|
May 3.
Brussels. |
200. The Bishop of Norwich and Sir John Masone to Queen
Mary. On the 1st inst. the Bishop of Norwich, after presenting
Masone to the Emperor, took his leave; and on the following day
did the like to the two Queens, the Duchess of Lorraine and the
Duke of Savoy, to whom Masone delivered her Majesty's letters and
commendations. They found the Emperor in very good state of
body, and he was very glad to hear that her Majesty was well.
The earnest declaration of his good affection towards England,
and other matters, the Bishop will report to her Majesty as speedily
as he can. It was his intention to have left to-day, but the
Queen of Hungary having signified her desire to talk with him
before his departure, thinks he will be sent for either to-day or tomorrow; so that on Saturday, or Sunday at the farthest, he trusts
to begin his journey. M. de Couriéres and the Alcalde left this for
England on Wednesday. The Duke of Savoy designs to proceed
thither in 15 or 16 days, and begs that her Majesty may be pleased
to take order with the Lord Deputy of Calais for his sure passage.
He is, as her Majesty knows, a nobleman, and after the Emperor
and the Queen, the first personage of the Court, who assuredly bears
a right good heart towards her. He is a bait so desired of the
French, as he would gladly be out of doubt of them. Have recommended to the Emperor the cause of the Count Thadre, and have
received a gentle answer. Marquis Albert has after much dissimulation so much opened himself that the Emperor utterly takes him
for French. The number of ensigns which he had levied in the
East countries are so scattered by the Duke of Brunswick, as he
shall hardly for this summer make the like assembly. He now
rests in a castle of the Rhinegrave between Triers and Mentz, so
beaten out of his own as he is driven to seek lodging among his
friends. [One page and a half.] |
May 5.
Brussels. |
201. Sir John Masone to Queen Mary. The Bishop of Norwich
has departed, having, left behind him great contentation of his
dealing at this Court. His wisdom and soberness during the time
of his embassy have impressed the highest estate and the Queen
with such good opinion of him as his discreet and honest demeanour
has deserved. He will inform her Majesty of all occurrents, and of
their conversations with Cardinal Pole. There is not a better
English heart within the realm than the Cardinal's, and if things
were as he wishes, her Majesty would govern in a blessed estate.
He always praises ripe, temperate, and modest proceedings. Wishes
to God the whole realm knew him as the Bishop of Norwich and
Masone do, and had that opinion of him as in effect all states of
Christendom have. [One page and a quarter. Printed by Tytler,
Vol. ii., p. 387.] |
May 9.
Paris. |
202. Dr. Wotton to Sir William Petre. In case his letters
should be intercepted, as is very probable, sends a new cipher
for approval; if it is not liked, he will continue to use the present one. Fears he shall be detained here till there be war. As
long as Noailles and his wife remain in England, he will be no
worse off than he was when in France formerly; but if they come
away or escape, he fears it will be a great deal worse with him.
As for Noailles' brother, he is here of no estimation, but even as
Wotton's self is at home. [Partly in cipher, deciphered. One
page.] |
May 12.
Brussels. |
203. Sir John Masone to Queen Mary. For ought he can see or
learn there is no likelihood of peace to be had this year between
the two Princes; and Cardinal Pole, who on the Pope's behalf has
long travailed therein, concurs in this desparation. Such, too, is
the general opinion, which is confirmed by the preparations on both
sides. The Emperor raises in Germany 60 ensigns of foot and 4,000
horse; of these 40 ensigns are to be employed in his defence against
attempts made by the French this way, 20 ensigns go to Italy, and
6,000 Spaniards come hither in the Prince's army. The French
King, in addition to his present force, which is not small, assembles
9,000 Swiss; of these 6,000 to be employed on this side, and 3,000
to be sent to Piedmont. What enterprise he intends on these
quarters is unknown, but it is conjectured some attempts will be
made on Liege and Luxemburg, which the Emperor presently
fortifies. Others suppose he will attack some of her Majesty's
pieces on this side of the sea, for the furniture whereof doubts not
she will have such foresight as appertains. Experience teaches
what trust is to be had to that nation whom neither respect of
worldly honour nor the fear of God can hold from the trapping of
any piece that may serve to their purpose, belong the same to friend
or foe. It is not more that 20 days since they made a narrow miss
of surprising Civita Vecchia, a fortress belonging to the Pope at the
mouth of the Tiber. So are all men indifferent unto them from
whom they may catch anything that may serve their turns. It is
thought that there are not two pieces in Christendom so much
desired by the French King as Calais and Guisnes. Urges the
necessity of immediately providing for their defence, the more
because of the absence of her Majesty's navy. The French King
has lately compelled the citizens of Metz to swear allegiance to him
and his successors; such as refuse to do so are ordered by a day to
avoid, and he burdens those who remain with the continual entertainment of 2,000 foot, besides immediate provision of victual for
one whole year, and order is taken for the bringing in of all their
harness and weapons. Moreover, a citadel is in hand to be made
in all haste at their charges. The Turk's army comes forward to
the number of 70 sail. God send them ill luck, and him worse,
that boasting himself upon the name of Most Christian is the stirrer
and caller of them to the evident danger of Christendom! The
Prior of Capua, being reconciled, has returned to the French King
with three gallies. There was for some time a report that Dole, a
town of great strength in Burgundy belonging to the Emperor, had
been surprised by the French, but in the end it appears that fetch
took no place. Marquis Albert is still at the Rhinegrave's, destitute
both of men and money; the Bishops with the help of the league
continue to persecute him, besieging at the same time the only two
towns which he has left. Both the King of Poland and the Duke
of Pomerania, being offended with his inconstancy and unquiet
nature, have shrunk from him; so it is to be trusted that the
French King will have but a poor servant of him. Sends a letter
from the Duke of Savoy in reply to the one from her Majesty
conveyed by Masone; the sudden departure of the Bishop of
Norwich was the occasion that he sent it not sooner. [Two pages.] |
May 12.
Laredo. |
204. George Everett to the Council. Sends two packets from the
Earl of Bedford by the bearer, servant to Lord Dudley. Although
the chance of the Ambassador had been to land at the Groyne
[Coruña] in Gallicia, the rudest country of all Spain, yet his entertainment and reception was as much as if the Emperor had been
there, and the people had pained themselves to do all the pleasure
and service they could devise. There is no want of victuals or any
thing that can be procured for money; and the Queen's ships are
weekly refreshed with fresh meat, bread, and wine abundantly.
After his Lordship had kept the feast of St. George very solemnly,
which was of the country much esteemed, he and all his retinue
left for the Court, but when at Betanzos received a letter from the
Prince desiring him to remain there till he should join him. The
Prince departed on Friday last to his grandmother, and thence will he
meet with his sister who is admitted for Governor, and shortly after
will be at Coruña, where both his fleets of Andalusia and Biscay
have already arrived, to the number of 100 sail, which are very
well furnished and appointed with mariners and soldiers for the
safe-conduct of the Prince to England. Within eight days after his
arrival there, the Lord Admiral with all his navy will return home,
as he is informed by the Marquis de las Navas, at present here, who
is to pass to England with four good ships to carry to her Majesty
certain jewels sent to her by the Prince. The Marquis also showed
him that most part of the nobility of this realm would have come
into England; but the Prince would not suffer them, saying that he
goes not into Germany but amongst his friends: whereby it may
be inferred that he will be attended by few others save his ordinary
household and guard. Has travelled from Logrono hither above
100 leagues, the worst ways in all Spain, yet has he found the highways as much mended as is possible, new crosses and pillars set
up at the ways leading to every town, and in all way post-horses
ready, and taxed what they should have from post to post. In all
the way has been very well intreated, and has found much gentleness, especially of the bishops and prelates. Great preparations had
been made in all the principal towns for the reception of the
Ambassadors, especially at Burgos and Bilbao, where much cost had
been expended, and by the English merchants residing at the latter
town, and such merchants of these places as do occupy with England.
All Spain rejoices at the marriage; hopes the people of England
may bear the same good will to the Prince, as they of Spain do to
her Majesty. [Two pages.] |
May 13.
Antwerp. |
205. Thomas Gresham to Sir William Petre. Came to Antwerp
on the 12th inst. On his arrival Mr. Bartholomew Compagni
came and asked him if he had commission to receive the money
of the bargain made with Petre and the other Lords. Replied he
had not, either for the receipt of money or for communication with
him in the matter. Bartholomew declared he would in a manner
throw for the payment of the 10,000l. on 31st May, allowing
himself the 2,500l. due to him. The Whitsuntide holidays next
will be a stay to him that he cannot return so soon, and her Majesty
may be informed of this. [One page.] |
May 14.
Calais. |
206. Lord Wentworth to Queen Mary. Has received her Majesty's letter of the 10th touching the repair of the Duke of Savoy
to England, and will do his best for the Duke's entertainment; but,
as some French vessels well manned are watching the passage
between this and Dover, cannot ensure his safe passage, there not
being ships here worth setting forth to rencounter them if need
should require. Suggests that some ships should be sent across to
waft him over in more surety. [One page.] |
May 17.
Laredo. |
207. Edward Lord Dudley to the Council. The Marquis of
Navas being appointed to go to England, Dudley had, by advice of
Count Egmont, offered to conduct him to her Majesty. This offer
had been taken in very good part, and they are now here waiting
for the wind. The Marquis is the bearer of jewels to her Majesty
from the Prince, whose Majordomo he is; he is an ancient gentleman, about the year of fifty or better, bearing himself very
honourably. Has been as well used of him as with any nobleman
in all his life, even as he has been with all the rest since the date
of his first letter here inclosed of the 24th ult. (missing). On
Sunday the 29th ult. the Marquis of Villaine made a great dinner,
and at Dudley's departing gave him a fair genet, well trimmed and
appointed. On the following Tuesday the Duke of Alberquerque
made a dinner, and as heartily entertained the Earl of Worcester
and the rest of the English gentlemen in as much as he could
devise. This evening, after supper, took his leave of the Prince,
who did most nobly use him, giving him more thanks than he is
worthy of, saying that, although he had not spoken much with him
since his coming because of much occupation and his knowledge that
Dudley could not speak Spanish, yet on his arriving in England he
should speak with him and do him all the good. This was spoken
in Latin, and though Dudley speaks that tongue but rudely, he
returned suitably his thanks. The Prince willed him to make his
commendations to her Majesty, and said that at the end of May he
would be at Logrono, where he would embark. After his departure
the King sent to him by Count Horne a chain, weighing, as he
thinks, 160 pounds (sic.) Requests to be informed whether he shall
bring the Marquis to the residence of the Emperor's Ambassador,
or some other house appointed for him. [One page and a half.]
Incloses, |
207. I. A remembrance given to him by the Count or Earl of
Horne, captain of all the Prince's guard, who is appointed to attend upon his Highness and remain with
him in England. The remembrance was autograph of
the Count and written in Latin, because the names are
hard to be written in English. It declares the coming of
diverse great men, who at this time bring their wives
with them, and desire to have houses appointed for them
accordingly. These are,
The Duke of Alva, Majordomo to the Emperor. (The
Duke of Alva with his wife requireth a house alone.)
Don Gautier Lopes (Economus pro principe), and his
wife.
Don Diego Azevedo (etiam economus), and wife.
Don John à Benavedes (of the bed chamber), and wife.
Don John D'Acuna (of the bed chamber), and wife.
Count Horne.
Don Sunbernon. |
|
Beseeches their Lordships to have these in remembrance,
lest they who have treated him so courteously should
think he has ungratefully forgot their wishes. As it
will be hard to find several houses to place them all
accordingly, believes that Bridewell were a good place to
join all together (the Duke of Alva excepted) and that
they would be contented so to be. [One page.] |
May 19.
Paris. |
208. Dr. Wotton to Sir William Petre. Here it is thought
that the Prince cannot be in England till the 8th or 10th of
next month, because his sister, the Princess Dowager of Portugal,
returns to Spain as Regent during his absence. The Prince, it
is supposed, will go to meet her before he leaves for England;
so, by the conjecture of her journey, the time of his embarkation at La Croigne [Logrono] is presumed. Begs to know her
Majesty's pleasure as to the men concerning whom he has written.
[One page.] |
May 25.
Brussels. |
209. Sir John Masone to the Council. Sends letters from her
Majesty's Ambassador at Venice. The Duke of Florence progresses very well in his enterprise against Sienna, and unless the
French King very shortly sends an army on the field, the town
shall be driven to great extremity, having already lost the commodity of three of their gates, and the fourth standing them in no
great stead. The Pope has commanded through all his dominions
that no victual may there be provided or suffered to pass that way
for the succour of Sienna. Heard to-day that this order is given
indifferently for the Imperialists and the French. The Marquis has
lately taken a small fort within a quarter of a mile from Vignano
[Vignone] of which great account is made here. The Emperor
hastens the assembling of his Germans, and the opinion of this
Court is that the French enterprise shall be towards Liege; yet
the great victualling of Ardres so much beyond its necessity,
makes many think that some attempt is meant that way, and
either upon some of the English pieces or upon Gravelines, which
equally affects England. The occasion of Gresham's stay here
longer than he looked for, will be explained by his own letter.
[One page and a half.] |
May 26.
Antwerp. |
210. Thomas Gresham to the Council. Left Antwerp on
the 22d inst. on his way homewards, and came by Brussels
to know if the Emperor and the Regent had any service for him
in Spain. By advice of her Majesty's Ambassador, repaired
for answer to the Bishop of Arras, who used him very gently,
inquiring if he had sufficient passport for the sack of his treasure
out of Spain; on replying that he did not know to the contrary, for the Queen and the Council had taken order with the
Emperor's Ambassador for it, the Bishop answered that the
Ambassador had written to the Emperor, but that his Majesty
was not yet resolved, adding that if he went into Spain without
the Emperor's passport he would not be suffered to transport
any money out of that country. The Bishop also advised him to
go to the Regent and inquire if she had any service for him to the
Queen, and to move her to ask the Emperor for his passport,
as it might be concluded that by the time he arrived in Spain
the Prince would be gone. The matter being moved to the
Regent, she consented to do so, and inquired for what sum the
passport should be made out. On being informed she commanded
him to put his request in writing and then asked him to stay
until the Emperor's secretary in the Spanish tongue, Mons. de
Erasse, arrived at Antwerp. Returned hither, and attends upon
him, and will follow him to Brussels until he has obtained the
passport. Sends back all the Queen's bonds, they being dated
4th May, and those of the city 3d May, which they say here
are of small effect. The merchants will have the Queen's bonds
dated the 2d. Is bound before a notary to re-deliver the bonds
within 15 days, as will appear by a copy of the bond inclosed.
By his bond got all the first bills of exchange into his hands,
and sent them in post through France with the Queen's letters
to the Lord Privy Seal, by his servant Thomas Downe to his
factor Edmund Hoggan. Had not written concerning this to
the Council, expecting to make declaration of it himself, which
he cannot do now, as he has to wait for the passport. Jasper
Schetz and his brothers desire to have their bond made in three
separate deeds for sums which he specifies, in the name of "Jasper
Schetz and brethren." The reason is, that since Schetz bargained
with him for her Majesty, he has been obliged to lend the Emperor
200,000 florins, and so, to keep his promise with the Queen, has
had to take up 54,720 florins of others, who will have their bonds
made separately in his name; the third bond for 65,060 florins
is their own. These he is also bound to deliver within 15 days.
Has been offered, by Mr Bartholomew Compagni, 15 and 16 per
cent. to deliver the Queen's and City's bonds, which touches her
Majesty's credit, as his commission extends only to 13 per cent.;
this causes money to be dear here. In consequence, has had
to make a new composition with Schetz to receive 3,000l. and
6,000l. in the payments due the 25th July next, and the staplers
in the town agree to stand to the times at 12 per cent. interest.
Has 130 barrels of gunpowder and 600 Collen cleve staves ready
for shipping; the bargain of powder is a very good one, for here
is no quantity to be had for money. [Four pages. Indorsed by
Petre.] Inclosing, |
|
210. I. Notarial instrument by which Gresham testifies to
having entered into a contract with Anthony Fugger and
nephews, Gaspar Schetz and brothers, John de Matansa,
John Lopez de Gallo, Anthony Spinola, and Octavian
Lommelin, merchants of different nations resident in
Antwerp, by which contract the said merchants have
promised to deliver their letters of change, to make payment of certain sums in Spain to the agents of the Queen
of England, and the said Gresham to deliver to the said
merchants bonds in acknowledgment of the payment.
Antwerp, May 17. [French. Four pages.] |
| May 29. |
211. The Council to Dr. Wotton. The French Ambassador had
audience of her Majesty to-day, to pay his respects to her before
she goes to Richmond, as to-morrow she intends to do; and on part
of his master to complain that some of her subjects of Guernsey had
assisted the Imperialists in seizing certain pieces of ordnance belonging to him, and which are, as is alleged, still kept in that island.
Her Majesty, being somewhat ill at ease, remitted him for this
and other matters to the Council, saying, that whatever was proved
to be wrong should be amended; and in reply to the Ambassador's
profession of reciprocal justice, twitted him with his master's
conduct in the matter of the fugitives, concerning which her Majesty
said she would not have used a semblable part towards the
French King for the gain of three realms, and therewith departed.
The Ambassador, being somewhat warmed with those words, on
leaving the presence found fault with the Lord Chancellor, because
while speaking to him upon some trifling matter, it fortuned the
latter to look upon a book which by chance was lying open on a
window of the gallery as they passed; and that with such terms
as seemed very strange and never known to have been used by any
Ambassador to any person in the position of the Chancellor; whom
also in his heat he charged with having mocked him because of a
barge which the Chancellor had once of his gentleness promised,
and was ready to have given to him. The fashion of his talk was
such, that the Chancellor was forced to tell him in plain words
that it was not the part of Ambassadors to use such language,
whereon some warm expressions passed on both sides. In this
warm talk the Ambassador found great fault, because a secretary of
the Emperor's Ambassador was present in one end of the gallery
where the Queen gave him audience; and yet the secretary came
there for matters of his own, and heard nothing of the conversation. He was told that his own secretary used to come 20 times
into the Council Chambers against the other's once, and yet had
they borne with him, so that he had no cause to be offended. Shall
inquire into the matter of the ordnance. [Draft. Three pages.] |
| May 29. |
212. Queen Mary to Dr. Wotton. His letters of the 9th and 19th
have been received. Randall is forgiven, he is to remain abroad
until he thoroughly learns whereunto the end of the rebels' enterprises tends, and if Stanton by any act proves himself willing to
redress his late fault, he also shall be pardoned. Informs him that
about 10 days ago M. de Courierés and another gentleman sent in
embassy from the Emperor to her Majesty, and passing between
Dover and Calais in two English bottoms, were not only chased
into Dover by some French ships of war, from whom they escaped
very narrowly, but had their horses and part of their stuff, which
were in one of these two English vessels, taken from them, and
carried ship and all into France, the crew as well as the ship being
English. The Lord Chancellor (as of himself) had sent to the
French Ambassador complaining thereof, and showing that when
compared with his former conversation with her Majesty the matter
gave cause of suspicion; so much the rather as it had been first
moved by the Ambassador himself that neither the Imperialists nor
the French, should during these wars meddle with the English
passage between Dover and Calais, or search any vessels passing to
and fro, which order hitherto having been observed, and now being
broken by the French, was especially to be misliked. The Ambassador had replied that he did not marvel at the matter, since the like
had been used by the Flemings towards the French, and as for the
taking of the vessel, he was well assured that no displeasure or hurt
was intended thereby to the Englishmen, but only for the horses
and baggage contained in it, and which being landed in France, he
knew well both ship and crew should be returned safely again.
And thereon he renewed all the old complaints for breaking of the
frigate, &c. Had shifted from the French King to the Constable
the assertion that because of the non-ratification of the treaties, the
former was in nowise bound to observe them than as the English,
by their friendly using of him and his, should give him cause. It is
unnecessary to repeat so often her Majesty's determination to
observe the treaty although not formally ratified, for, as she takes
it, between Princes of honour, and such as fear God and esteem his
promise, it is the word and not the wax or writing that binds
them. Her whole efforts, before and since entering upon this
alliance with the Prince of Spain, has been to bring about an
honourable peace between the Emperor and the French King, whose
concord should, in her opinion, not a little serve for the furtherance
of Christ's Catholic religion, and the universal commodity and
surety of Christendom. The King's conduct towards the rebels is
altogether at variance with his profession of friendship. Means not
to provoke quarrels, but if assailed, shall not fail to take such steps
as are befitting for her surety and honour, doubting not but by the
help of Almighty God she shall be well enough able to defend herself, her country, and subjects, and meet with any injury that shall
be any ways offered to her. Although the offence of Peter Carew
is great, yet being naturally inclined to mercy, he shall be forgiven, should he be sincere in repenting his fault and, earnestly
desiring to serve her Majesty, confess and open the circumstances
thereof to Wotton. [Draft. Corrected by Petre. Sixteen pages.] |
