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| Nov. 14. |
1817. Richard Hill to the Lord Keeper or Cecil. |
|
Has received news from his sons in Germany about the
Duke of Alva and the levying of soldiers there for the different
parties in France and the movements of different noblemen
of the Low Countries. Encloses a translation of the thirteen
Articles of instruction for the Netherlands (see Oct. 16).—
London, 14 Nov. 1567. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 6¼. |
| Nov. 14. |
1818. Advertisement out of France. |
|
News of a battle between the Constable and the Prince
of Conde, in which the former was defeated and slain.
Endd. Fr. P. ¾. |
| Nov. 15. |
1819. The Earl of Sussex to Gresham. |
|
Requires 2,000 dalers, which he desires Clough to get for
him in Antwerp.—Vienna, 15 Nov. 1567. Signed.
Endd. P. 1. |
| Nov. 15. |
1820.— to [Cecil]. |
|
Expresses his anxiety that he should know the truth of all
matters passing in France, and more especially that the Lords
"whom he knows" only desire that the cause of religion
should be considered without passion.
Add. Endd. Fr. Pp. 2¼. |
| Nov. 15. |
1821. The Earl of Sussex to Cecil. |
|
1. The Emperor and the Archduke rest here in great expectation of a good answer to be brought by Mr. Cobham.
The Emperor has given order to prepare a place for the
receiving of the Order so soon as he is able to wear a hose.
The Duke of Savoy has sent the French King 1,800 horsemen; and (the Venetians excepted) all the principal states of
Italy send present aid to him with promise of further. Out
of Germany it is advertised that two colonels of footmen and
two generals of horsemen are entertained by King Philip, and
have received prest money for 4,000 horse and forty ensigns of
foot. There are also great numbers imprested as is thought
for the Prince of Conde and the Admiral. Lignerolles has
been here from the French King to desire the Emperor that
no aid be permitted to go out to the rebels of France. |
|
2. The Turk makes great preparation for the sea.—Vienna,
15 Nov. 1567. Signed. |
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3. P.S.—When the Archduke departed hence Sussex went
with him in his coach. By the way the Archduke declared the
hope he had of a good answer by Mr. Cobham, and that the
Queen would not deny to satisfy his conscience. Sussex told
him that he had occasion by the forehead, and that if he let
it slip the fault would be his own. The Archduke asked him
that when he heard from "his good Queen" he would let
him know of her well doing. Sent one of his men, who was
received as if he had been an ambassador sent on purpose.
On separate sheet.
Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 4. |
| Nov. 16. |
1822. Sir Henry Norris to the Queen. |
|
Since his last of October 22nd the Chevalier Seyvar has
continually travailled to take up the differences betwixt the
King and his subjects, who now stand upon these articles:
First, that the Edict of Orleans shall be wholly observed,
taking away all restrictions since made; the second, that
there shall be liberty of preaching throughout France; the
third, that there shall be delivered to the Prince 300,000
francs to pay his people whereby they may return home
without pillage, which yet cannot be granted. The 6th at
night the King sent Philip Strozzi with his band to a place
where the Prince had made a passage with great boats
planked upon whereby he might impeach the victuals from
coming to Paris; which bridge, whilst Strozzi kept them in
skirmish who had the charge, his pioneers destroyed. The
following day the Duke of Nemours took a castle which much
hindered the coming of provisions, and on the 8th the Prince
retired from Pont Charenton after breaking down the bridge
and firing the town to St. Denis. On the 10th the Constable
being informed that D'Andelot had gone towards Poissy,
caused eight cannon to be drawn forth and the 6,000 Swiss
with certain bands of Frenchmen to accompany the artillery.
Afterwards went out a great company of their gendarmes and
also light horse. The two armies stayed long in the field viewing one another, afterwards approaching little by little, the
troop of horsemen that were on the right hand of the battle
gave a furious charge upon the same of the King, whereat
divers were overthrown on each part. Afterwards retiring
themselves both to their chiefest force of horsemen who stood
on the left hand of the battle, presently was there given so
great a charge upon the King's battle of horsemen that the
white coats (which livery the Prince's men wear) passed
clean through and through the King's battle. What further followed he beseeches her for that he dare not write of
it to credit Mr. Antony Bridges, the bearer, who saw it. The
council of the Prince and Admiral was not to set on the
footmen as in other battles they had done to their hindrance.
The battle began about three and lasted till night. Each
side attributes to himself the victory, but whichsoever won
the glory of the field they both lost of the flower of their
bands. M. le Constable ventured so far as he received two
blows in the face with a curtelace, and in retiring was shot
into the back with a pistolet, whereof he died on the 12th.
Divers others of less fame sore hurt and since dead also. Gives
the names of different gentlemen slain or prisoners on both
sides. The Marquise De Rostilion, mother to the Prince's wife,
with three of the Prince's children are taken and in the
Louvre. Has had audience on behalf of the merchants of
Rouen on the 13th. On that day came M. Teligny from the
Prince to desire the King to cast his pitiful eyes upon his
poor subjects, who answered that either retiring to their
houses or coming to submit themselves to him he would
receive them as loving subjects, and forgive all the past. The
Prince on the 14th departed from St. Denis without sound
of trumpet or stroke of drum.—Paris, 16 Nov. 1567. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 4. |
| Nov. 16. |
1823. Sir Henry Norris to Cecil. |
|
Desires his counsel, being undeserved so had in suspect that
he should have daily conference with the enemy, which he
has never attempted. Montigny coming from the Queen is
arrested by certain soldiers. Asks him to send one of his
own servants with letters, than which countrymen none may
safelier travel here, who be of both parties well entertained
as those whom they would gladly please.—Paris, 16 Nov. 1567.
Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 1¼. |
| Nov. 16. |
1824. Sir Henry Norris to the Earl of Leicester. |
|
Gives an account of the battle of St. Denis (see his letter to
the Queen of this date). The Constable, though a wise and
valiant captain, was more famous than fortunate in arms, being
accompanied with mishaps in all his attempts. He was
mortally stricken in the reins of his back and the neck with
two bullets of a pistolet, besides on the face two blows of a
curtelace. Hereof he died two days after, and said whilst he
had his memory that Captain Robert Stewart the Scotchman
was he who thus wounded him, whom he knew as well by
his speech as face. The said Stewart being stricken in the
mouth with a shot, was afterwards as is reported slain.—
Paris, 16 Nov. 1567.
Draft. Endd. Pp. 2¼. |
| Nov. 16. |
1825. Sir Henry Norris to Sir Walter Mildmay. |
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Gives an account of the battle of St. Denis, the death of
the Constable, with reflections on his fate, similar to that contained in his letter to Leicester. Three of the Prince of
Conde's children have been taken and brought to Paris.
Great power looked for on both sides.
Draft. Endd. Pp. 3. |
| Nov. 19. |
1826. The Spanish Ambassador to Cecil. |
|
Writes in behalf of Richard Tucker, who has got into trouble
on account of the Marquis of Baden for debt.—London, 19
Nov. 1567. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Lat. P. ¾. |
| Nov. 19. |
1827. The Spanish Ambassador to Cecil. |
|
The bearer wishing to go into the Low Countries has had
certain jewels taken from him by the Queen's officers. Desires
Cecil to impute his error to ignorance of the law of England.
—London, 19 Nov. 1567. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Lat. P. ¼. |
| Nov. 21. |
1828. The Duchess of Parma to the Queen. |
|
Francisco De Palma, servant to her secretary Machiavelli,
having been arrested at Gravesend with two boxes of pearls
belonging to the said Machiavelli, she desires that he may
be released.—Brussels, 21 Nov. 1567. Signed.
Add., with seal. Orig. Royal letter. |
| Nov. 21. |
1829. M. Du Pont to Cecil. |
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Gives an account of the battle of St. Denis in which the
Prince of Conde chased his enemies up to the gates of Paris.
Numbers and movements of the forces in different parts of
France. The Prince has taken the road to Soissons.—
Boulogne, 21 Nov. Signed in cipher.
Add. Endd. Fr. Pp. 3. |
| Nov. [21]. |
1830. Jewels stayed at Gravesend. |
|
Notes touching the pearls stayed at Gravesend.
Endd. P. 1. |
| Nov. 21. |
1831. The Earl of Sussex to Cecil. |
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1. The Duke of Alva has required aid of the Emperor to
expedite into Flanders, Wolfgang, Count Palatine, a Protestant,
and others imprested for the King of Spain, and to stay a
son of the Elector Palatine and the Landgrave who prepare
to arm for the Admiral, who will do what he can for the
King of Spain, and the rather for that the Admiral seems
to ground his doings more upon misgovernment than upon
religion. |
|
2. The Queen has a goodly time to provide for her surety
by this marriage, for if the Protestants speed well she stands
sure by holding her own religion; and if the Papists have
the victory, the Archduke Charles will keep her in surety,
and for his own surety procure her quiet continuing in her
own religion.—Vienna, 21 March 1567. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. In cipher, deciphered. P. 1. |
| Nov. 23. |
1832. Charles IX. to the Queen. |
|
Desires reparation for certain piracies committed by some
of her subjects on some French merchants.—Paris, 23 Nov.
1567. Signed.
Countersigned. Add. Endd. Fr. Royal letter. |
| Nov. 24. |
1833. Sir Henry Norris to the Queen. |
|
On the 17th, the King's brother took the oath of
allegiance and possession of his office of Lieutenant-General
at the Palace. On the 13th he had audience and declared
her will to the King, who gave his most hearty thanks.
Tomorrow Monsieur will march towards Orleans to besiege
it. On the 20th did 2,000 horsemen arrive sent out of
Flanders by the King Catholic. Gives particulars of reinforcements on both sides. The house of Montmorency think
themselves ill dealt with that they have no charge, and are
determined to retire from Court.—Paris, 24 Nov. 1567.
Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 1½. |
| Nov. 23. |
1834. Advices from Antwerp. |
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News from Antwerp, 23 Nov., principally about France.
Endd. Ital. Pp. 3. |
| Nov. 25. |
1835. Dr. Mundt to Cecil. |
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The Bishop of Rennes and a gentleman named Monsieur
Loys be sent to the Palatine, the Duke of Wurtemburg, the
Landgrave, and Duke Augustus to move them to send their
ambassadors into France to compound the commotions begun
there, and to stay the men of war who be ready to march
towards the Prince of Conde. The most part go more for
lucre than religion. The Lords and gentlemen make an
army to recover their lands in the Low Countries. The
Emperor has required the Electors to come the day after
the feast of the Three Kings to Fulda. 4,000 Switzers from
the Papistical cantons be arrived in Burgundy. The Cardinal
of Lorraine has spoiled all his country of the boors and
ploughmen and made them men of war.—Strasbourg, 25 Nov.
1567. Signed: Quem Nosti.
Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 1½. |
| Nov. 25. |
1836. Sir Henry Norris to Cecil. |
|
Reminds him of what he has aforetime advertised him
of the determination had betwixt the King of Spain and
the Pope wherein they stand still settled as to "overun the
Prince of Conde and the Admiral, your danger is the next."
They make their boast thereof. As he may not advertise
the Queen hereof, yet he knows Cecil's wisdom can find
such apt times as to break it, being of such importance.
They make their full account of the Queen as also of the
Lords of the Council not being afore warned. Sends herewith
to satisfy the not contented, whereby they may consider
what conspiracies have been used for the ruin of religion and
what extremity has driven the Protestants to do what they
have done. These here are not to be persuaded but that
the English will arm when they find time most meet to seek
revenge of the injuries offered by the French.—Paris, 25 Nov.
Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Passages in cipher, deciphered.
P. 1. |
| Nov. [25]. |
Petition of the Huguenots to the French King. |
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Having been surely advertised of threats, determinations,
and resolutions to abolish the exercise of the reformed religion
and to extirpate or expel its professors from his realm,
together with the preparation of forces for that purpose,
they have been compelled with regret to assemble in defence
of their lives, goods, and liberty of conscience. They desire
freedom in the exercise of religion, and that all restrictions
may be removed from the Edict of Pacification. The people
also being discontented on account of the great charges and
new impositions which are levied, they beg that he will
convoke the Estates of the realm. Protest that they have
no intention of attempting anything against him or the
rest of the royal family, but are forced to assemble through
the cruel enterprises of their enemies.
Fr. Pp. 2½. Enclosure. |
| Nov. 29. |
1837. Sir Henry Norris to Cecil. |
|
1. On the 24th inst. M. D'Anjou departed towards
Orleans. Conde lies yet at Montereau, and the Duke of
Guise not far distant. Has advertised him of the death of
M. De L'Aubespine who made a very goodly confession of
his faith contrary to that the Papists did look for, being
very penitent that to please Princes he had so long dissimuled.
At his being at St. Denis the Prince burdened him that
he should seek his blood and that of others of the nobility,
and showed him a letter signed with his hand to that effect,
which thing he took so to heart as upon his return he sickened
and died. A like confession of his faith made M. De Bourdin.
Madame Rostillion is returned from the Prince with resolution
that no peace be accorded except they may have the exercise
of their religion and good assurance of their safety. The
Pope marvellously encourages the French King with money
to follow this enterprise. The Count of Aremburg, captain
of the horsemen sent by the King Catholic, declares that
he has in charge to set on the Huguenots wherever he finds
them, and not to return until they are discomforted or peace
proclaimed. Notwithstanding in Cecil's letter of November
3rd he says the Queen is doubtful of giving comfort to subjects,
he thinks she may claim her right when time serves best
thereto. |
|
2. There has been some controversy of late between the
Dukes of Montpensier and Montmorency for the conducting
of the vanguard. The King has judged it to Montpensier,
whereof the other is so offended that he is determined to
repair to his house.—Paris, 29 Nov. 1567. Signed. |
|
3. Sends herewith the rencounter made by young Edward
Barkley and Norris's two boys who were there (see Nov. 10).
Add. Endd. Pp. 2. |
| Nov. 29. |
1838. Adolph Blyleven to Gresham. |
|
Sends him certain articles proposed to the burgesses of
this town on the 26th inst., and the next day granted by
them to the great contentment of the Duke of Alva, relating
to the imposition of certain taxes and duties.—Antwerp,
29 Nov. 1567. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Fr. Pp. 5. |
| Nov. 29. |
1839. Advices. |
|
News from Rome 29 Nov. 1567, and Vienna 28 Nov.
Endd. Ital. Pp. 3. |
| Nov. 30. |
1840. Pietro Bizarri to Cecil. |
|
Sends news from Rome of the 22 Nov. 1567, and from
Vienna of the 20 Nov.—Venice, 30 Nov. 1567. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Ital. Pp. 2. |
| Nov. 30. |
1841. Gresham to Cecil. |
|
Forwards letters sent from Spain, and asks for the payment of certain money owing to him.—Gresham House,
Nov. 1567. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. P. ¼. |
| Nov. 30. |
1842. Advices from Antwerp. |
|
News from Antwerp, chiefly about the battle of St. Denis.
—30 Nov.
Endd. Ital. Pp. 2. |
| Nov. 30. |
1843. Richard Clough to Gresham. |
|
They have been in council in this town all this week past,
touching a demand made by the Duke of Alva, whereunto
they have consented. His demand was to have for ten years
excise and import upon all kind of victual till the sum of
400,000 guilders be received for the making of the castle.
He has also demanded a tax upon rents and all goods and
lands to pay one per cent. of their value. One pound of
land to be reckoned 16l., after which order all the lands in
this country are bought and sold. Gonzaga, an Italian, shall
have Egmont's office of Governor of Flanders. The Prince of
Conde has passed the river and is on the other side of Paris.
The Duke of Brunswick's horsemen are taken up for the
Prince of Conde. The Prince of Conde has fled with 4,000
horse and the King's power pursues him.—Antwerp, 30 Nov.
1567. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 4. |
| Nov. |
1844. Occurrences of France. |
|
Arrival of the King in Paris with the 6,000 Swiss.
Numbers and disposition of the forces of the Prince of Conde
and his associates. Forces of those of the religion in
different provinces of France. Army of the King in Paris
and scarcity of victual there. Illness of L'Aubespine.
Endd. Fr. Pp. 6¼. |
| Nov. |
1845. Occurrences of France. |
|
It is a common report in the houses of the Papal and
Spanish Ambassadors that after the Huguenots had been put
down in France they would do the same in England and
pillage the town of London. Having occasion to go to
St. Denis about some goods that those of the Prince's
company had taken, he saw M. De Bouchevannes his lieutenant, who asked him about affairs in Paris, and told him
that the Prince had only 6,000 foot and 4,000 cavalry; but
that they expected great reinforcements from different
quarters, which he enumerated. He also told him that if he
had been two hours sooner he would have taken the Duke
of Guise and the Cardinal of Lorraine. Coming of the
Spaniards from the Low Countries. Movements of the forces
on both sides. Capture of the Castle of Betauval, &c. List
of the Commanders with the number of their men at Paris
on a separate sheet.
Endd. Fr. Pp. 3½. |
