passport for Lord Tillebarne [Tullibardine], with 10
servants and their baggage. [One page] |
Dec. 19.
Harburg. |
517. Baron Joachim Maltzan to King Edward VI. Had been
sent to England as Envoy from the Duke of Mecklenburg, but when
about 20 German miles from Harburg had encountered such a storm
as drove them back. Being unwilling at this season of the year to
expose himself again to the like danger, he has sent his credentials
to Master Alasco. [Latin. One page. Indorsed by Cecil.] |
Dec. 21.
Vilna. |
518. Sigismund-Augustus, King of Poland, to same. John
à Werden, Burgrave and Consul of Dantzic, has complained
that the factor of Adrian and Michael Koesler, his sons-in-law,
whom they maintained at the public Hanse house of London, called
the Schtalhow [Steelyard], had been maliciously accused of having,
when alive, traded contrary to the privileges of the Teutonic Hanse,
and in derogation of the King of England's customs; wherefore all
the goods which they have in the cities of London and Hollen
[Hull] had been arrested. Of this they are quite innocent, relying
on the integrity of the proceedings, and desire to clear themselves
not only by the mandatory whom they have sent for that purpose,
but also personally if needs be. His Majesty therefore requires a
safe-conduct and audience for them, and if they have in any way
through ignorance offended, begs that they may be forgiven.
[Latin. One page.] |
Dec. 24.
Strasburg. |
519. Christopher Mount to Sir William Petre and Sir William
Cecil. It appears that the Emperor will return from the deliberations of the Council to arms in Germany. It is now a year since a
similar tragedy seemed to be in preparation for the country of
Bremen; but the first actors of that play were engaged to sustain the
tragic and heroic characters, the present performers seem to have
stronger thews and sinews. The unexpected denouement of this
play is, that they who took up arms for the clergy now seem about
to oppose the bishops, but it is this change for which they have
peremptorily cited the Lutheran fathers to Trent. [Latin. Half a
page.] |
Dec. 25.
Paris. |
520. Sir William Pickering to Sir William Cecil. The books
whereof he wrote in his last are now converted into a New Testament
in Greek; l'Horloge de Princes; le Discours de la Guerre de Laugnay, and notes to the Ethics of Aristotle in Italian, which will be
conveyed by this merchant courier. Had the bookbinder kept faith,
others would have accompanied them, which for lack of leisure could
not be finished according to Pickering's mind, as the binder's haste
may be perceived by one of those sent being neither ruled nor
washed. God give him the quartan! This day he departs by two
posts to Blois, to deliver the King's token; this should have been
done sooner, if it had not been for lack of a good shift in coming
by crowns to convey him thither. Many letters have promised him
plenty one day, but qui spe aluntur pendunt non vivunt; neither
may such promises bring a man two leagues towards his next bait
in this country. If he were where he might sell his land he would
not lack; but fac ut revertat, aut ut hic vivere possit, like his man
whose he is. Incloses the French King's letter in behalf of the two
merchants concerning whom Cecil and Hoby wrote. Also copy of
the Constable's letter, whereby he may perceive the speedy dispatch
of the English merchants' matters in these quarters. His lean uncle
Sir Robert Ughtred returns with the next despatch, both on business of his own and Pickering's. Recommends him strongly to
Cecil's attention, as "the King hath many bigger bodies, but a truer
heart in my conscience he hath not in his realm, nor a meeter man
to serve in any charge he shall be commended to." The bearer
hereof is "the merchants' post and a very knave withal. He would
by no means carry these books under six crowns, which I have
given him. He would have persuaded me that these were only the
occasion of his going by the posts; when I knew him to have
received his hire of these merchants before, to be in London upon
New Year's Even. If he arrive not in time, hang him, according to
the bargain made with me. Faustum tibi precor hunc novum
annum futurum cum ceteris omnibus." [Two pages.] |
Dec. 29.
Bruges. |
521. Sir Thomas Chamberlain to Sir William Cecil. Had received
his two letters. Hears that the ships are safely arrived in England.
Being of Cecil's opinion that no more wealth can be devised for
England than peace and quietness while the King is young, does all
in his power to persuade to amity both here and everywhere.
Hears that the Queen will now lead him to Antwerp, where he
hopes to find the figures Cecil wishes, and which he has been unable
to procure either here or at Brussels. Requests that he may have
instructions from the Council how to answer some of the English
merchants at Calais and London, who desire to have the Queen's
safe-conduct to carry herrings and other wares hence to France,
which are here prohibited as well to their own subjects as to the
English, except by special licence and paying eight in the 120
shillings upon a last besides over and above the ordinary customs.
From this by the Intercourse the merchants should be exempt, and
have their traffic free. [Three pages.] |
Dec. 29.
Paris. |
522. Sir William Pickering to same. Had received with his
letter of the 22d that of his Majesty's addressed to the French
King, which shall shortly be delivered. The reason of his long
absence from the Court may be seen by his letters to the Council,
whereby will be understood his just need. Hopes the books sent
by a merchant's courier arrived in good time. As for Euclid and
Machiavelli, they were so buggerly bound that he burnt them both.
The King returns from Blois on the 22d of January. Cecil's friendly
letters to Mr. Barnaby [Fitzpatrick] were no less praiseworthy,
than a very sign of his good affection towards him. His good and
gentle nature, so much inclined to virtue, promises the utter performance of all that the letter requires at his hands. Doubts not a
deal but that he will follow to the uttermost point all the good
exhortations. [One page and a half.] |
Dec. 31.
Bruges. |
523. Sir Thomas Chamberlain to Sir William Cecil. Recommends
the bearer, Peter Paule, a mariner of this country, who during the last
wars before Boulogne served the King with his ship, conveying
things to and fro, for which he does not complain to be unpaid and
unsatisfied, but because at one time he chanced to be taken by the
French, which has been costly to him diverse ways, would crave
either the King's licence to carry out certain beer or otherwise.
[One page.]
Notes of the several points negotiated by Sir Thomas Chamberlain in Flanders in 1551. (Extracted from the correspondence of
Chamberlain between 23d October and 31st December 1551, in
comparatively modern writing.) [Three pages.]
"Summaria Relatio Controversiæ inter Cæsarem et Regem Romanorum." Statement of the claims advanced by the King of the
Romans in reference to his rights arising out of the succession of his
father and mother, and answers thereto on part of the Emperor.
[Latin. Nine pages. Copy.]
The names of the colonels and number of cavalry which Albert
Marquis of Brandenburg has retained for the service of the King of
England, in all 3,900. [German. One page.]
Annexed, The same in French. [One page.] Indorsed, "The
names of the men of warr and coronnells of Brandenb." |
