|
Feb. 16.
Forbes, ii. 333. |
319. Charles IX. to the Queen. |
|
Has already informed this bearer Somers that no proclamation was made at Paris last December, respecting a declaration of war with England. Seeing by her letters of the
26th of January that she is still of the same opinion, he
assures her on the word of a Prince that he never had any
such intention.—Blois, 16 Feb. 1562. Signed. Charles,—
De I'Aubespine.
Orig. Add. Endd.: 16 Feb. 1562. Fr. Broadside. |
| Feb. 16. |
320. Catherine De Medicis to the Queen. |
|
Has received her letter and message by Somers, who
carries back the King's reply. Assures her on the word of a
Princess that they have spoken nothing but the truth.—
Blois, 16 Feb. 1562. Signed: Caterine,—De L'Aubespine.
Orig., with seal. Add. Endd.: 16 Feb. 1562. Fr. Broadside. |
| Feb. 16. |
321. Warwick to Cecil. |
|
1. The Admiral has sent MM. De Rohan and Grammont
with a message of credit. Fears that he cannot long stand
alone against the enemy. |
|
2. Grammont says the Admiral would not have come into
these parts if the Queen had not written to him that he
would find both men and money here. He would not be
persuaded for a great while but that the money was here,
and that the writer had commission to aid him with men out
of this town. |
|
3. Asks to be allowed to go into the field with the reinforcements.—Newhaven, 16 Feb. 1562. Signed. |
|
4. P. S.—Commendations to Cecil's wife.
Orig. Hol., with seal. Add. Endd. by Cecil: 16 Feb.
1562. Pp. 4. |
| Feb. 17. |
322. Smith to the Queen. |
|
1. Whilst he was at Chartres the Prince of Melphi visited
him. He was formerly Bishop of Troyes, but being moved
by zeal for religion became a minister, (as they of the reformed Church calls it,) and preached according to the Gospel,
whereupon the prebendaries of the Church made process
against him in 1561; so that he was fain upon certain
agreements to give up his bishopric. He told the writer
that they purchased a living for him in France worth 5,000
francs, upon which he and his wife are living. He had been
long at Orleans, and after the battle he still used the office
of a preacher. And seeing the reiters there in want of three
months' pay, and otherwise great scarcity of money to furnish
them, and the obstinacy of the Guisians, he came to the
Court at Chartres, and there he practised with the Queen to
have some good accord. He had, he told the writer, accepted
their offer to retire to his own house, and live quietly there
with his family, and not to be molested. He said that if the
Prince should be overcome, neither he nor any other will
enjoy the liberty of conscience which they have now given
them. And therefore, hearing that the Queen does not only
set forward the Word of God in her own realm, but is also a
refuge for those afflicted for the true religion, he prayed the
writer to ask that he might have refuge at her Court, and be
received into her service. He speaks French with eloquence;
but the Italian is his natural tongue, which he says, he
understands she has much delight in. The writer advised
him to sell the living he had in France, and then live in
Germany or England. |
|
2. Learned from him that there could not be more than
3,000 or 4,000 footmen in Orleans. They must be those who
laid dispersed in Etampes, Pluviers, etc. He feared that if
it were besieged, the townsmen would soon be weary, and
do more hurt than good. But he perceives that no small
number of traitors in Orleans are executed. Some were
captains, some citizens; and a great number who were too
fearful or suspect, were sent away when the enemy came to
Portereau. Some of them are now come here, and Chartres
is almost full of them. |
|
3. Has had no opportunity to do more touching her instructions, as the Admiral has passed into Normandy; but sent
his servant, Hans, an Almain, with her letters to him, willing
him to coast from thence to meet if possible some of the
Almain troops, so that they might be conveyed to the
Admiral. Has not heard of his man nor horse since. |
|
4. The Emperor's Ambassador went not away pleased;
yesterday he departed to Paris with De Sevres' secretary.
They will not agree among themselves, which comes from
Guise thinking his authority will not continue longer than
the war; and the reason is that the Papists see no accords
can be made but what will ruin their religion. And the
Protestants daily see so much untruth in their promises, and
so much unshamefastness in breaking those they have made,
and so much cruelty in the execution of their wills where
they are masters, that they can find no means of assurance
in any accord with them.—Blois, 17 Feb. 1562. Signed.
Orig., a few passages in cipher, deciphered. Pp. 4. |
| Feb. 17. |
323. Smith to the Privy Council. |
|
1. On his arrival here on the 10th inst., the tower at the
foot of the bridge of Orleans, (which endangered the Guisians
who had got Porterau,). was won by scaling. There were but
seventeen persons in it. Portereau is a suburb of Orleans
beyond the water, which this last summer was fortified with
a small trench. This the Duke of Guise took on the 4th inst.
Some who were there say that eighteen or twenty of the
Huguenots were slain, and almost none were taken but the
Almains' wives, and lackeys who fled from the battle. They
spread abroad that 600 men were slain, and 200 waggons
taken, and all the wives and stuff of those Almains who are
in the town, whom they account to be 4,000. |
|
2. It is said that the taking of this tower is to no purpose,
for already no man can tarry in it nor in Portereau, being
subject to ordnance shot of the town. They also say that
they have broken two arches of the bridge, so that Guise is
but little nearer. His party say he sent word to the Queen
to let him have enough artillery, and he will render Orleans
to her shortly. The Bishop of Limoges and M. D'Oysel were
sent to Orleans to talk of peace with them, for whom MM.
D'Esterney and Bocall should have entered Beaugency as
pledges. As soon as these came forth of Orleans they went
straight to the reiters; whereupon the other, being no further
than Beaugency, tarried there. So this talk of peace has
ceased as yet. |
|
3. The beheading of Baron Des Adrets is not true. He
was watched, as it was perceived that he practised with the
Duke De Nemours; and his [the Baron's] lieutenant entered
into the practice with him, that he might the better entrap
him, whom he had agreed to let into Romans in Dauphine,
for the purpose of delivering it to the Duke De Nemours.
He let the Baron in and took him prisoner, and he is still
kept there. |
|
4. They have sent for the Duke De Nemours to come this
way; and they intend to have a mass of men of war near
Sens about March; and about the 20th of May they will
have 50,000 footmen and 30,000 horsemen. Others account
that they will have 30,000 footmen and 12,000 horsemen.
They assure themselves of having the help herein of all the
Papist Princes near; but (for ought the writer can learn)
rather in goodwill and some money, than in any other aid.
The Cardinal of Lorraine is marvellous busy about the
Emperor, the Swiss Catholics, and the German Papist
Princes. |
Feb. 17.
Smith to the Privy Council. |
5. On Friday, the 12th inst., Mr. Somers and the writer
had an audience, when the former delivered his letters; and
they were promised another on the morrow. Understanding
that a person from the Emperor was lodged near him, he
sent his man to show him that he would do his duty to him
as the Emperor's Ambassador. He took it very kindly,
and said that as he was no Ambassador but a messenger,
he would come to him. Showed him how the Queen had
moved them to accord, but that hitherto they would not
hearken to it. The Emperor's authority might, if he sent
for that purpose, peradventure do somewhat. |
|
6. The messenger answered that the Emperor intended
shortly to make a general meeting or Council, whereto all
Princes might freely come. And that the Pope should not
be master there, nor have other voice than any other Prelates
had. In reply the writer told him of the subtility of the
Pope, and how he could not abide any reformation; and
that a man may see what a Council can do where the Pope is
part by the last at Trent. |
|
7. He said that those of that Council amused themselves
about trifles; yet even there the Cardinal of Lorraine, and
divers Bishops of Spain, France, and Germany, began to talk
openly for the reformation of the Pope; and that the Italian
Prelates made pasquils of it, and said that the Spanish
scab was turned into a French pock, and he had heard (he
said) that they had killed one Bishop who spoke most freely
in that Council. Somer said in reply, that small credit was
to be given to the Cardinal of Lorraine, or to any Papist
Prelate. He said the Cardinal had been very busy with the
Emperor and with divers of the Almain Princes, and that he
had wound himself like an eel in every way to get credit.
Smith was desirous of communing with him, because one had
told him that his coming was to move the French King and
the others still to persist in subduing their rebels. |
|
8. The cause of his coming is to demand the restitution of
Metz, Toul, and Verdun. |
|
9. He is fed with fair words, but is not suffered to deliver
his letters to them of Paris, and daily looks for his despatch.
Those of the religion suspect that, although this is pretended,
there is something else secretly handled, viz. a marriage
between the King here and the daughter of the King of the
Romans. They plainly affirm this to be one of the Cardinal
of Lorraine's practices. |
|
10. About the time that Guise removed to take Portereau,
a treason was discovered in Orleans, and some say that
twelve or thirteen were executed for having conspired to
betray it; others say eighty, and others but two of the
eschevins. They bruit that the Cardinal of Lorraine has
prepared 10,000 or 12,000 Swiss to come into France. It
is certain that a gentleman or two has been from hence into
Almain to amass both horsemen and footmen from thence.
All Guise's men at arms and light horsemen live at discretion,
as they call it; that is, they lie in villages, and make the
poor men of the country find them and their horses, without
paying them a penny. They did so at St. Denis when the
writer was there; and they have done so all this year; and
now the courtiers follow them. The same is done with the
Queen's horses and mules, which is a marvellous destruction
of the country, for their own men fill and spoil them more
than the Huguenots, and so they did not stick to tell him and
Somer. The cities and walled towns that are able to keep
them out are the only places exempt from this mischief.
They are evilly paid, for when he was at Paris before the
battle three quarters were then due to them, whereof they
received one and so acquitted the rest, and they were glad
of it. |
|
11. On the 13th inst. the Bishop of Limoges and M.
D'Oysel (who was in Scotland, and is here called Montparigi), went by Beaugency to Orleans to emparle with them
there. And D'Esterney and Bocall, of whom he wrote before,
have been with the Admiral and the Prince, and are now at
the Court as hostages. And the wife of the Marshal De
Montmorency has a safe-conduct to go to Orleans and speak
with her father-in-law the Constable. |
|
12. The Prince refers D'Oysel to them of Orleans, they
to the Admiral, who says that he cannot meddle without
the consent of the Queen. The Prince is at a castle called
Vierzon, four leagues from hence, which belongs to De Rochefoucault, where Lord Grey of Wilton was kept. He is kept
by a great guard, and has persons to watch him in his
chamber every night. Petrocely, his preacher, is with him
and preaches daily before him. D'Anville has the chief
charge of him, then D'Oysel, and another, one of whom is
always with him to keep him company. |
|
13. They say here that D'Andelot was hurt at the taking of
the tower at Orleans; M. De Sevres says that he was wounded
in the face, others in the arm, but all agree that he was hurt
with a stone splinter. |
|
14. This night (the 13th inst.) about eighty or a hundred
Spaniards, who were hurt at the taking of Portereau, came
here to be cured. It appears they had a hot skirmish. They
say that the Guisians lost about 300 at the taking of Portereau, but the others lost more; that the town so beats
them that they can have no rest in Portereau; that the tower
held them three days ere they could take it, and that three
of the arches of the bridge are broken. |
|
15. It seems very strange what M. Sevre told him about
those of Orleans shooting only brass and bell metal bullets
and pellets, their lead being consumed. This provision cannot
last long. Sevre says that the town cannot hold out a month
longer; and by that there will be (he says) a great army
there and a marvellous ado. Sevres is set to entertain the
Turk's Ambassador, the Emperor's Ambassador and the
writer. But the Turk lies still at Paris, and so do all the
rest of the Ambassadors. He came to him and the Emperor's
Ambassador to show them of the Queen's departure to Amboise to see her children, but she will come again to night. |
|
16. Learned this day, the 15th inst., of the Spaniards, that
they of Orleans shoot brass which is hollow, and so devised
within that when it falls it opens and breaks into many
pieces with a great fire, and hurts and kills all who are about
it; which is a new device and very terrible, for it pierces the
house first, and breaks at the last rebound. Every man in
Portereau is fain to run away, they cannot tell whither,
when they see where the shot falls. It was not a small
treason which was discovered at Orleans, for these Spaniards
affirm that very many were hanged over the walls towards
Portereau when the latter was taken. Had it not been for
this treason, Guise would not have attempted Orleans. He
has sent for more artillery from Paris, and 2,000 men with it,
which is coming to Corbeil by water, from thence to Montargis,
and so after by land to the river, which is not past six or
seven leagues; and then he will besiege the other side. The
town is well victualled, and there are 4,000 or 5,000 soldiers
in it. It is so strong that it cannot be won except by famine
or treason. Guise has not any great artillery at Portereau,
nor has he the island in the midst of the river, nor the bridge
which they of Orleans fortified. They have begun to pull
down the tower at the foot of the bridge to make a platform
from which to beat the town, and they of Orleans rampire
against the water and Portereau. M. De Sipierre was lately
on the other side of Orleans and was nearly taken by the
horsemen, who made an issue upon him. Guise has made
some boats, with a strong defence for themselves and the
gunners, to carry some one, others two, double cannon. He
has sent to Mantes for six cannons to come by water;
5,000 or 6,000 sacks half a yard long are being made
here, which are to be filled with sand and gravel and
then thrown into the river above to stop the water between
the banks at the side of Portereau and the little isle in the
midst of the bridge so as to win that isle, from whence he
may more easily beat Orleans with the cannon. Others say
that he minds, if that does not succeed, to cut the River Loire
above Orleans, either above Jargeau or Olivet, and to let it
into a great mead, and so make it shallow, for which purpose
he has 8,000 pioneers. He minds no small thing, and is
marvellous desirous to have the town, which being done he
thinks all at a point. |
|
17. One of the King's trumpeters, who was with Guise,
reported here that Admiral Châtillon has taken Touques, in
Normandy, and that he is likely to have as many Normans
as Englishmen; also that he has, or is likely to have Honfleur. The Duke looks to rase Châtillon, which has not
rendered to his summons, and to put a garrison into Montargis. |
|
18. There was never known such a scarcity of money here
as now. There is no less want of powder; for they were not
able to furnish the Guise's camp with eighteen milliers.
Besides their great expense at the battery of Rouen and Blois,
they have had the misfortune of burning their workmen and
powder at Chartres, Châteaudun, and Paris. Their last and
greatest loss occurred at the latter on the 28th ult. They
have therefore now sent into Flanders for one hundred
milliers of powder, which they hope to obtain by the help of
M. De Chantonet, the Spanish Ambassador there. |
|
19. Yesterday (Sunday the 14th inst.), the Rhinegrave's
secretary arrived at the Court with the Rhinegrave's letters
out of Harfleur of the occurrences there. He wrote with his
own hand that the Queen should in any wise make peace.
The Duke De Bouillon, having had the government of
Normandy taken from him, has gone away displeased, either
to Sedan or Bouillon, where he will work no good to the
Guisians. One of the Queen of Navarre's gentlemen has
gone into Germany with the Landgrave of Hesse, who makes
sure of having both horsemen and footmen from thence. |
|
20. It is thought that the King and Queen will have peace,
about which they go now without dissimulation; but that
Guise will in no wise have any. There is a Council at Paris
kept by the Cardinal of Guise, who has lately gone thither,
also the Pope's Nuncio, the Legate, and the King of Spain's
Ambassador; and there they practise, that if the King makes
peace, yet the Parisians, and as many as will hold with the
Popish faith, will not agree to it unless the Pope allow it.
And then they will declare the Duke of Guise to be the
protector of the Roman and Catholic Church. So by that
means he will remain Lieutenant, and continue in arms, and
be aided with money by the Pope and such as profess the
Popish religion. They have not done this so secretly but it
is known at the Court here, and to them of the religion. |
|
21. Two proclamations were made here this night: One,
that all men of arms should be at Sens on the 10th of next
March; the other that none should leave the realm without
licence. |
|
22. Received intelligence on the 16th inst. of a tall man
with a red beard, an Englishman, (or at least he speaks
English,) having arrived here from England a day or two
after he came here. He confers secretly with M. De Sevre,
and will not be seen by the writer. Who is he? |
|
23. Has learned by one who came from Rouen this day,
the 16th inst., that Villebon is not dead, but sick of his
wounds; and that Viellville is at Mantes, and also the Duke
D'Aumale, who is not yet recovered of his hurt at the battle,
but is sick with a continual fever. Marshal Brisac is at
Rouen as Governor. On Wednesday last, the 10th inst., a
proclamation was made at Rouen that all Huguenots should
avoid with their families within forty-eight hours upon pain
of death. Those they find there they kill and drown, as they
do at Paris. The fortifications of Rouen remain the same
as when it was taken; nothing has been done to strengthen it. |
|
24. On the 17th inst. a man of his came hither from
Portereau. The horsemen thereof lie abroad in villages.
Nothing has yet been attempted for the cutting of the river.
The pioneers are working at a little fort at Portereau. The
rest of his statements agree with the former reports. The
Duke of Guise lies at St. Memyng, a village within a mile
of Portereau, and has sent for his wife to come there. MM.
De Sansac and Sipierre are in the camp. There is daily
shooting into the town, and from the town to the tower at
the foot of the bridge, and the houses in Portereau. When
the ordnance from Paris comes he will batter the town from
the other side of the river. Much preparation for sacks is
also made there, an ell of canvas is used for each. There are
many guesses about what they are to serve; but all agree
they are to be filled with sand or earth. Has drawn a plat
of the town, river, and battery, according to the telling of
his man, which is herewith sent, and which Mr. Somer can
declare more amply. Has also sent the present state of the
men of war appointed for Normandy. |
|
25. It is thought by them at the camp, that the Bishop of
Limoges, M. D'Oysel, and Mme. Montmorency will do nothing
for an accord, Guise not being agreeable to it. There are
4,000 men of war in Orleans; neither party is well stored
with great ordnance. |
|
26. This night about 4 o'clock, D'Esterney and Bocall,
having taken leave of the Queen at the Court, are gone
again to Orleans.—Blois, 17 Feb. 1562. Signed.
Orig. Add. Endd. Pp. 13. |
| Feb. 17. |
324. The Prince of CondÉ to the Queen. |
|
Begs her to consider his condition, to aid him in obtaining
deliverance, and humbly desires her to increase her efforts.—
From prison, 17 Feb. Signed.
Orig. Add. Endd.: 17 Feb. 1562. Fr. Pp. 2. |
| Feb. 18. |
325. Smith to the Queen. |
|
1. As he has moved her for the Prince of Melfi, so now he
moves her for an Almaine gentleman, who desires to serve
her. Mme. De Paloiseau is earnest to have her husband
returned to France. She gave him certain names; among
others M. De Roville.—Blois, 18 Feb. 1562. |
|
2. M. De Sevre has come, sent (he said) by Cardinal Bourbon
to ask him to solicit her in favour of M. De Nantouillet.
Learned of Sevre that they will have at Sens about the 28th
of March 4,000 men of arms, and 6,000 Swiss in April; that
M. De Nemours is daily looked for out of Dauphiné; that
young Monluc brings many Gascon footmen hitherward; and
that Guise will have Orleans by force; that D'Aubespine's
brother, the [blank] of Metz, should have been sent hither;
that his other brother, the Bishop of Limoges, and D'Oysel
have not yet returned from Orleans; that Guise attends for
cannon, to make a battery at Orleans; and that there are not
more than 1,800 soldiers in Orleans, which cannot be
defended long by so few. |
|
3. Sevre also says that the King sells yearly 150,000 francs
of the revenues and lands of the Church of France, after the
rate of thirty years purchase; and that the Chamber of Paris
receives all that money, and binds itself to warrant the rent
and sale to the buyers. He also said that the Charter House
monks and others of such religion have accorded that the
King should sell yearly for this war 25,000 crowns-worth of
their lands, after the rate of twelve years purchase, with the
condition that they or their successors may at any time buy
the same again at the same price. |
|
4. Has learned (but not of him) that MM. De Rohan and
De Fontenoy are coming from Bretagne with 6,000 men to
Guise.—Blois, 18 Feb. 1562. Signed.
Orig. Add. Endd.: 18 Feb. 1562. Pp. 4. |
| Feb. 18. |
326. Smith to Cecil. |
|
1. Wrote at the first that the Queen Mother was displeased
with the proclamation, and denied that it was made with
her consent, as appears by his letters from St. Denis last
December; and neither she nor the King will go further than
that now. Either the Parisians, or the Guisians, or the
Constable caused it to be made, unknown to the Queen. But
as soon as they have leisure they will turn all their force to
expel the English from Newhaven. They do not bend either
to let her have Calais again, or to remain in Newhaven until
the time of restitution is run out. But if they can weary,
overcome, or agree with their own nation, they will have
Newhaven with large interest; and Guise will be revenged
for the disappointment done to him and his niece in Scotland,
and the books which were set out against him in England,
which things lie deep in his lofty heart.—Blois, 18 Feb. 1562.
Signed. |
|
2. P. S.—Asks about his own private matters.
Orig. A few passages in cipher, deciphered. Add.
Endd.: 18 Feb. 1562. Pp. 3. |
Feb. 18.
Forbes, ii. 334. |
327. Throckmorton to Cecil. |
|
1. The weather being contrary for his passage, and partly
by the impediment of the carriage of the money with him,
being charged upon a "muylet," he did not arrive at Portsmouth until the 18th inst., in the morning, where he found
two of Cecil's letters of the 14th and 15th inst., with an
account of 40,000 crowns. In the letter of the 14th inst. he
mentions the want of 900l. disbursed by Kelloway of the
14,000l. remaining in his hands. In that of the 15th he
[Cecil] assures him of 10,000l. to depart from London on the
16th or 17th inst., to be sent after him; and in the same
letter mentions also that he will sen 1,100l. to make up
that disbursed by Kelloway. Upon conference with Kelloway
he finds that he will not carry more than 13,000l., which will
be 1,000l. short. Hopes Cecil will send this with the 10,000l.
mentioned in his letter. |
|
2. Found here at Portsmouth MM. De Briquemault, De la
Costure and Bois le Conte, two of the Admiral's gentlemen.
Meant to embark this night, and go in the Ayde with the
treasure. The Frenchmen pass in the Phœnix. The Sacer
was ready to accompany him; but he has left that ship
behind to transport the treasure, which will come after him.
Whosoever has charge of it must keep a good eye to it upon
the way. Kelloway sends one of his sons and one of his
servants with the money, to deliver the same into his hands
on the other side. |
|
3. By a note given him by Gresham of the rates of money
remaining in Kelloway's hands, he accounted to have it in
coins current in France; he now perceives that there is
8,000l. in English sovereigns, for Kelloway says it was
delivered to him in that sort by Poulet, which differs from
that in Gresham's memorandum. Kelloway also says that
Poulet took over with him money in French crowns, angels,
and pistolets; so it seems he supplied the said money with
English sovereigns. |
|
4. Mr. Basing, the captain of the ship in which he sails,
advises him to embark this night about five o'clock; which he
intends to do.—Portsmouth, 18 Feb. 1562. Signed. |
|
5. P. S.—Prays Cecil not to forget to make a rumour to
make a great army by sea and land forthwith; for upon his
going the same will serve to purpose. Forgot to enclose this
in his other letter. He goes now to embark. Signed.
Orig., the P. S. in Throckmorton's hol., with armorial seal.
Two addresses. Pp. 5. |
| Feb. 18. |
328. The Duchess of Parma to the Queen. |
|
Complains of the capture of a Spanish vessel off the English
coast by certain vessels out of Havre, and requests her to
prevent her own subjects, and those who sail from the ports
of Normandy, from carrying on such enterprises against the
King of Spain's subjects.—Brussels, 18 Feb. 1562. Signed:
Margarita.
Orig., with seal. Add. Endd.: 18 Feb. 1652. Delivered
by the Spanish Ambassador, 5 March. Fr. Broadside. |
| Feb. 19. |
329. Smith and Somer to the Queen. |
|
1. On Friday the 12th inst. they had an audience with the
King and Queen, for the revocation of the proclamation,
setting it forth according to his directions. The Queen
answered that she would again communicate the answer
already made to Somer to the Council, and then make answer;
but she thought they would say no more than before. |
|
2. Perceiving by these speeches that such was like to be
the answer, Somer proceeded to the second part of his in
structions, viz., that the King and she should certify in
writing their denial of the proclamation; and that if they
would not do so, if any inconvenience followed thereupon
they must impute it to their own occasions. The Queen said
that she would talk with the Council thereon; and so dismissed them. |
|
3. The next day she went to Amboise to see her children,
and returned on the Sunday. On Monday morning Smith
sent to put her in remembrance of their answer. She
appointed the afternoon of that day, and then said that as
she did not well remember the points of the matters uttered
by Somer, she desired to have them in writing. Somer
replied that she could not have forgotten them, one part
thereof being the same which he opened at his last coming
here; but she not being satisfied, he had desired the King
and her to consider better of it. |
|
4. That point, the Queen said, had been already answered;
but as the King and she were required to write their answers
to her [Elizabeth] under their own hands, it was reasonable
to have Her Majesty's demands likewise in writing. Somer
replied that in case she did not remember what he had
said, he was ready to utter the same to her again; and as for
giving it in writing, he thought that Her Majesty's ministers
were worthy of faith, and therefore his word was sufficient.
It is not usual to proceed by writing when a special minister
is sent with credit. He would then have uttered the matter
again, but the Queen said that as writing was required of the
King, it was meet he should see the ground thereof also in
writing. |
|
5. Perceiving that she would neither publish any revocation,
nor go further without having the matter in writing, prayed
them to proceed as sincerely with her as she did with them.
He then delivered her letter to the King. The Queen read it,
and said that upon conference thereon with the Council, she
would answer within a day or two. This was the effect of
their second negociation. |
|
6. After this Smith said he had to tell her about M.
Nantouillet, Provost of Paris. She said that she had forgotten
to speak to him thereof. He asked whether her Ambassador
had not written to her of it. She said, yea, but, seeing that
he was a public person, the Queen would have done well, if
he has offended, to have sent him hither with the informations
and depositions of the witnesses and his whole cause; and
that it is strange he should be kept in prison there. Then he
declared that it appeared by the depositions that he had
conspired to kill Captain Masyn, Her Majesty's servant and
pensioner. So he declared the matter at length to the
Queen. Upon examination of the malefactor and the
Provost's servants, in whose depositions there is, (as he had
heard,) a great appearance of truth, the Queen, meaning to
deal honourably and favourably with the Provost, sent personages of good quality to speak to him about the depositions
against him, but he refused to give any answer thereto. In
respect to the King she had sent to him the third time, adding
that the Provost had said that if he had killed four he was
not bound to answer. |
|
7. The Queen replied that he had not killed him, and being
a public person he should have been sent to the King to be
punished. To this Smith said that she could no less than
sequester him first in the Mayor's house, and after to another
alderman's house, until the truth of the matter was tried out. |
|
8. She answered that the fact, if it were true, was very
evil, which she could not excuse; but she trusted that Her
Majesty would send him hither to be punished. As to the
words he spoke, she thought they were spoken in choler, and
like a young man. She said she would write to the Ambassador there. So they took their leave of her. |
|
9. On Wednesday, the 17th inst., they asked Secretary De
l'Aubespine to put the Queen in remembrance for the answer,
who sent them word that they need not come to the Court if
they had not more to say than what they had already stated;
for the King had fully answered her letters in writing. |
|
10. Having considered that the King's letter (which they
received that same evening) was sealed, and not having the
Queen's answer, as she had promised they should, and not
knowing what answer was made, Somer resorted to De
l'Aubespine, desiring he might know it, that he might do
further thereupon, according to his charge. L'Aubespine said
that the King had affirmed that he caused no such proclamation to be made, nor had any knowledge thereof, nor
meant any such thing. Somer replied that either the King
or they of Paris caused such proclamation to be made, for she
could not have such certain testimony thereof without good
ground. L'Aubespine swore there was never any such made;
but that in publishing a proclamation in Paris, that every
man should go to the camp, the English who were landed in
Newhaven were spoken of, as other strangers were, who have
come into this realm to aid the rebels, and that therefore he
could not consider them to be his friends. Somer, however,
was not satisfied, and presumed to open the letter, wherein he
found written as L'Aubespine had stated. |
|
11. As for any renunciation by publication, De L'Aubespine
said that the King would not do it, seeing that he did not
cause such to be made, as alleged.—Blois, 19 Feb. 1562.
Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 7. |
| Feb. 19. |
330. Supplies for Newhaven. |
|
Charges for boards, baskets, timber, four "gynnes" with
wheels, and armour. In making the first two "gynnes" sent
to Newhaven, twenty-six carpenters and others were employed
from three to fourteen days each. Planks, timber, iron, ropes,
etc., total, 28l. 13s. 11d. The other two cost 25l. 8s. 4d.,
their carriage to the Tower wharf 2l. 15s., and twenty-four
tumbrils 44l. Total 100l. 17s. 3d.; also a further charge for
planks, etc. amounting to 471l. 13s. 6d. and 20l. 15s. 8d.
Pp. 7. |
| [Feb. 19.] |
331. Ordnance sent from Newhaven. |
|
Brass ordnance eight pieces, eighteen harquebusses, and
thirty chambers broken and whole, delivered out of the
Tiger of London at Brian Hogge's wharf at Redrethe.
Endd. Pp. 2. |
| Feb. 20. |
332. Smith to the Queen. |
|
1. Although he has, at the request of the Cardinal of
Bourbon, already written to her by Mr. Somer in behalf of
Nantouillet, the Provost of Paris, yet the bearer (who is
steward to the latter) has been so importunate in behalf of
his master, that he could not but pray her to extend her
clemency to him. |
|
2. Somer left here yesterday. About six o'clock the night
before, the 18th inst., the Duke of Guise was hurt at Portereau
by a shot of a dagg. It is said that it is at his back, and
comes with a slant out under his shoulder. Belike he that
shot him meant to have shot him through, but as he was
turning to bid somebody farewell, it took him glancing wise.
It is not known who did it. The surgeons of this town went
to look at it yesterday, and this morning the Queen went to
visit him. The most doubt they have, he hears, is that the
pellet was poisoned.—Blois, 20 Feb. 1562. Signed.
Orig., with armorial seal. Add. Endd.: 20 Feb. 1562.
Pp. 2. |
| Feb. 20. |
333. Middlemore to Cecil. |
|
1. Was prevented from seeing the Admiral until the 18th
inst., having been kept at Newhaven by contrary winds.
Went to him at Dives, four leagues from Caen, delivered
the Queen's letters to him, and declared his charge. He
only answered two points, viz., that touching the renewing
of such articles as had passed between her and Condé concerning the money, which he said he was ready to ratify.
And that, as she now informed him that the sum he should
now receive was 100,000 crowns, he said the sum agreed upon
between them was 140,000 crowns, which he always made
sure of having; and that unless she helped him to that he
could not tell what to do nor what shift to make. The
reiters, (who have not been paid for more than three
months) are in such a rage for their money that he could
scarce keep them together; not only his honour but his life
goes upon contenting them now. |
|
2. The writer replied according to his instructions that
he had not heard anything about these 40,000 crowns, but
that he knew of many sums being defrayed by the Queen
for the Prince at Rouen and Dieppe, and to Montgomery. |
|
3. The Admiral said he had only heard of 12,000 crowns
being so disbursed, and so still made his account of receiving
the rest. The writer told him that he had heard that the
sum was much greater than he named. The Admiral hopes
that the person who is to follow the writer will bring better
news. |
|
4. Had not at the writing hereof delivered the letter to the
Marshal of Hesse, for he was lodged five leagues off. Nothing
but money will content these people. |
|
5. Perceives that the Admiral was compelled to come into
these parts with his reiters, or else he would have lost
them, for they were so corrupted by the other side that it
lacked very little of their having gone home. |
|
6. The town of Caen is at the Admiral's devotion, but the
castle still holds out. The Marquis D'Elbœuf, who is the
chief in it, is besieged by 800 soldiers, which force will be
increased shortly. The castle is very strong, but not very
well manned. The Admiral went to Caen on the 19th to
view the castle, and the writer was with him. He means
to batter it as soon as he can get artillery from Newhaven.
Those in it have no great store of artillery. |
|
7. The Duke of Guise is with his army in Le Portereau, a
suburb of Orleans, beyond the bridge, and holds the tower at
the further end of the bridge; but he only batters the town
now and then with culverin shot. M. D'Andelot, (who is
the chief in Orleans), has cut the bridge asunder and made
a platform thereon near to the tower held by the Duke,
and has fortified the isle which the bridge stands upon. |
|
8. Condé (who is lying at a castle beside Amboise, belonging to the Count of Rochefoucault,) sent, by consent of the
Queen Mother, to the Admiral about twelve days ago for two
gentlemen with him, MM. De Esterney and Bochard, who
were on their way hither, to enter a new talk with them of
some accord. The Constable had also two others of the Duke's
party permitted to come to him at Orleans at the same time
and for the same purpose; but he cannot learn their names.
D'Esterney was for long Governor of Orleans. |
|
9. Montgomery is looked to be here shortly with forces
from Dieppe. Supposes that the Admiral will go to raise
the siege at Orleans soon after his reiters are paid, and
return hither again for such forces as shall be sent him
from England against they are ready. Wrote to him two
or three words by M. De Teligny, to tell him of his arrival
on this side and the time thereof. They look greedily for
him who is to follow the writer. The Admiral is accompanied
here by 5,000 horse and by MM. De la Rochefoucault, De
Gramont, De Rohan, and De Mouy.—Eccoville, 20 Feb.
Orig. Hol. A few words in cipher, deciphered. Add.
Endd.: Feb. 1562. Pp. 4. |
| Feb. 20. |
334. Gresham's Accounts. |
|
A note of four bonds renewed, which amount with brokerage
and interest to 118, 584 florins. Signed: Gresham.
Endd. Pp. 2. |
| Feb 20. |
335. Proclamation. |
|
The Queen having appointed commissioners to investigate
charges against any of her subjects for molesting those of the
King of Spain; the Vice-Admirals and the officers of the
different ports are to take sureties of good behaviour from
the owners of ships arming to the seas. The complaints of
certain Scotchmen shall be tried and redressed.
Draft, corrected by Cecil. Endd.: 20 Feb. 1562. Pp. 8. |
| Feb. 20. |
336. The Bishop of London to Challoner. |
|
Congratulates him on his honourable place. Begs for a
"reward" of stones towards the re-edifying of "Powles." If
he sends a warrant for 600 or 700 loads they will use no more
than shall be necessary.—London, 20 Feb. 1562. Signed:
Edm. London.
Orig. Hol., with seal. Add. Endd. by Challoner: 21 [sic]
Feb. 1562. Pp. 2. |
| Feb. 20. |
337. N. Stopio to Mason. |
|
Wrote last Saturday. Many of the fathers have left Trent
for Solazzo, but they are commanded to return speedily.
Sends certain articles proposed for disputation.—Venice, 20
Feb. 1563. Signed.
Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. Ital. Pp. 2. |
