|
July 2.
Brussels. |
231. Same to the Council. Thanks them for the joyful
tidings brought to him by Francisco of the celebration of the
marriage between her Majesty and the Prince of Spain. The
Emperor took the news in most thankful and gladsome part, as
appeared by his talk, had a good time with Francisco, and the
reward given to him at his departing. Beseeches their Lordships,
as occasion may serve, to have him now and then in like remembrance, which shall do these men to understand that he lies not
here altogether as a cipher. Sends herewith statement of the
Emperor's troops. The season advances too fast for any notable
exploit in the field. "The constellation of giving of battle is long
sithen expired. Princes have gotten in these days another kind of
fight, and have learned to fear to adventure the hazard of the whole
matter upon the trial of one day." [Half a page.] Incloses, |
|
231. I. The Emperor's bands of footmen and horsemen; the
names of the commanders, and number of their troops.
[One page.] |
July 2.
Brussels. |
232. Sir John Masone to Sir William Petre. Thanks him most
heartily both for his letter signifying the King and Queen's style,
and for sending the bearer hereof, with the most gladsome news
of the marriage, wherein he has received such pleasure as he
shall for ever remain in Petre's debt; therefore, "Francisco hath
had his bellyfull of talk with the Emperor, and bringeth home
in his purse 100 crowns reward, and so returneth on a merry
pin." Begs he will continue the like good office to him; did
not conceive that the Ambassadors in England have sent any
despatches hither, which makes him the more grateful. He can
very well be content to allow the charges of the post out of his
diets, rather than to lack the commodity of the knowledge of
such things as were meet for an Ambassador to know. Yet, if
the matter does not require much haste, it may be sufficient
to direct the letters to Titchet with charge to him to send it out
of hand, and so may half the money be saved and more too.
Thinks shortly there will be a coronation; when the day is
fixed requests to be informed. Would gladly know the occasion
of the French Ambassador's absence from the marriage. [One
page.] |
July 7.
Brussels. |
233. Same to the Council. On the 3d the French having
removed their camp from Marienburg, leaving there only a
sufficient number to keep it and defend a thousand pioneers
engaged upon its fortifications, marched straight to Dinant,
whither they had previously sent a good part of their cavalry.
To-day it is reported that they have taken the town which was
neither of any great strength nor considered tenable, but the
castle, in which is Captain Julian with five ensigns of Spaniards
and Liégeois, still holds out; if it be taken, which is not likely,
being strong and well manned, the country of Liege will not long
tarry after; when, if the enemy makes this way, battle must
try the matter, as within the duchy of Brabant there is not one
town strong enough to hold out an army royal, Antwerp excepted.
Men marvel why the French King has not tried such enterprise
before now, as it would have put this country in great peril,
the Emperor's troops being dispersed in so many quarters.
Many think it proceeded from a disinclination to fall out with
England, knowing the capitulation with that country for the
defence of Flanders; and indeed, with the exception of the spoiling
of a few small villages and gentlemen's residences, he has not
entered into any parts which the English are bound to defend.
Although Marienburg belongs to the Emperor, it is in the territory
of Liege, and came lately to his hand by exchange. Meanwhile
the states here seem much discontented; the nobility, because
the whole trust of the defence of their country touching the
captains is put to strangers, and the commonalty, because, paying
continually such notable sums, they do not find the country so
well defended as they expected. This is aggravated by the
quartering of the Emperor's army in the country and within
six miles of this town, so spoiling both in the fields and men's
houses that, excepting the carrying away of their bodies, no greater
extremity could be showed if the French army were in the same
place. The Emperor has long lain still penned within the park
in his little house without showing himself to any but a very
few; and this has been no small discomfort to the people, as
they think their misery and fears are unknown to and kept
from him. Of this they shall be satisfied out of hand, as he
intends in a day or two to go to the camp in person. The
Prince's longer tarrying has doubtless marvellously disappointed
the Emperor, who had expected before now a good band of men
and some treasure. Of this he appears to have lack, otherwise he would never suffer his army for want of payment
to eat the poor men as they do. By the saving of a month's
wages, his troops have been so far asunder, that it appears his
enemy has taken him tardy; but if the castle of Dinant hold out
eight or ten days, it is to be trusted they have done their worst.
The Emperor's horse amount to 6,000, and within six or seven
days will be augmented by 3,000; his infantry, also, by the
coming of the Counts of Meghem and Nassau, is well increased.
To-day the camp removes two or three miles farther to a strong
place, where they are like to continue till the whole force is assembled. Matters of Italy are like to be ended by battle, of
which it is thought there will be news in the next letters. In
Germany things remain in competent quietness, Marquis Albert
being put to silence, and the Dukes of Mecklenburg and Brunswick
fallen to an agreement. As he writes, news from Italy have
arrived. The Marquis of Marignano had left the siege with a
great band of horse and foot to encounter Pietro Strozzi and
his troops, who were gone to conduct the Grisons that lately came
for defence of Sienna. Don Juan de Luna, who has charge of
the castle of Milan, had also left with 4,000 foot and 500 horse
to come on their back; so it was surely thought the battle must
have been to the disadvantage of the French faction, who are
much fewer in number. But Strozzi had so politicly managed
by the employment of skilful guides, perfect in the knowledge of
the country, that he returned secretly and safely back to the
territory of Sienna. This will probably bring the Duke's affairs
to a disagreeable termination. [Two pages and a half.] |
July 8.
Mantua. |
234. The Cardinal of Mantua [Hercules de Gonzaga] to Queen
Mary. Sends Monsignore di Nola to offer his congratulations on
her marriage, which is so full of promise for the future welfare of
all Christendom. [Italian. One page.] |
July 9.
Brussels. |
235. Sir John Masone to Sir William Petre. After the closing of
the last letters, news were received that the French have taken
by assault Chateau Thierry on the Moselle, not far from Dinant.
This, although neither great nor strong, it is said will serve the
French well for conveying of victuals to them, and could it have
been held might have served the Emperor's purpose for keeping of
that commodity from them. It was very well defended, and few
remain alive that were in it. [Half a page.] |
July 10.
Brussels. |
236. Same to same. By the letter to her Majesty he will
understand that the Emperor has suddenly ordered his camp
to Namur and gone after it in person. This has been done in
both instances against the advice of his Council and all others.
The Duke of Savoy, Castaldo, Gonzaga and Andrea Doria have
done their best to stay him, both by letter and viva voce,
alleging the power of his enemy, the inability of his army yet to
encounter them, the danger of their chopping between him and
this town, the hazard of himself, his estate, and all these countries
in case of an overthrow, and twenty other arguments; yet was
there no remedy, but forth he would, and commanded them to
march sans plus replique. His headiness has often put him to
great hindrance, especially once by land at Metz, and another time
by sea at Algiers. This enterprise is more dangerous than both.
God send him better fortune than multi ominantur ! Ten or
twelve days will try the matter. God keep them out of the fire,
that they may at the least see what another winter will breed
before they enter farther but as they may safely come out again.
Great many signs of the Emperor's lack of money. Sir Philip
Hoby has not had access to the Emperor, who has shut himself up
from all men; but he has had right good entertainment at the
Queen's hands and those of M. D'Arras and the best of the Court.
The Queen had a long talk with him of his disease, and has told
him where in her fancy he shall have best remedy, the bains of
Liege being at present too hot. This morning he has departed
towards Aix-la-Chapelle, but shows himself in great fear to offend
her Majesty in any point, as is manifested by the selection of the
places where he intends to sojourn for his health, and by the
company that he shall haunt during his absence. Sir John Cheke
is at Padua. [Two pages.] |
July 13.
Venice. |
237. Peter Vannes to the Council. The French at Venice affirm
that their army, long expected from Marseilles, had arrived at
Porto Ercole, and on the way, nigh an island called Elba, took
seven ships of the Imperialists laden with wheat. If it be so, at
this harvest-time it is a great hindrance to them, provisions being
very scant. It is said that Pietro Strozzi had put most part of
his army in divers towns and holds of the Siennese, and strongly
accompanied, had taken his journey towards Porto Ercole to bring
more safely into Sienna the soldiers who arrived in the said gallies,
and join them to the rest, and so have a complete army. The
opinion of many wise men is, that Strozzi intends to make an
attack by sea and land upon the state of Piombino, now in possession of the Duke of Florence, as being a place most commodious
for the French King's affairs, where a few days since the Prior of
Capua, his brother, was slain at the taking of Scarlino. The Duke
has sent Carlo Gonzaga and others to recover the castles taken by
Strozzi on his entry into the state of Florence. As yet, nothing
has been done and many men lost; but there is good hope that
want of provisions and munitions will force the garrisons to surrender. The Marquis Marignano had returned with his army and
encamped near Sienna; he was about to make another fort opposite
Porto Romano, and in divers places to annoy the town. The
Duke's army by help of the Emperor grows daily bigger and able
well to answer the Frenchmen. It is written from Piedmont that
the French being about Val Ferrara in great numbers, the Imperialists attacked them in ambush and slew the most part. [Two
pages. Indorsed by Petre.] |
April 17.
Dantzic. |
238. The Magistrates of Dantzic to Queen Mary. Having heard
with great regret of the publication here of a libel against her
Majesty and King Philip, of which a copy is inclosed, they had
summoned before them the printer and his son; who confessed
that the work was printed by them in ignorance of the language
or the purport of the libel, they only knowing the form and
character of the letters required in type, by order of William
Hotson an Englishman, who had promised them indemnity, and
in whose presence some hundred copies had been sent home. The
printer and his son have been committed to prison, as shall also
be any others found participant in the libel, and they request her
Majesty will employ some one to prosecute the parties, for which
purpose they shall be kept in close detention. [Latin. Four pages
and a half.] |
| Eod. die. |
239. Duplicate of the preceding: with postscript on separate
fragment of paper annexed, to the effect that for want of time
they have been unable to procure the copy of the libel intended
to be inclosed. But this, with any other matter that may be
obtained in connexion therewith, shall be forwarded by a special
messenger. Annexed, |
|
239. I. Further postscript. Had deemed it more prudent not
to send the printed libel in case of accident by the way,
but send a copy faithfully made and compared by
members of the Council familiar with the English language, and which corresponds verbatim with the original.
Hotson on being interrogated, states, that a mariner
of the name of Harry Broder, a Londoner, had requested
from him such sort of writings, and that the writer had
received some likewise from the said mariner. The
mariner had brought with him a learned person, but
he is not certain whether he was a priest. These writings
were for the purpose of being thrown in the streets and
highways that people might read them; also confesses
that he had received these writings from an Englishman
of the name of Thomas Gothfort. [Latin. One page.] |
July 22.
Padua. |
240. Sir John Cheke to Sir William Petre. Although since his
coming out of England he has heard little of his own affairs and
the advancement of his suits, and what he has heard has not been
such as to alleviate the extreme necessity of himself and his wife,
he ever remains assured of Petre's friendship and good will.
Were he a single man, without wife, children or charge, he would
judge the cruelty of men to him an easy exercise of many good
virtues: now, although the greater the matter the more duty it
were to take it well, yet it spreads too far for a weak mind to
carry without some moving. He is here in a country much
esteemed in opinion, of which yet being somewhat unskilled, he
cannot judge certainly without rashness, else at first sight he would
say that neither for private order, nor yet common behaviour, is
it any thing to be compared to their own supposed barbarous
country. "Courtesans in honour, haunting of evil houses noble;
breaking of marriage a sport; murder, in a gentleman, magnanimity; robbery, finesse if it be clean conveyed,—for the spying
is judged the fault and not the stealing; religion, to be best that
best agreeth with Aristotle de anima; the common tenant, though
not in kind of tenancy, marvellously kept bare, the gentleman,
nevertheless, yet bare that keepeth him so; in speech cautious, in
deed scarce; more liking in asking than in giving." The farther
they go into Italy it is said to be the worse. Commends himself,
wife, suite, and whole state to Petre. |
|
P.S.—4th August.—Narrates the particulars of an engagement
between the Marquis Medequiene [Marignano] and Pietro Strozzi,
wherein the latter was wounded in the arm and the flank, and 58
ensigns of the French were put to flight Whether Strozzi is in
Sienna or not is doubtful. The Marquis being returned to Sienna
intends to finish his fortress at Porto Romana. In honour of
this victory 25 ensigns are set up in the market-place at Florence,
and it is said the Duke scattered among the people 2,000 crowns,
and the Duchess as much in silver. [Two pages.] |
July 25.
[Winchester.] |
241. The Council to Dr. Wotton. All here is in good and quiet
state, and the Prince of Spain has arrived safely. The Lord Privy
Seal and Lord Fitz Walter, who were sent to ratify the marriage
treaty, had been very honourably received at the Groyne [Coruña]
in Gallicia, where they were requested to remain until the Prince,
who was then at Valladolid, nearly 100 leagues distant, should come.
This he could not do so soon as he wished, in consequence of the
sickness of his sister the Princess Dowager of Portugal and other
matters; but at length the Ambassadors met him at St. James' in
Compostella, where the contract was solemnly ratified, and in a
few days thereafter they embarked from the Groyne, accompanied
by 150 sail well appointed. Prior to their leaving the Prince
bestowed upon the Ambassadors and their retinue most valuable
presents and chains. Lord Howard of Effingham, High Admiral,
who with a fleet of 28 ships, accompanied by the Vice-Admiral of
Flanders with 14 of the Emperor's navy, has been cruising upwards
of three months, met the Prince on the 19th inst. at the Needles
and escorted him to Southampton, where he arrived on the following day. Before landing, the Lord Steward met him on the water,
and on coming ashore presented him with the George and Garter,
he having been elected at the last Chapter. He was received by
the Lord Treasurer, the Bishop of Lincoln, Lord St. John and
others, who conducted him first to the church and then to his
lodging. Next day the Lord Chancellor came to welcome him on
part of her Majesty, and during his stay at Southampton he
received daily visits of congratulation. On Monday the 23d he
came to this city, whither her Majesty had removed from Bishop's
Waltham on the previous Saturday. On his way, besides his own
retinue, he was attended by the Marquis of Winchester, the Earls
of Arundel, Derby, Rutland, Worcester, Bedford, Pembroke, and
Surrey; Lords Clinton, Cobham, Willoughby, Dacre, Maltravers,
Talbot, Strange, Fitz Walter, Lumley, Fitz Warren, and others to
the number of above 2,000 horse, who first brought him to the
Cathedral, where he was met by the Lord Chancellor and the
Bishops of Durham, Ely, London, Lincoln, and Chichester, and after
service conveyed to his lodging at the Dean's house; the Queen
being lodged in the Bishop's palace. Next day her Majesty, who
abode his coming there with a right goodly company of noblewomen and ladies, received him in the hall of the palace; whence
after the interview he returned to his lodging, where he passed
the night, and this day the marriage is openly solemnized in the
Cathedral of this city, when the contract was again openly declared
and newly confirmed by the Prince in the hearing of all the
assembly. At the marriage were present the Ambassadors of the
Emperor, King of the Romans, King of Bohemia, Venice, Florence,
Ferrara, Savoy and other States of Italy; but not the Ambassador
of France, who besides being himself somewhat ill at ease, and his
wife newly brought a-bed, had been on this occasion desired to stay
at home, because of a dispute as to precedency between him and the
representative of the King of the Romans, who had been expressly
sent to attend the marriage. This desire had been declared by Sir
Richard Southwell to the Ambassador, who seemed to take it in
good part; and if anything is said to Wotton on the subject, he is
to state that these were the sole reasons why the Ambassador was
not sought to be present, and not for any lack of good will on the
Queen's part. On Saturday her Majesty and the Prince intend to
go to Basing, two days thereafter to Reading, and thence to
Windsor, where the Prince shall keep the feast of St. George, and
shortly after make his entry into London, where there are great
preparations made by the citizens for his reception. Had written
to Sir Hugh Poulett, Captain of Guernsey, in reference to the
complaint made by the French Ambassador as to the usage there of
one La Bretoniéres, and have communicated to the Ambassador
Poulett's official reply in French, whereby it appears that the Frenchman, so far from having cause to complain had occasion rather to
be thankful for the treatment which he met with. Send him copy
in English of the reply. May assure Randall of her Majesty's
pardon. [Six pages. Draft.] |
| July 26. |
242. The Council to Peter Vannes. [Identical with the preceding.] [Eleven pages. Draft, autograph of Petre.] |
July 29.
Compiegne. |
243. Dr. Wotton to Queen Mary. Edward Randall has delivered
to him the inclosed letter from Peter Carew, and informed him
that the latter had finally determined to leave France; and that
having on his first coming promised to the King that he should
not depart without leave, he had sent the younger Killegrew to
Court to declare his mind. The Constable detained Killegrew there
four days, and at last "complaining much of the inconstancy of
Englishmen, who ever showed how little they were to be trusted,
and rehearsing what the King had done for Carew," said he might
go if he pleased. This answer Carew receiving upon Tuesday the
10th inst., he left Paris the day after about midnight in post for Italy,
intending to rest at Venice, trusting to find her Majesty merciful
to him. Randall says that Carew had much difficulty in finding
sufficient money for his journey, and when at its end is like to lead
a most miserable life, unless her Majesty have compassion and give
some order for his entertainment there. Both Randall's report and
Carew's letter show his repentance, and his departure proves it.
Is certain that Pickering's leaving of him has not only much
abashed the other rebels, but will thoroughly discredit them
here. Randall says that the number of rebels, whose leaders are
Staunton and Brian Fitzwilliam was never above 150, among
whom are some Scots and French; and although among these be
many tall men and divers young gentlemen, they have neither arms
nor money to buy any, and having spent what wages they have
received, must fall to stealing if they will live till they receive
money again. Besides they do not agree well, but fall out and
make forays, as well among themselves as with others in Neufchatel
in Normandy, where they reside, so that there is great disorder
among them. Of these the cause is Staunton, who does all he
can to make them misliked by the French King, and prevent them
finding employment. Randall suggests a general pardon on the
Prince's coming into England, as a means of turning their minds,
and thinks that in such event, were they near the frontiers, Staunton
could carry many with him into the service of the Emperor if he
could receive them. Randall has gone to the French camp to see
whether he can learn anything for her Majesty's information.
From the French camp hears that certain captains were appointed
to go to the assault of Dinant, some of whom, when it came to the
point, feeling their stomachs feeble, and therefore doubting how
they should be well able to digest good pellets of lead, a kind of
meat of somewhat hard digestion, shrunk at it. Wherefore the
King, with sceptre in hand it is said, pronounced sentence upon
them; some to be hanged, others to be degraded from their nobility
and dignities. Among the exemptions now forfeited is freedom
from ordinary taxation, to which they became subject like any other
villains, and they are henceforth unable to serve the King. The
French intending to have gone to Namur, the Emperor fortified
his camp between two waters, so that neither town nor camp could
be besieged, the one defending the other, like as the Emperor
used against the Protestants at Ingolstadt. The French therefore
returned to the frontiers of Picardy, destroying on their way Binche,
Beux and other such places. They are now at Crevecœur, near
Cambray. The Queen left Rheims on Saturday the 21st for Compiegne,
where she and the Ambassadors are now, to be near the King, who
is on this side of Picardy. The French more and more fortify
Marienburg, previously well defended; for although they have
rased Bouvines, Dinant, and other places, they intend to keep it,
and give the Emperor more pain to recover than they had to take
it. There has been a great skirmish between the Imperialists and the
French on their return; has not heard the particulars, but only
that sundry good coffers of writings and money have been taken
from the French. The Prior of Capua has been slain with a
harquebuse at the siege of Strelingo, a fort in Piombino, which his
men have captured. His death is a great loss to the King, and the
Queen takes it very heavily, he being so near a kinsman and of
such estimation. The succour sent by the King to Sienna from
Marseilles is landed safe near Port Hercules, and joined with the
rest of Strozzi's army. They are now very strong there, and
Strozzi has re-taken from the Florentines the fort next Sienna;
but the farther one is still in their hands. The Duke of Florence
expects great aid of men both from Naples and Rome. Pietro
Strozzi for his great services has been made a Marshal of France,
in room of the late Marshal Du Biez. They look shortly for the
Turk's navy, hearing that Dragut with 50 gallies left Constantinople
on the 7th of June, and at Negropont received 24 galliots and fusts
more: these, with the 14 gallies of Algiers and the 24 of the
French King, will make a strong navy. The Italians here have
news that the Sophy, having made peace with the Tartars on the
Caspian, purposes a great army, and that therefore the Turk moves
in that direction. It is also reported that the Turk has caused the
son of Mustapha, a boy of 14, to be slain in his presence, as he did
his own son the child's father. |
|
P.S.—Has just received from the Council the most joyful news
of her Majesty's marriage. [Five pages. A large portion in cipher,
deciphered.] Incloses, |
|
243. I. Letter from Sir Peter Carew. Expresses his deep regret
for the past. Protests before God he never meant evil
against her Majesty's person; but only thinking it too
great a burden for his country to bear the intolerable
yoke of servitude under any foreign Prince, had rashly
despised to live as a subject under the King of Spain,
and therefore had sought divers means, both here and at
home, in that case to let her Highness' purpose, and
has wished the same with the loss of his life divers
and sundry times. Confesses his error: for these his
evil fruits there follows now unfeigned repentance, and
in proof of his submission finds no way so good as to
forsake France, where he might have lived like a gentleman by the goodness of the King, whom he has found, and
is sure would always find, his very good lord, and to
go into another country where he shall be utterly destitute
of relief, unless the Queen extends her gracious goodness
towards him. Beseeches Wotton to befriend him. Paris,
July 11, 1554. [Two pages.] |
July 30.
Calais. |
244. Sir Thomas Cornwallis to Sir William Petre. Thanks
him for obtaining Mr. Heron's suit for the Treasurership of
Berwick. Has replied to the letter from the Council desiring to
have an account of his expenditure of the 2,000l. delivered
to him for the victualling of this town, wherein if he still seems
to have written any whit too largely, requests that Petre will
interpret it in this wise, that having always desired to serve
her Majesty faithfully and diligently, it grieved him to think
their Lordships should mistrust the contrary of him, as either
not to have applied the money for the purpose intended or to
have employed it to his own use. While serving here, does
not intend to use any part of the Queen's treasure to his private
business, but will content him to live with his entertainment
and such other as is his own, although he sees well he shall do it
right hardly, the price of all things here being so excessive. Trusts
that Petre thinks him void of the inordinate desire of wealth,
since having, in the world's opinion, done some service, he has
craved as little recompence as any man in England of his degree,
although his need has been greater than some others. Had at
first been loth to undertake this office of victualling, wherein
many after long and painful service had narrowly passed their
account, with discredit to themselves and loss to their Sovereign,
nevertheless having entered upon the charge, if held only responsible for the 2,000l. he will see the money well and judiciously
applied. Knowing Petre to be now cumbered with much
business, desires his views by the bearer. |
|
P.S.—Mr. Abington, Under-Marshal of the town, requests leave
to go to England on private business. Begs Petre will win with
Lord Arundel, to whom Abington has written, that he may
have it, the rather because the rooms here are mostly well
furnished. [Two pages and a quarter. Indorsed by Petre.] |
| [July.] |
245. Some notes of the Treaty of Marriage between Queen Mary
and the Prince of Spain. [Autograph of Petre. One page.] |
