|
Oct. 3.
Padua. |
542. Peter Vannes to Sir William Petre. Is constrained to be
briefer than he ought by the shortness of time and the weariness he
is in from travelling to post and pillar only for any open trial and
assured declaration of the truth in forma autentica, to which he
was moved for the Queen's honour, that by silent murmurs was by
wicked persons and ignorant people unworthy and much blotted,—
ignorant people who do not consider that of a godly woman can
nothing proceed but godly acts. Has obtained, by the Podesta's
command and all his magistrates' doing here, that the late Earl of
Devonshire's servants, four physicians, two surgeons, that have had
him in cure and have been privy to his opening and searching, have
been sworn and examined before witnesses as to the disease of
which he died. Their depositions and testimonies remain with him
till he has the Queen's commandment. Has obtained from the
chief magistrate of this city the consignment of the writings that
were found in the Earl's chamber after his death to the assured
keeping of the Podesta or his successor until the Queen's pleasure be
known by her letters to them. Has caused an inventory to be
made of the moveables brought forth upon oath by the Earl's
servants to remain in their custody. Prays the Queen's pardon for
having done this without commission. The matters between the
Pope and the Duke of Alva tend to the continuance of war; all
practices of peace are utterly excluded. The Pope, it is written,
had thought to take the Duke prisoner under colour of a meeting;
and for this purpose had commanded that a very good number of
soldiers from various garrisons should suddenly intercept him
between the place of meeting and the camp. It chanced, however,
that the Duke came accompanied by 1,000 horsemen and 500
arquebusiers, and so the Pope was disappointed. Cannot tell what
will be the end. The Pope greatly prepares with the French King's
help, and the Duke lacks no furniture. [Two pages.] |
Oct. 8.
Paris. |
543. Dr. Wotton to the Council. On the 20th ult. received theirs
of the 16th, his Majesty being then on his way from Val Luisant
[Vauluisant] to Paris, where he arrived on the 25th. On the 28th
had audience, and declared his instructions concerning the Sacrette.
His Majesty said the vessel was well known to be his own and
built at his own expense; that his word ought to be taken therein,
that the thing was of very small importance and in a manner
unworthy to be committed to Commissioners; and therefore
trusted her Majesty would have the same regard to his word as
she would expect him to have of hers in a like case. To Wotton's
arguments his Majesty at length said he would talk about it to the
Constable, with whom Wotton had already conferred and found
him even more earnest in the matter than the King; but after the
feast of the Order is over, he will again be in hand with the Constable. On the 1st inst. Senarpont, who is now Knight of the
Order, came to him from the Constable to mention that it was considered by the Master of Requests, who was appointed one of the
Commissioners for the matter of Sandingfeld, that upon this change
of weather, after the long fair and dry season, it will be very uneasy
to travel, specially in low countries as the Boulognois. Wherefore
the Constable thought that, if it so contented her Majesty, it were
better to defer till the spring; but if it did not, the original
appointment should hold good. Desires to know her Majesty's
pleasure. By Senarpont's conversation it seems they reckon at this
meeting to settle not only the question of Sandingfeld but of the
limits, and that bounds and marks shall be set up so as to prevent
any disputes in future. At the request of Sir Nicholas Throckmorton sends some letters to them and others unsealed. Of
late he has been several times with Wotton; and by his words
seems to have a good affection to her Majesty and not to meddle
with the doings of the rebels. Colby has also been with him;
desires much to return home, says he never meant but well to the
Queen and only came here to watch the rebels and apprize her
Majesty of their designs, as set forth in his letter inclosed (missing).
Knows nothing of the man otherwise, and wishes to know how he
shall comport himself to him. Has perused Killigrew's examination, in which it seems to him the chief thing of all is lacking, viz.,
the gift of the Sacrette made directly by the King to the Killigrews; which alone would suffice if such had been made and could
be shown. But none such being made, it will be hard to prove the
donation. It is true that by the examination it seems the Admiral
had an order from the King to deliver the Sacrette and her fittings
to the Killigrews, which the Admiral said he kept for his warrant
and discharge: also that the Admiral wrote two letters to the ViceAdmiral La Meilleraye, that the King had given the vessel to the Killigrews, and therefore commanded him to deliver her to them; and
also that he gave a written order to Jour de Mare for her delivery
to them, as of the King's gift. All which writings, or any of them,
would make some kind of proof; but how it is possible to come by
any of them, he cannot devise. Killigrew says that 30 or 40
persons were present when De Mare delivered to him the furniture
of the ship: yet that does not seem to prove the gift of the vessel,
for the like might have been done had the King only lent her.
The common voice and fame must be proved by witnesses before a
judge, and how that could be done here, he is equally unable to see.
Besides the people of Newhaven are so unruly, and bear so little
good-will to the English, that any one going thither to take information would be in much danger of his life. On hearing that
M. A. Colonna has taken several places of the Pope, though of
minor importance, such as Pontecorvo, Frosilone, Anagni, &c., the
French King has resolved immediately to send troops to aid his
Holiness; yet many think these troops are not going to Rome but
to Piedmont for the invasion of Milan, thereby to draw off the
Imperial troops from the Papal States. The French are to send
Swiss, French, men-at-arms, and light horse, and with them the
Duke D'Aumale and Damville the Constable's son. The Pope
is said to have solicited aid from the Seigniory of Venice and the
Duke of Mantua: what the former will do is doubtful, the Pope
seeming to have been first invaded. Should Milan be invaded
the King [Philip] must make vigorous resistance at the beginning,
as any marked loss on that side might peril all his interests in Italy,
considering the wavering minds of that nation and the present
state of affairs there. Brissac is so afflicted with the gout that it
must be some time before he can return to Piedmont. They say
that whenever Colonna takes any place of the Pope, he removes his
family arms and substitutes those of the Holy See, pretending that
the place shall be kept for the See and the Pope's successors. The
Abbot of St. Saluce has lately gone to Flanders of his own accord,
as he says, to mention to King Philip certain communications
between him and Caraffa, which implies that the Pope would be
well content to listen to some good agreement. But men think it
nothing likely that the Cardinal should use any kind of talk with
him, seeing that all the while he was here he seemed to do nothing
but to ring alarms to set Princes by the ears, at the very time
when he pretended to have come for a peace and a general Council.
The Abbot therefore is more probably sent by the Constable under
the aforesaid pretence, and at his return he has given some hope
that his Majesty will be well content to treat of a peace on very
reasonable terms. Indeed it is reported that the Emperor's Ambassador has made such declarations to the French King of his
Majesty's mind, that the former takes it in very good part. Does
not hear anything of this from the Ambassador: will rather wish
and pray for some good end, than trust much upon it. Colonna
now besieges Veletri, 20 miles from Rome, in which are said to be
2,000 foot and 400 horse, under command of the Duke di Soma, a
fugitive of Naples. The Duke of Alva makes as if this matter touched
him never a whit, although he has a good force in readiness, on the
ground that the Pope is in arms and has so many troops about him.
After the feast of the Order had written to the Constable about the
Sacrette, but received no reply until to-day, a thing in the meantime having chanced to the Constable which has troubled him more
perhaps than anything ever has. The Constable still insisted that
the Sacrette belonged to his Majesty, but referred him to De l'Aubespine, who followed the same line, whereby it seems they intend
not that Commissioners shall meddle with the matter; and it is to
be noticed in the handling hereof, that the King would not himself give the answer, but shifted it to the Constable, who in turn
transferred it to De l'Aubespine. Enters very fully into the question of the property of the Sacrette, sifting the examination of Peter
Killigrew, repelling by positive facts the pretences of the French
King, and showing his bad faith; concluding that even if the
Sacrette does belong to the King, his lending her to the Killigrews,
and allowing her to be armed and provisioned in his ports without
the usual caution required by the treaty, renders him liable for all
injuries and damages done by the Killigrews, and therefore the
vessel may be detained by those who have suffered the injuries
until compensation has been received. What troubled the Constable was this: in the desire for the greatness of the house of
Montmorency, after having procured his son to be made a Knight of
the Order, and obtained for him the governorship of Paris and the
Isle of France, he had arranged a marriage between him and the
Duchess of Castres, the King's [base] daughter, on which occasion he
intended further to have resigned in his favour the office of Grand
Master. But after providing the feast for this marriage, which
should have been solemnized within the last eight or ten days, and
in honour of which great jousts and tournays had been prepared, the
young man declared to the Admiral and his father that he could not
find it in his conscience to go through with the marriage, having
been for a long time ensured to another gentlewoman, named
Piennes, whose sister was married to Sipierre, of the Privy Chamber,
at the time when Lord Clinton was here. This so upset the Constable that he left the Court for his own house, where he lay certain
days to digest his choler, seeing all his hopes frustrated, and those
who have seen him report him to be greatly changed in his appearance. The young man is put under guard, and the lady sent to a
convent; whereby it seems they seek yet some remedy for this
matter, for if Piennes could be content to be a nun, then might the
other marriage take effect; at least if the first be not consummated,
as Wotton doubts whether it be. Mendoza, the Maitre d'Hotel,
who was to take money for payment of the Swiss, has not yet left:
and the Duke of Ferrara's Ambassador seems prepared to return in
post to his master. The Prince of Ferrara has had a relapse, but is
likely to recover. News have arrived that Colonna's troops have
made courses almost to the very gates of Rome, and the Pope has
sent Cardinals St. Jacomo and Trani to commune with Alva to
fall to some agreement; but those who know the Pope's obstinacy
think he will not agree, as long as he may be in hope of succour
from the French. [Ten pages and a half. Partly in cipher,
deciphered.] |
Oct. 8.
Paris. |
544. Dr. Wotton to Sir William Petre. Whether it be Dr. Martin,
or whoever else, he shall be welcome when he comes. As for
Petre's office, knowing the weakness of his body, and the pains
and travail he has sustained therein already, cannot but think
he does well to leave it. And because the office is so easy and
pleasant, and Wotton so meet a man for it, Petre may be assured
that he must needs thank him as much as the thing deserves, that
would wish him to it. "I am now so broken through age since
my coming hither, that you shall not know me when you see me.
And therefore it is time for me to get me into a corner, and take
me to my beads, and to remember that we have not here permanentem civitatem, and therefore to begin to put on my boots, and
prepare myself to go to the other place where we look to rest."
The King kept the feast of the Order here in Notre Dame, more
solemnly than wont. Besides his Majesty the following 24 Knights
were present; the Constable; the Duc D'Aumale; Boissy, le
Grand Ecuyer; Marshal Brissac; M. D'Enghien; Count della
Mirandola; M. D'Estrees; Prince de Condé; Baron de Courton;
Ludovico di Birago; M. de Montmorency, the Constable's eldest
son; and M. D'Andelot, the Admiral's brother. These sat on his
Majesty's right. On his left were, the Duke of Guise; Duke of
Nemours; the Admiral; the Marshal St. André; M. de Lorges; the
Vidame of Chartres; Prince of Ferrara; M. de Bonnivet; M. de Bellay;
Alphonso D'Este, base brother to the Duke of Ferrara; M. de
Senarpont, Captain of Boulogne; and the Marquis d'Elbœuf, youngest
brother of the house of Guise. The three last were recently created.
Hears that the Vicomte de Turenne and two Italians are named to
it. It would have been a goodly sight, could they have appointed
a place for every living Knight of the Order; for then the choir
of Nôtre Dame would not have served, and scantly the body of the
church, for the purpose, so numerous are they, ex omni natione
quœ sub cœlo est. Noticed that there were present two brothers of
the name of Bourbon; three brothers of the house of Lorraine or
Guise; two of the names of Montmorency, father and son; two of
the name of Coligny or Chastillon, brothers; two of the name of
Este, uncle and nephew; and two of the name of Gonffier, viz., the
Grand Ecuyer and Bonnivet, kinsmen. Thomas Stafford and Sir
Robert have quarrelled again, in such sort that Sir Robert has
contrived to have the other cast into the vilest prison of Rouen
among thieves and such honest companions, on the ground that
Thomas and his men went armed in Rouen seeking Sir Robert's
life. And as it is contrary to law to go armed in Rouen, Sir Robert
managed to have the other caught, armed with shirt and hosen of
mail. Thomas threatening to be even with him for this year, Sir
Robert has come to the Court, suing earnestly to have the extremity
of the law to pass against Thomas. Thinks he cannot prevail.
"If ever there were a tragico-comedia played, surely these men
played it." Montmorency is to be married to the Duchess de
Castres. Selve, who was Ambassador in England, is sent to Rome,
and Dabanson is revoked. The latter is likely to be made Garde
des Sceaux, if the present one, who is very ill, dies, or is made
Cardinal. Asheton and certain of that company are abroad on the
sea, which is thought to be the greatest succour that these honest
men trust to live by here. It were well if they could be met with,
having already done hurt to the King and Queen's subjects, and
perhaps may get such prizes as may encourage them and their
fellows to attempt greater things. Since writing, has heard of the
chance happened to the Constable and his son, the particulars
whereof he has written to the Council. |
|
P.S.—Since closing his letter to the Council, has heard that
Mendoza left this morning; the money had preceded him. Also
that the Romans grudge sore against the Pope for past losses and
fear of another sack, and do what they can to move him to some
agreement. Six hundred men-at-arms and 500 light horse are
ordered to be in readiness by the 20th inst. to go to Piedmont;
and Brissac, weak as he is, is pressed to return to his charge there.
[Three pages.] |
Oct. 10.
Rome. |
545. Sir Edward Carne to Queen Mary. Since his letter of the
3d inst. it is reported that the Duke of Alva lies at Tivoli, and has
taken the town of Vicovaro without resistance of the townsmen; so
that the Pope's soldiers there were compelled to leave, except those
that were in the rock there in the name of Signor John Paulo di
Vicinis, Lord of the town. It is said that the Duke will now attack
Reati, 40 miles from this, in the confines of Naples, for the sake of
having provision for his army brought nearer and surer. On the
4th all the Pope's soldiers were mustered out of the city; they were
in number above 7,000 foot and 520 horse well appointed, but he
has no army in camp, nor is likely to have, for lack of money.
Since then about 100 more horse and a small number of foot have
come. The Pope has taken all the corn in the city at a fixed price,
which shall be paid by certain officers when they fall in. The
bakers can bake no bread but of this corn, and the loaf is reduced
from eight to four ounces, but the price is the same as when it
consisted of the eight. It is moreover to be made of a certain
whiteness, "and no man shall bake within himself but must buy of
the bakers, whereby it is waxen very dear." Yesterday a messenger
went from the Senate of Venice to the Duke of Alva to protest
that they will defend the lands of the Church. Hears that the Pope
sent a messenger to the Duke to know why he made war against
him, and whether he did so of himself or by commission from his
Majesty. About seven days ago he also sent Fabricio de Sanguine,
a kinsman of his own, to his Majesty, to offer to treat of a peace
with him, which he will not with the Duke; and it is said to
signify his contentment to put the variance between him and his
Majesty in the French King's hand. It is also said that the
English Ambassador with the French King has moved him in his
Majesty's behalf already. The city is so strait kept that no man
can forth of the gates without a special licence from Cardinal Caraffa.
[Two pages.] |
Oct. 10.
Venice. |
546. Peter Vannes to Sir William Petre. The proceedings of the
Duke of Alva daily prosper, and being master of the field he has
already reduced several towns, rather with yielding than with much
fighting, furnishing his camp with sufficient victuals, whereof they
had much need. He has of late taken a strong castle and a town
called Vicovaro, and those places which he brings to the King's will
he orders very gently, paying for all his army takes and ministering
justice in all things; whereas at Rome much rigorosity is used, and
the Pope's soldiers handle the people there with much extremity,
hurt, and damage. Thinks by what he hears say that the Pope
might have had reasonable agreements at the Duke of Alva's hands
if he had been disposed to condescend to the reasonable assurance
of the realm of Naples and to some other capitulations, which
seems to be impossible unless Signor Marc Antonio Colonna were
restored to his estates, which are as a strong bulwark to the realm
of Naples, and competent hostages given by the Pope during his
life. To any of these things it will be hard to bring the Pope, for
he is of a stout nature, and greatly encouraged by the French and
by the hope that he has conceived that all Princes and nations of
Christendom should take his part and reckon his quarrel lawful and
just. Upon this he has made in the Consistory a great lamentation
against Princes and Potentates that are so slack in helping him
and the Church. In case necessity should compel him he had
rather abandon Rome and retire from the manifest danger to some
place where he should not be compelled to do anything contrary to
his mind and dignity. The Frenchmen's help is very far off, though
they have made provision in banks here to the amount of 300,000
crowns. As he cannot tell for what purpose, he is slow to believe
they will spend it in vain or in doubtful enterprises. And because
it might well be that the French, to divert the Duke of Alva, should
break war in Lombardy, thinks the Germans who have arrived
at Trent will be bestowed in divers garrisons for the better
assurance of the King's estates and affairs in Lombardy. Sends
herewith a discourse of these wars and the state of occurrents at
Rome up to the present date, written from Rome by a wise man.
Perceives by it that those successes are not in such towardness as
the Pope and the inhabitants would have it. For his part, as a
poor man that hath nought ado withal, would wish a good agreement and peace, and that the King should be well assured of his
estates, and some way were taken for the restoring and recompence
of Marc Antonio, and the matter so arranged that other Princes
should not suspect the Duke of Alva after one kind of victory of
ensearching further, in which case "we might bring all in our
neck." Has no more to say of the Earl of Devonshire's matters
than he has already written, except that his servants look to him
for their expenses in Italy and their conduct money homewards,
the which he cannot do, having none himself, but as he can borrow
and be trusted from time to time upon interest of exchanges. The
plague continues here, but not so cruelly as before. The eschewing
of it, by removing from place to place, has cost him two pennies
and more. Is sorry to hear that Petre is at times somewhat
troubled with a spice of the strangolione [quinsey]. Does not know
the peculiarities of it, but intending to go to Padua within three
days will consult with his friends as to the kind of remedy most
propice for him. [Three pages. Indorsed by Petre.] |
Oct. 14.
Konigsberg. |
547. Albert, Marquis of Brandenburg, to Queen Mary. Begs to
continue his annual habit of sending falcons; requests her Majesty's
acceptance of those now transmitted herewith, and trusts that she
enjoys the sport. [Latin. Broadside.] |
Oct. 18.
Paris. |
548. Dr. Wotton to the Council. The Prothonotary de Noailles,
now Bishop D'Acqs, has been with him, and stated that, although
on account of his own private affairs he could have desired to
remain here awhile, yet being urged by the King and the Constable to depart, he intends in three or four days to take his journey
to England in post, for so he is commanded to do, there to continue as Ambassador, and his brother, the agent, is to return
home. [Three pages. The greater portion in cipher, undeciphered.] |
Oct. 19.
Paris. |
549. Same to Secretaries Sir William Petre and Sir John
Bourne, and either of them. Is informed that a Frenchman named
Nicolas Devisat, formerly teacher to the Duke of Somerset's
children, and who fled from England, for falsifying letters as he
believes, has gone, or will go shortly, to Calais to teach the children
of the Comptroller there. He has recently been with the French
King, and has received good reward; indeed, strange as it appears,
is said to have been appointed of the Privy Chamber; so that,
being a crafty child, it is thought he goes not thither but to practise some matter of importance. Wherefore suggests that if he
goes to Calais, it were well done to hearken diligently to his
doings; and in case he has committed the offence in England above
referred to, that may be a good occasion to talk with him a little
whensoever any cause of suspicion shall appear against him. |
|
P.S.—The Admiral is still at the Court, and a number of captains
waiting orders. [One page. In cipher, deciphered.] |
Oct. 20.
Paris. |
550. Same to Queen Mary. Has just been informed that the
French King has a design upon Calais and the neighbouring places,
for which purpose Senarpont has gone down, and is concentrating
all the troops in these quarters at Boulogne, to be in readiness
when occasion shall serve. His informant had this from one of the
rebels, some of whom, believed to be Bryan Fitzwilliams and the
Horseys, have been lately on her Majesty's frontiers, practising to
further the matter. The person would not have told him if he had
not believed it to be true; and it seems the French King has to
do this in consequence of some faction or dissension in Calais for
religion's sake, to which some commission vigorously used may have
given occasion. Her Majesty may think this inconsistent with the
King's fair words, yet he cannot but certify her of this, considering
its importance. Reports as to Nicolas Devisat, concerning whom
he has written in another letter [supra]. [Two pages. Cipher,
deciphered.] |
Oct. 24.
Padua. |
551. Peter Vannes to Sir William Petre. Has not omitted at
any occasion offered him to give the Council knowledge of such
occurrences as he has thought worthy advertisement. The matters
between the Pope and the King remain in the same state as when
he previously wrote, and the Duke of Alva offers and is ready to
accept any honest conditions of agreement, not refusing to compromise these quarrels in this Seigniory's hands, so that a way may
be found for the assurance of the realm of Naples, which it will be
hard to do, considering the Pope's constancy and disinclination to
change his determined enterprises, lawful and just, as he says, and
that it is not according to his dignity and estate that he should
put in a compromise that thing that is assuredly his own; considering also the great preparations the Pope is making still in
every place, and the French [King] also for his Holiness' behoof,
with many brave letters and messages "that he will come in his
own person to defend him in his own quarrel," the hope and trust in
which, some men think, make the Pope somewhat stiffer in condescending to any agreement. All this notwithstanding, the
Seigniory makes earnest and secret labour in proposing divers
conditions to both sides to bring the war to peace, as a thing
most necessary in Christendom. Meanwhile preparations on both
sides and increasing of soldiers do not cease, as appears by advices
from Rome inclosed. Having nothing of greater moment, forbears
to trouble the Council with his vain letters. Hourly looks for the
Queen's expedition for his revocation, and hopes by her benevolence,
if his age serve him, once ere he dies to kiss her feet, and presently
to do reverence to the Council. [One page and a quarter. Indorsed
by Petre.] Inclosing, |
|
551. I. Intelligence from Rome, October 17, 1556. Monday
evening the Venetian Secretary returned from the Duke
of Alva, having been well entertained by him, and performed the office committed to him by the chief persons
here, to the end that war may terminate, the affairs of
Italy be accommodated with the Pope, and the peace of
Italy be not placed in new embarrassments; and that the
Duke might conform to what King Philip has always
said by his Ambassador, that he did not wish for war
with his Holiness nor to have any pretext for entering
the States of the Church, but that he only wished to secure
the affairs of the Empire from molestation. The Duke
sought to justify himself by showing intercepted letters,
the processes of many plots against the Empire, declaring
that what he had done he was forced to do for the security
of the Empire, and had done it like a son who takes the
sword out of his father's hand to the end that he may not
injure him, and that his King has not the slightest wish
to occupy the States of the Church; and that his good
intentions may be known he is content to remit all the
controversies which he has with his Holiness into the
hands of this most illustrious Seigniory, and to abide by
its decision. With this good news he has allowed him to
come hither having further treated with him on the
method of securing matters. The Secretary having been
with the Ambassador of his Holiness to give him a par
ticular account of all that he has negotiated with the
Duke, and having also exhorted his Holiness by the public
benefit and the safety of the Holy See, to content himself
that matters might be accommodated so that there might
be peace in Italy and the truce be maintained, the Pope
thanked him for the offices which the Republic had done,
and for their friendly remembrances, but, matters being
so advanced, he would have desired rather aid than
counsel from the Seigniory, especially as from the injustice
of the cause of his adversaries his honour and dignity
would be done away with, and he could not, preserving
his authority and jurisdiction, compromise that which
was clear and render it obscure, hoping that God would
aid his cause and that succour would not be wanting to
him. Having heard that he causes [mass] to be celebrated
daily though he is excommunicated, he spoke of it with
much heat. And it is thought that there will be a Consistory
to deprive the King of his kingdom, and to excommunicate the Duke, anathematizing him and all who
support him, his Holiness with an unconquered mind
resolving to do nothing unworthy of the place nor the
charge which he holds. He has dispatched a courier to
France to give a particular account to the King of all
that has followed, and to solicit aid and succour from
him. Mons. de Selve is hourly expected; he comes as
Ambassador in room of the one who was gone to set right
the state of Milan. In four days the Secretary Buccioro
is expected, he comes by the long route; with his arrival
will be cleared up what he has done with them, and
whether it is to continue the war or to make peace. Since
the taking of Vicovaro the Duke has made no more progress, but has stationed the troops in many places, and
moved the artillery from Tivoli to Veletri to besiege it.
Some of his men are at Tivoli, some at Frascati, at Grotta
Ferrata, Marino, Rocca del Papa, Albano, and Riccia.
He has issued orders that sowing may be done with
security, and that cattle shall not be seized under the
heaviest penalties. The Pope at the prayer of the Romans
is content that sowing may be done to prevent a dearth
next year. On Friday night 15 French gallies sailed
from Civita Vecchia and took up at Ostia six companies
of soldiers, who were ordered thence to take Neptuno and
burn a portable bridge, many barques, ladders, biscuits,
ropes, and other munitions, which 10 gallies of Sicily
had unladen there that they might be conveyed thence to
the camp. Having reached the place two hours before
daylight and disembarked 500 men, they began to batter
it from the sea with great fury, and alarmed the inhabitants to such an extent that they talked of surrendering,
which caused the assailants to cease for a short while. A
frigate having come out a galley was at once ordered to
take her, which she could not do, and this again caused an
interruption of the battering; day breaking and it being
seen that the enemy were very few and that the bombardment had done little harm, they forthwith constructed
forts and at mid-day the infantry embarked with the loss
of seven or eight killed and 11 wounded, when a storm
having arisen which caused them to ship water, being
unable to complete the enterprise they returned to Cività
Vecchia. Although great things are written from France
touching the aid which the King will order, yet seeing it
is far off and slow, everybody desires peace and prays
God not to ruin entirely the Roman Court and the States
of the Church. Nineteen gallies have gone from Genoa
to Spain to raise money and men, and 18 more are
going to embark Spaniards at Spezzia and Italians at
Leghorn to take them into the Empire, and by another
way to convey the Germans. It is said that the Nuncio
wrote from the Court of France that he hopes 40 days will
not pass without the two Kings coming to an agreement.
Yesterday friar Thomas Manrique was summoned to the
palace to be sent back to the Duke of Alva in reference to
an accommodation, and to-day there has been a congregation of Cardinals in the house of San Jacomo to
that end, and it will send back the friar to the said Duke.
Archbishop Sauli has been put in the castle, whence
perhaps he will not come out without scalding himself
with hot water. Sig. Camillo Colonna could give him
his life; by what they say, he has confessed since his wife
was taken to have sought to give a gate to the enemy.
[Italian. Five pages.] |
|
551. II. Intelligence from Rome, of same date. This evening all
the Romans who were put off to this time on the question
of the negotiations for peace by Caraffa, (who, for change
of air and a little retirement and repose since the misfortune, is for three days at Montecavallo,) assembled in
the house of San Jacomo, and have resolved to send back
the same friar Thomas to the Duke of Alva to re-open the
negotiations for peace; believes he will go to-morrow.
Yesterday the courier came from France with letters
from the King, which the writer hears speak boldly of the
wish and resolve of the King to help the Pope even with
his person in necessity; and they expect in two or three
days the Secretary Buceres, who waited to be sent off with
the resolution of many particulars when the courier left.
In a day or two M. de Selve, the new French Ambassador,
is expected here. There is no fresh news touching the
army outside the city. Describes the expedition to
Neptuno and its failure as in the preceding intelligence.
Marshal Strozzi went this morning to inspect Cività
Vecchia and will return hither. Monluc has gone to
Montalcino. To-day Archbishop Sauli was imprisoned in the castle; does not yet know the cause. He
was here under a bond of 20,000 crowns not to leave
Rome without licence. It was said this evening that one
Emilio Rouiano had been arrested in virtue of a treaty.
[Italian. One page.] |
|
551. III. Intelligence from Milan, October 14, 1556. The Cardinal of Trent, who is at present Governor of Milan, had
commanded the Spaniards and German veterans in that
state at Spezzia, to go to the Duke of Alva; has since recalled
the Germans because it was not right that the state should
suddenly be deprived of all its veterans, especially as he
understood that at the end of the present month Mons. de
Brissac, Birago, and other captains with 6,000 Swiss,
6,000 French, and 400 lances, were coming into Piedmont, and already some movement is perceived at the
frontiers. Next Monday will be made the consignment
of Piacenza to Duke Octavio, whose wife and son have
already arrived here; the former is about to set out for
the Court of King Philip, her brother, and desiring to
take her son with her, asked licence of the Cardinal, who
replied that he had no such order but to send him into
Spain. She then prayed his reverence to write to the
King that as he intended to order her son into Spain he
would be content to keep him in Flanders near his
Majesty. [Italian. Half a page.] |
|
551. IV. [Oct. sine loco.] Had no time yesterday evening, the
despatch having been received at night, to make a copy of
the other letters except that of Simonetta, and order one of
another which contains matters of importance; besides
this has to mention an accident which befel the Pope
since the penultimate despatch, in consequence of which it
was thought that he would have departed this life; also
that Mons. Monluc in returning from a certain service
fell into an ambuscade and was taken prisoner, but in
exchange for him they gave six of their men. Yesterday
the Imperialists received letters of the 9th, announcing
that the Emperor on the 28th ult. arrived in Spain in a
port called Laredo safely, and that King Philip remitted
to the Seigniory all the differences with the Pope. Advices
have been received from France that nuptials being about
to be solemnized between the son of the Constable and the
natural daughter of the King, late wife of the Duke
Horatio, the son of the Constable seeing that he could not
escape, threw himself on his knees before the King and
said that he could not take his daughter to wife, because
when in prison he had engaged himself to a maid of
honour of Queen Mary, and that the King took it very
cheerfully, commending the young man for his well doing
in discovering the matter. [Italian. Half a page.] |
Oct. 28.
Paris. |
552. John Peter to Lord Paget, Lord Privy Seal. Requests that
he will intercede with her Majesty to allow him the pension of
25l. for life given to him by King Henry VIII. and King Edward
VI., or else a benefice whereby he may be able to serve in England,
and in the meantime to send him a piece of money by the bearer
to support him till he be provided for. If not, intreats him to
write to the Ambassador that he may provide for himself, and no
longer rest in hope of a life in England. On the 14th a servant
of James McConnell, who lately had the overthrow in Ireland, came
here with letters from him to the Vidame: the same servant had
previously been last Shrovetide with letters and credit to the
Vidame, and left at Easter. Of whatever from time to time shall
be practised between them, a jot shall not be unknown to her
Majesty. [Three pages.] |
Oct. 29.
Paris. |
553. Dr. Wotton to Queen Mary. On the 23d received her
Majesty's letter of the 19th, and on the 25th had audience of the
King, when he declared his instructions concerning the Commissioners, and entered upon the subject of the Sacrette, maintaining, as
before, the same line of argument on the King's liability. His
Majesty said he thought the business of the Commissioners might
better have been done in the spring for divers considerations; but
seeing the Queen wished it done now, it should be, although the
Commissioners could not be at the place appointed for five or
six days, partly for that the ways and weather are now very foul,
and because their commission and instructions required to be renewed and augmented. Maintained his opinion as to the Sacrette,
yet said that also should be disposed of by the Commissioners.
Thereafter, went over the same ground with the Constable, with
similar objections and the like result. Noted that the King was
somewhat shorter with him this time than he used to be, appearing to have consented reluctantly; and, referring to the Sacrette,
"the Constable in his talk used this, or a like kind of saying:—
'Well, seeing the Queen will not take the King's word for sufficient in this so small a matter, a God's name, let the Commissioners have the hearing of it too!' as though he did agree to it,
but with some discontentation." Had endeavoured without
success to induce them to speak on the point of their sending of
troops to the borders. Next morning wrote to the Constable
to ascertain when the Commissioners should be upon the borders.
Finding that he had gone from the Court to his residence here, the
messenger followed him and delivered the letter. At this the Constable seemed nothing pleased, and asked wherefore he was come
to seek him there ? "Marry, Sir," quoth my man, "for because I
have a letter to deliver unto you from my master, the Ambassador
of England." "Retirez vous," quoth the Constable, "Je lui ferai
réponse." The following day received the inclosed letter from De
l'Aubespine, whereby her Majesty will see that they intend not
the meeting should be so soon, as he thought they had meant it to
be; and he cannot but remark the somewhat rude answer and
fashion used to his servant by the Constable: as also that whereas
formerly when the Constable would send him an answer, it was
usually brought by some gentleman or secretary in name of the
Constable, and if in writing, the same was in the Constable's own
hand; on the last occasion he caused De l'Aubespine to make the
answer, "and now he has not written himself, but De l'Aubespine
writes it." Further, the latter makes no mention at all of the
Sacrette, so that it does not appear whether the Commissioners will
hear that matter or not, although the King himself said he was
contented they should. On the 21st went to see the Emperor's
Ambassador, who next day sent him word that after he had left, a
person came to inform the Ambassador that Chesnes was gone down
to Boulogne, where he would disguise himself, and by help of
some French and Flemish merchants would as one of their company
go to Calais, there to practise secretly with some in that town with
whom he has intelligence. This Chesnes is a meet man for such
an enterprise, being the same who by subtlety took the town of
Marano from the King of Bohemia about 14 years ago. Dudley
and others of the band are now in Paris, and he hears that the
King has been very good to him, and given him a licence for corn,
which will produce him a good deal of money; whereof, although
men have said he has lack, yet hears that he keeps a very good
table. Hears that another of the same name, some cousin, has
lately joined him. Others of the band seem to be in good hope to
have charge of troops in case of war, and reckon to have soldiers
enough out of England to fill up their companies, and some say
Dudley shall be Colonel of all English that serve. Sir N. Throckmorton occasionally visits him, telling him all that he hears, and
seems to have a faithful mind to her Majesty and his country.
Cannot perceive that the Dauphin is yet full recovered of his
quartan. During the time he remains here neither will nor diligence shall be wanting to her Majesty's service, but his skill and
knowledge being so simple as they are, and having to do with so
crafty and deceitful wits as these are, he doubts much how he shall
be able to do any good service, especially having so little means to
get any good intelligence of their secret and crafty purposes and
intents. For a good while they have either looked or wished for
the coming hither of Ruy Gomez, upon the report of the Emperor's
Ambassador, but he says not so; and now the Count of Chalon,
who was prisoner here, having paid his ransom, and gone to take
leave of Marshal de Brissac, they talked so much about seeking
some means to stay these businesses about Rome, that the Count,
after speaking with the King and Constable thereon, has written
in post to King Philip, so that men are in some hope good may
come of it. [Five pages. Partly in cipher, deciphered.] Incloses, |
|
553. I. Letter from De l'Aubespine. The Commissioners for
settling the boundaries will be on the frontiers on the
18th of next month. [French. Half a page.] |
