|
May 1.
Antwerp. |
758. Thomas Gresham to Queen Mary. Refers to his letter of the
26th ult. Has since bargained with Martin Fleynzorn for 3,000l.
at 14 per cent., to be repaid the 20th May twelvemonth. Also with
Balthazar Kynnyng for 4,000l. at the same rate, to be repaid in
the payments of the Paiz-Mart come a year, and has purchased
many things of which he has advertised the Council. Intends, with
the leave of God, to ride this week to Brussels to obtain licence
from the King for the transportation of 100,000l. into England.
Will write thence to her Majesty. [One page.] |
May 1.
Antwerp. |
759. Same to Secretary Boxall. Refers to his letter of 26th ult.,
and requests the usual bonds for Fleynzorn and Kynnyng may be
sent. Has purchased 700 morions, 150 pair of sleeves of mail,
100 splints, and 100 skulls, so that there is no more to be got
here at present. Has sent one of his men to Wesel and all places
in Germany where harness or dags are made, and has effected by
exchange 2,000l. for the better accomplishment of her Majesty's
provisions. Can do no more, as all armour was bought up here
after his coming. Hears nothing of Pickering for payment of
money but for his diets. In her Majesty's warrant no mention is
made in what money, sterling or Flemish, Pickering is to be paid.
As Pickering desires to be paid in sterling money, which at the rate
of exchange on the Bourse makes a difference of six per cent.,
requests a sufficient warrant specifying in which he is to pay.
[One page and half.] |
May 3.
Greenwich. |
760. Warrant from Queen Mary to Thomas Gresham to pay
3,055l. to Benjamin Gonson, Treasurer of the Admiralty, for masts
and tackle provided beyond seas for her Majesty's ships by William
Watson, merchants. [Minute. Broadside.] |
May 4.
Brussels. |
761. Herman Peper to Sir William Pickering. The Duke of Savoy
having desired him to undertake to arm the regiment of Colonel
William Walterdon [Wallerthum] at the same price and under the
same conditions as the other colonels in the service of the King have
been supplied (as by copies inclosed), has agreed with the said
Colonel to deliver to him at his own expense at the place of
musters a certain quantity of different kinds of arms amounting to
the sum of 6,000 crowns of gold, which arms he is to deliver to his
captains in such quantities as they shall require, taking from the
Colonel or captains a letter of obligation to permit the Treasurer
to deduct from their pay the cost of the arms. As he has no power
of suing the regiment for payment begs that Gresham or Alex.
Bonvisi, the factors of England in Antwerp, may be appointed to
accept the letters of the Colonel or his captains, and to give orders
for payment, with power to these factors to send such letters to the
Treasurer and stop the amount from the pay of the said Colonel
or captains. Begs that he may be paid by the Ambassador 1,000
gold crowns, which he will abate from his last payment, in order
to get the arms from the workmen and pay the conveyances and
extraordinary expenses, and an assurance from the Queen of the
entire payment. [Two pages. French. A marginal note by
Pickering states that he has excepted the payment of any ready
money to Peper until the whole is due for the arms he shall deliver
to the soldiers.] Inclosing, |
|
761. I. Copy agreement between M. de Glaton, Master of the
Royal Artillery, and Herman Peper, harness merchant,
of Antwerp, for providing by order of the Duke of Savoy
arms for three or four regiments of high and low Germans in the King's service, with stipulations touching
the provision and payment. May 18, 1557. |
|
761. II. Copy, order to the receiver of artillery to pay to Peper
4,000l. Flemish for armour. May 20, 1557. [French.
One page and a half.] |
|
Translation of the preceding letter and inclosures. [Seven
pages.] |
May 5.
Brussels. |
762. Summary of the matters conducted on behalf of King
Philip by the Duke of Savoy by medium of the Envoy of Queen
Mary with Colonel Sir William Wallerthum for levying and
bringing to England a regiment of German infantry for the service
of that realm. Wallerthum at first required the same retainer and
entertainment which had formerly been given to foreign colonels
and himself while serving in England, but finally agreed to accept
the pay and terms usually allowed by his Majesty. He also asked
for the like pension given by his Majesty to the colonels on consideration of surrendering the old entertainment; but, as the
Envoy had no commission to promise such pension, his Majesty and
the Duke refused to grant any, but promised to recommend this
point to the Queen. The Colonel has agreed to deliver the soldiers
at Friesland, the place of muster, at the beginning of June, when
he will receive from their Majesties letters of retainer and entertain
ment with relative papers. Commissioners will be appointed to
attend there and then to take the musters and pay the soldiers
when one month's wages will be paid to the Colonel and his men
at the rate of fifteen batts or twenty-five patarts of Brabant the
florin, and at the same rate so long as they shall be employed.
[French. Two pages.] |
|
Translation of the preceding. [Two pages and a half.] |
May 6.
Brussels. |
763. Receipt granted by Colonel Sir William Wallerthum to
Sir William Pickering for the sum of 3,400 crowns paid to him
for his providing ten companies of German infantry to the service
of her Majesty. [Italian and German. Indorsed and accredited
by Pickering. One page.] |
May 6.
Suzain Castle. |
764. William, Lord Grey, of Wilton, to Queen Mary. Was in
hope to have had a passport to have sent over in March, and
therefore had on the 25th of that month written to the effect of
the present letter to her Majesty. But his man was caused to
return to him from Fontainebleau with a letter from the Duke
of Guise, signifying that the King would not then allow any
man of his to be sent over, but that his letters should be. Since
then has remained without any word or letter sent, since her
Majesty's gracious goodness to him by her pursuivant-at-arms
in the French camp before Guisnes, from either wife, child, or
kinsman, to his great grief and displeasure. Long since finds
himself true prisoner, though always desiring rather death than
dishonour. Has been ever since the 27th of March straightly
guarded by day, and lodged every night in the top of a tower,
which is the prison of the castle, 87 steps or griesses high,
under four locks, with two of the archers of the King's guard lying
in the same chamber with him, and two others lying without his
chamber door hard by it, and the rest betwixt his men and him,
his said men being also locked in their chamber every night, which
he thinks is against reason. Never yet knew prisoner, who had
once liberty upon his faith, should without his deserts be restrained
thereof. Has given his messenger charge to declare this his
exceeding strait and sharp imprisonment to his cousin Sir Edward
Hastings, that he might inform her Majesty thereof. Humbly
beseeches her Majesty to consider his case and small ability, and
therewith the estimation which the French have of him, which is
such that he shall never be able to redeem himself though he should
sell all the lands he has, and to extend her great goodness to redeem
him out of this his most unhappy misery and misfortune. Commits
himself to her Majesty's hands, on whom depends all his wealth
and comfort, and his life itself, which he would rather lose a
thousand times than once willingly to offend her Grace. [Two
pages.] |
May 7.
Rome. |
765. Sir Edward Carne to same. Since he wrote on the
30th ult. Francisco d'Este arrived, and after remaining five days
left yesterday morning for Montalcino, where he is General for the
French King. The cause of his coming is not certainly known,
but as far as can be learned it was to have a resolute answer of
such matters as he had moved on his former visit, and which had
been deferred until the return of Cardinal Caraffa; and further, as
informed, to attempt to make the Duke of Paliano refuse the
recompence appointed by his Majesty with Cardinal Caraffa, giving
up the duchy of Paliano to Sign. Marc Antonio Colonna, for which
the French King would give him the marquisate of Saluzzi and
Montalcino. Cannot perceive that any of the offers are accepted.
The Duke of Urbino's Ambassador has been with him by order
of his Grace, with the Duke and Duchess' commendation, and
mention to him that he had been with the Pope whom he found
very conformable, and highly commending the King, at whose
devotion are all the states of Italy. Montalcino is so compassed
with the lands of the Church and of the Dukes of Florence and
Urbino, and all about it barren, that it is impossible the French can
keep it long for lack of necessaries. Since Cardinal Caraffa's
return there has been no Consistory, and no talk hitherto of any
of the conclusions between him and his Majesty. The Duke of
Norfolk's dispensation is not yet granted: his Grace's agents and
messengers here have begun their suit with Cardinals Caraffa and
Naples, where they have fair words and no great haste of dispatch;
and otherwise than by them they cannot conveniently labour
thereabouts, seeing it is that way begun. One Sign. Martin
Guzman is expected here as Ambassador from the new Emperor
with his master's obedience to his Holiness; he had arrived at
Venice eight days ago. Letters had been received at Venice from
Constantinople of the 2d inst. mentioning that at St. George's tide
the Turk's navy should sail, consisting of 120 gallies with 30
great vessels for the carriage (called here palandre), and that
then the staff of office should be given to the General. Also
that the General of the Venetians should receive his staff there
on the 8th inst. and forthwith should set forth with their army.
In his last had mentioned the delivery of her letters under the
Privy Seal to Thomas Wilson in obedience to her command.
[Two pages and a quarter.] |
May 7.
Antwerp. |
766. Thomas Gresham to Secretary Boxall. Since his letter of
the 1st instant notifying his bargains with Martin Fleynzorn and
Balthazar Kynning, nothing has occurred worthy of writing. On
the 6th inst. received two letters from the Council of the 29th ult.
approving of his proceedings. Has also received a letter from the
Council for Sir Wm. Pickering, which he has sent with all diligence
to Brussels. Hears nothing from Pickering touching any payment
but for his diets, which he demands to be paid in sterling money
as the exchange goes at Antwerp. Having no sterling money but
Flemish, and no commission to pay sterling money to Pickering,
begs Boxall will ask the Council to obtain the Queen's warrant for
his better discharge in that matter. Intends to go to Brussels to
move the King to transport into his realm 100,000l. and to obtain
the Duke of Savoy's passport for articles which Sir Richard Southwell has written for; he has also written to Gresham and the
Lord Treasurer most effectuously for the sending away of her
Majesty's provision. Has written to the Council that there are
now four good ships of Antwerp lading for London, the like will
not be ready again for two months. The names [of their owners]
are Bartholomew Pallis, Thomas de Grave, Cornelius Hildernes,
and Clais Cornelisson, whom he has bound not to depart before
16th inst. Intends to lade in them for the Queen's account certain
armour and gunpowder specified, worth in all 2,600l. at least.
Has written to the Council to appoint proper wafters to the ships.
The same quantity of powder is not to be bought for money, for
there is no saltpetre nor coals to be had at any price. No more
splints, skulls, or morions to be had. As he has informed Boxall,
has sent one of his men into Germany to accomplish the Queen's
commission, and has delivered her Majesty's letters to Lazarus
Tucker. |
|
P.S.—Has received this day a letter from Sir Wm. Pickering to
pay 3,400 crowns by the King's order to Capt. Wallerthum. They
write that the charge of this band of Germans will be 10,000l.
Pickering only tarries his Majesty's dispatch in the premises. [Two
pages. See Burgon, Vol. i., p. 478.] |
May 9.
Brussels. |
767. Sir William Pickering to Secretary Boxall. Albeit he trusts
never to faint in the Queen's service, yet her approval of his
proceedings seems to encourage him in his duty. Wallerthum, after
Pickering had long looked for him, came to the Court on 19th April.
Hoped to have been dispatched immediately upon his arrival. By
the divers dealing of that Dutch Colonel the bargain could come to
no conclusion till now. The Duke of Savoy and D'Arras have used
as much diligence as could be desired for the good husbanding of
the matter and the advancement of her Majesty's service. If it
appear so to Boxall, thinks it would be well to let them know that
the Queen approves of their labours. For fuller details refers him
to his letter to her Majesty, to which begs an answer and the return
of the capitulations and other documents in Dutch which he sent
to be signed by her. Begs that he will obtain a commission to
Gresham to pay to Mr. Dannet, Mr. Smith, and John Brett, who
came in his company, the money due for their diets. Has already
disbursed to some of them money of his own. Prays the ordinary
allowance of 10s. a day for a trucheman he has been obliged to use
since he came here. |
|
P.S.—Begs him to remember the beggars of this chancery. Will
know what he means more clearly by the Secretary's letters inclosed
herein (missing). The bearers left here by post at 8 p.m. this 9th
inst. [Two pages.] |
May 10.
Venice. |
768. Francesco de Vargas to Queen Mary. The previous intelligence from the Levant, which he had communicated to her
Majesty, and which afforded good hope that the Turkish fleet
would not come forth this year, is now confirmed by letters from
Adrianople of the 14th and 15th ult. These state that the Turk
was there much indisposed, and the French having made great
applications for the fleet, received for answer from Rustan Bassa, in
name of the Turk, that perceiving such efforts made for a truce,
he had considered it would not be required, and being so late in the
season, had given no orders for it going out, not thinking it would
have been asked for. He had, therefore, only 35 or 40 gallies on
guard in the Archipelago, but in order to do what he could to serve
them the Algerine vessels should, if they wished, join the French
gallies. This has greatly offended the French. Sends herewith
intelligence from Rome (missing). [Spanish. One page.] |
May 15.
Wilna. |
769. Sigismund Augustus, King of Poland, to same. Acknowledges her Majesty's letter requesting that William Watson, citizen
of London, may be permitted to purchase materials for her
Majesty's navy in Dantzic, and ship the same exempt from imposts,
to which he cheerfully accedes, and has issued orders accordingly.
[Latin. Broadside.] |
May 15.
Antwerp. |
770. Thomas Gresham to Queen Mary. By his letter of the 7th
inst. certified her Majesty of his proceedings up to that time. Since
then has bargained with Paulus Van Gymber for 2,500l. with
Balthazar and Conrad Schetz for 8,333l. 6s. 8d., of which and all
his other charges has advertised the Council more at large. Rides
to-day to Brussels to obtain the King's licence to pass into his
realm, and her Majesty the sum of 200,000l. Will write thence
to her. [One page. Indorsed by Petre.] |
May 15.
Antwerp. |
771. Same to Secretary Boxall. By his letter of the 7th inst.
signified the full conclusion of his bargain with Lazarus Tucker,
and of a payment to Sir Wm. Pickering; of his intention to ship
in four ships of Antwerp all the Queen's provisions that he had
ready, and of staying these vessels till the 16th inst. for further
orders from the Council for their safe-conduct. Waits till their
orders be known for his discharge whatsoever chance by the way
to the said munitions. Has ready a quantity of powder and
morions, which he has purchased as they came to Antwerp since
he sent into Germany. Since this has bargained with Paulus
Van Gymber for a sum, part to be paid in Antwerp and part in
Hamburg, in ready money; this comes to good purpose for the
band of Germans that Captain Wallerthum is gone thither to levy.
If it come not to pass there, can take it up here by exchange
with little loss. Has bargained also with his friends the Schetz
for 5,000l. firm, and for 3,333l. 6s. 8d. if they offer it any day
between this and the last of May. The bonds to be made in the
names of Balthazar and Conrad Schetz. Has received the Queen's
and City's bonds for Jerome Rechinger and Lazarus Tucker. Has
delivered Rechinger's and shown Tucker's to him. It is a worthy
bargain considering the great scarcity of money here now. On the
12th inst. the payments of the mart were prolonged till the 15th of
August next; this will be a great hindrance to the Queen's proceedings in taking up money or interest, for no payment has been
made here these 18 months. In consideration of which all notable
merchants have withdrawn their money from this place, and will
daily do so. Rides to-day to Brussels for his Majesty's licence to
pass 200,000l. to England [One page and a half.] |
| [1558, before May 18]. |
772. Memorandum by Sir William Pickering that the Colonel
[Wallerthum] has sent him word to provide ten ensigns against
the musters, according as they are wont to have in this country,
of such colour as the Queen likes and will command. [Autograph
of Pickering. Seven lines.] |
| May 18. |
773. Queen Mary to Thomas Gresham. Understanding from
Sir Wm. Pickering, Knt., that the Colonel of the Germans to be
provided for her service requires to have ten ensigns or banners
provided against the musters, Gresham is to confer with Pickering
herein whether these ensigns have been accustomed to be allowed
by other Princes in like cases. If so, Gresham is to cause them to be
provided after such sort as is customary in the country, saving
that she wishes to have them of her colour, viz., white and green
with red crosses. [Minute. Broadside.] |
May 20.
Hamburg. |
774. Colonel Wallerthum to Sir William Pickering. Has arrived
safely in Hamburg. Certain captains of the Count of Aremberg
have levied their soldiers here in the maritime countries where he
had made his plans, which does him great injury. Nevertheless he
shall be provided in a short time with ten ensigns. Certain
captains well provided with people have come and offered to serve
the Queen under his command, and to prevent their going into
the service of the enemy desires to obtain permission to engage
them. [Italian. One page and a quarter.] |
May 23.
Antwerp. |
775. Thomas Gresham to Queen Mary. By his letter of the
15th inst., signified to her Majesty all occurrents up to that time.
Since then has been at Brussels where he spoke with the King on
the 16th, 18th, and 19th inst, for a licence to pass 300,000 crowns
into England. He was in as right good health as her Majesty's
heart could desire, and has granted the licence to pass 100,000 cr.
at once, charging him to convey it as secretly as possible by
reason of the scarcity at present in Antwerp. The King has also
granted licence for more armour. Has bargained this day with
Paulus Van Dalle for a sum of 4,333l. 6s. 8d. for a year at 14 per
cent. Has been this day to Brussels, and when there spoke with
the Lord Admiral concerning the shipping and safe conduct of her
Majesty's munition, which is all shipped and waits the coming of
her ships of war, as he has advertised the Council more at large.
[One page.] |
| May 23. |
776. "Notes of sums of money taken up in Flanders by Mr.
Gresham, the Queen's Majesty's agent there, sithen the 21st of
March 1557, as appeareth by his letters." [Two pages and a
half.] |
May 26.
Venice. |
777. Francesco de Vargas, Ambassador at Venice, to King
Philip II. Narrates his proceedings with the Senate in reference
to a dispute between him and the French Ambassador on the
question of precedency. [Copy. Spanish. Three pages and a half.] |
|
Another copy. [Spanish. Three pages.] |
May 28.
St. James's. |
778. Warrant by King Philip and Queen Mary to Thomas
Gresham to deliver to Sir Richard Southwell, Knight, Master of
the Ordnance, or his deputy, all powder and other munitions of war
provided for their use in the parts beyond seas on the arrival
thereof here. [Broadside.] |
May 29.
Antwerp. |
779. Thomas Gresham to Boxall. By his letter of the 15th
signified to him all things done at that time. Since then, has
received a warrant from the Queen to pay 3,000l. to Mr. Benjamin
Gownstone, [Gonson] who did not send his acquittance. Understanding, however, by the Lord Admiral of what import it was to her
Majesty, paid by the commission of Mr. Gownstone to Mr. Watson's
servant, Downstone Waltone, the said sum (Flemish), in which he
put forth the bill of 2,000 dollars of Paulus Van Gymber, which he
took up for Hamburg for the better dispatch of Capt. Wallerthum.
Sees now that the Queen will have no need of it in those parts.
Thought it best to employ it for her provision of Dantzic, and has
sent home Mr. Watson's servant's acquittance, whereby he may
have Mr. Gownstone's acquittance according to the Queen's warrant
for his discharge in that behalf. On the 27th inst. received the
King's passport for the transportation of 300,000 crowns into
England. Desires to know the Queen's and Council's pleasure as
to the employment of the rest of the money. Moved the King this
day for his general passport for all munitions for which the Lord
Admiral moved him before his departure, and received for reply
that his Majesty would speak with the Duke of Savoy on it. Has
bespoken the ten ensigns; they will stand the Queen, one with
another, 7l. a piece. This day entered into a bond with Herman
Peper for the delivery of the harness to the Germans; his present
departure is of importance, for Pickering says the Germans are
already on their way. Begs his warrant for the said bond. The
prolongation of the mart will prevent any more money from being
to be had at interest. The King's coming hither is to provide more,
and he begins to do what has been already done in England, that
the companies and rich merchants shall lend, nolens volens, on
the rents given him when he was here to keep the Order of the
Fleece, which was 100,000 florins, and this he will sell or lay to
pledge at 16 the florin, which will amount to 266,000l. This matter
was known to the town only yesterday. When the ships carrying
the Queen's munitions left for Zealand he took order with them
not to leave that province; nevertheless it is said here that five
of them left without any conduct of the Queen's ships on the
16th inst. For breaking their word they might be a little punished
as an example to others. Had stayed them at Antwerp 20 days for
the arrival of the Queen's ships. They have had as fair a wind
as can blow in the sky. [Two pages and a half.] |
May.
Westminster. |
780. King Philip and Queen Mary's mutual appointment of Sir
William Wallerthum to be Colonel of ten ensigns of German
infantry, consisting of 3,000 men, brought from Saxony and Eastland for defence of England during the next six months, in
consequence of the war with France. [Four pages.] Annexed, |
|
780. I. "The estate and declaration of the entertainment and
wages appointed by" their Majesties to Wallerthum
and the chief officers of his regiment (same date).
Among these officers the "chirurgeon" is to have 32 and
the "hangman" 16 florins per mensem. [Four pages.] |
|
The preceding documents, in French. [Six pages.] |
May.
Westminster. |
781. Articles to be sworn to by the soldiers serving King Philip
and Queen Mary under Colonel Wallerthum. [French. Fifteen
pages.] |
| May. |
782. A note of debts owed by Queen Mary in Flanders for which
her bonds are out. [One page. Indorsed by Petre.] |
May.
Westminster. |
783. Commission by King Philip and Queen Mary to Sir
William Wallerthum to raise 3,000 soldiers for six months from
June next ensuing; the pay of each soldiers be at the rate of four
Rhenish guilders per month. [Copy. German. Two pages and
a half.] |
