Elizabeth: September 1568, 1-15

Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 8, 1566-1568. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1871.

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'Elizabeth: September 1568, 1-15', in Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 8, 1566-1568, ed. Allan James Crosby( London, 1871), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/foreign/vol8/pp536-549 [accessed 22 November 2024].

'Elizabeth: September 1568, 1-15', in Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 8, 1566-1568. Edited by Allan James Crosby( London, 1871), British History Online, accessed November 22, 2024, https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/foreign/vol8/pp536-549.

"Elizabeth: September 1568, 1-15". Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 8, 1566-1568. Ed. Allan James Crosby(London, 1871), , British History Online. Web. 22 November 2024. https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/foreign/vol8/pp536-549.

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September 1568, 1-15

[Sept.] 2486. Civil War in France.
Discourse by the Cardinal Chatillon on the troubles in France, which he attributes chiefly to the Cardinal of Lorraine. Relates certain outrages done to those of the reformed religion in France, and refutes the charge of ambition brought against them.
Endd., by Cecil. Fr. Pp. 12.
Sept. 2487. Petition of the Electors of Germany to the Emperor.
Remind him of the pitiful warfare in the Low Countries, and how the Duke of Alva with his Spanish soldiers invades and destroys them, and also of the terrible and strange manner he spills much Christian blood as well against persons of high degree as of low degree. Point out how likely it is that they will invade the Empire, and also how by the assuaging of traffic the estates of the electors and others are so diminished that they are not so well able to resist the Turk. Beg that he will consider some convenient way whereby this war may be wisely redressed.
Translated out of the High Dutch. Endd., by Cecil. Pp. 5.
[Sept.] 2488. Sir Henry Norris to Cecil.
The Admiral has in such sort battered the town of Poitiers as they desire to parley.
Sir Henry Norris to [Leicester].
Advertised him by his last of the of August of the confiscation of the Protestants' goods. The King moves the King of Spain and the Princes of Italy to send him some succours of war. There is some motion of peace. The Admiral besieges Poitiers.
Rough Draft. Pp. 4.
Sept. 1. 2489. Notes for Redress of the Affairs for Muscovy.
Notes of complaints by the Company of Muscovy merchants concerning the evil conduct of their agents in retaining their goods and slandering them to the Emperor.
Endd. Pp. 3½.
Sept. 1. 2490. Proclamation by Charles IX.
As the chiefs of the new religion have taken up arms, he commands certain leaders of the gendarmerie to assemble themselves at Orleans under the Duke of Anjou, the Lieutenant General of his realm. The other companies of gendarmerie not specified in this proclamation are to remain in garrison in the places formerly appointed for them.—St. Maurdes-Fosses, 1 Sept. 1568.
Printed. Endd. Fr. P. 1.
Sept. 2. 2491. Sir Henry Norris to the Queen.
1. Gives her to understand of the Cardinal of Lorraine's dealings whereby she may judge whether the Prince of Conde's taking up arms was forced on him or not.
2. First, the Cardinal, imagining his designs now to be ripe, came to Paris, and there dealt for the receipt of 1,200,000 francs of the clergy lands besides 2,000,000 francs upon resignations, erection of new offices, and granting patents. He then returned to the Court and there disposed of sundry offices, naming divers of his friends in the bailiwicks, appointing every one of them fifty lances to be ready whenever the King would employ them. He caused also the Queen to have in suspect the secretaries of state, Fizes only excepted; and commanded new letters to be written to the confederates to entrap as many of the religion as they could, advising them to work so surely as the complaint might come after the blow. Afterwards he gave orders for fifty companies of men-at-arms to be placed in garrison in divers towns most suspected, in which towns election is made of two of the most affectionate Catholics, who have authority to arm such men as shall seem good to them. The captains of the garrisons have charge to keep under the Protestants, to forage on them, and show divers other extremities.
3. It was again recharged to all captains of ports and passages to search all travellers, and to molest all those who were suspected of religion.
4. The Cardinal having thus disposed these matters, minding to move the King more readily to execute his designs, declared that he was possessed of all the passages and towns, and that those of the religion who remained were at the mercy of the garrisons, and were not able to have any camp abroad; and moreover when the time of execution should be at hand, what by the new companies and the associations of the Catholics, they might well bring to the field 14,000 horse who were all enrolled, saying that he had provided 800,000 francs to muster them in one day. He also caused divers dispatches to be sent into the provinces assuring them of the religion that the King desired nothing more than the maintenance of his Edicts. He also addressed a certain form of oath into all parts of the realm, by means whereof he hoped that many scrupulous consciences would make difficulty to arm, and be glad of this excuse to retire themselves. As for the Catholics it is of long time evident that they were encouraged to the war upon hopes of the confiscation of the goods and estates of them of the religion, divers neuters hereupon becoming very hot in their devotion. On the other side the Cardinal by means of the Pope's Nuncio and the ambassador of Spain promises the King great support both of men and money.
5. Upon these foundations the Cardinal minding to build his devices, soon after talking with the Queen somewhat loud near the King's bed so that he might easily be heard, assured them upon his life and honour that they might exterminate the religion whensoever they would, and that they had the means to see their realm as void of heresy as Spain, or any other in Europe. If the principals accompanied themselves too feebly they could not eschew to be apprehended, and if they had any great number it was an apparent contradiction of the Edict, whereupon they might worthily be charged as criminals. If they suffered Rochelle to be taken they would utterly lose their credit with the world and be unprovided of all surety; and if they should rise to succour Rochelle it might be imputed to them the breaking of the peace.
6. The Queen upon these persuasions resolving to follow the Cardinal's councils, sent divers messengers to entertain the Prince with fair promises; but he discovering the practice began to draw of the religion about him, having regard to Rochelle. The Cardinal perceiving his intention thought to environ so about that he should not escape; but he having knowledge as well of that which had passed between the Queen and the Cardinal at the Court as of his present danger, gathered such small force as was at hand and departed towards Rochelle.
7. The Duke of Chatelherault minds to embark with some forces for Dumbarton; and in the meantime whilst he passes by sea, the Abbot of Kilwinning comes to England to sue for his safe-conduct, as a colour whereby he may not be interrupted on his voyage. The King looks to have 4,000 reiters. He has not yet recovered of his sickness.—Paris, 2 Sept. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 4.
Sept. 2. 2492. Sir Henry Norris to Cecil.
1. Trusts he will not omit this time to recover Calais. The Duke of Chatelherault departs with men and munitions for Dumbarton. The Ambassador of Scotland coming to his house on the 31st of August told him that he found it strange that the Queen of England would not only not grant the Queen of Scots' three requests, but also kept her prisoner, which he thought she did for the young man (for so he termed him) who was killed in Scotland lately. If she had been of her counsel, she should openly have cut off his head by order of law, for he had deserved no less. The Queen of England did more than she might to be judge in her own cause over her who is a queen as she is. Norris told him that he spoke far otherwise than became him of Her Majesty, who had handled his mistress very honourably always; and where he talked of cutting off their King's head, better it had been by order of law to have done it, than so shamefully to have murdered him; and that the Queen was desirous that she should be purged of that wherein many thought her faulty, and that it was by his mistress's own desire that he had taken the matter in hand.
2. Their determination continues to march forward against the Prince of Conde. The King continues very weak, though oftentimes amended of his fever. — Paris, 2 Sept. 1568. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 3.
Sept. 2. 2493. Charges for Berwick.
A note of extraordinary charges from the 25th March to the 2nd September 1568, chiefly for obtaining intelligence from Scotland, and sending messengers to the Court and elsewhere. Total, 109l. 3s. 8d.—Signed by Drury.
Endd. Almost illegible. Pp. 2¼.
Sept. 3. 2494. The Regent Murray to Cecil.
Has again made some little discourse of the state of this country to the Queen of England, which he prays him effectuously to present to her.—Edinburgh, 3 Sept. 1568. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ½.
Sept. 3. 2495. Charges for Berwick.
Payments made by the treasurer to the officers and garrison of Berwick from Michaelmas 1567 to September 3rd, 1568, amounting to 6,771l. 7s. 4d., towards which he has only received 3,815l. 12s. 9d.—Signed: Valentine Browne.
Endd. Pp. 2.
Sept. 4. 2496. Lord Hunsdon to Cecil.
1. Sent his son George to Bolton, of whose arrival the Scottish Queen was first advertised, and at his coming into the chamber received him very courteously, but told him that she thought some uncourtesy in Hunsdon that passing so nigh would not visit a poor stranger, alleging that it was along of some of her enemies who had incensed him of some evil against her, and prayed him not to believe her enemies till he knew the truth, and also that where it was informed Her Majesty that the great spoils done on the Borders were by her followers, that being true he would punish them with more extremity than any other, and if he would send their names she would cause them to be punished by her friends. Yet notwithstanding they be only such as depend upon her that daily spoil as this day for his welcome they have taken twenty of the Queen's subjects in rescuing their own goods, and not four days before took forty-two oxen and kine of the mayor of this town sixteen miles within the land. Perceives that the other Wardens advertise that their Borders are quiet. Would be loath to accuse any man's doings, but has not heard any man more cried out of than Sir John Forster for suffering the Queen's subjects to be burned, spoiled, and robbed without redress. Some of those he has taken assurance of are those who annoy the East Marches most. Is but newly come, but they begin so handsomely with him that he trusts not to die in their debts. They must either seek revenge or suffer such outrages as never in the wars were offered. Will rather smart than suffer.—Berwick, 4 Sept.
2. P.S.—Had not so soon ended his letter, and scant lain in his bed, but there was a great alarum in the town, whereupon they repaired with all speed to the castle, where within twelve score was slain one of their scouts, having four wounds of the greatest that ever he saw besides divers others.
3. Gives a list of seven names of those who are common robbers and spoilers upon the Borders, depending wholly upon the Queen of Scots.
Add. Endd. Pp. 2½.
Sept. 4. 2497. Sir William Drury to Cecil.
Understands that upon the Queen of Scots' denial that there are any troubles worthy of complaint upon the Borders, that the Queen has written to Lord Scrope and Sir John Forster, who have answered that in their charges all is quiet and that of any within Drury's charge they hear nothing Thinks that Scrope's answer is true, but marvels much at Sir John Forster. Sends a paper herewith for some testimony that since the Queen's removing from Carlisle the Scots have not lived so quiet as she alleges and Sir John Forster pretends a wilful ignorance of. Gives an account of the murder of the scout by the Scots. Forster cannot be ignorant of the provocations ministered by the Scots, for besides the frequent visitations of his brother Rowland Forster, who daily exclaims upon their disorders, he himself said to Drury that this manner of life of the Scots could not but breed either them (the English) to sit with unsupportable injury or else certain wars. If this will not suffice offers to produce other testimony. —Berwick, 4 Sept. 1568. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 3.
Sept. 4. 2498. Information against Sir John Forster.
1. Complaint that Sir John Forster has exceeded his commission and acted contrary to the laws of the Marches in executing a certain man for stealing sheep.
2. Exhibited to the Privy Council of Cuthbert Horsley.— 4 Sept. 1568. Signed.
Endd. P. 1.
Sept. 4. 2499. M. Chastellier to Sir Nicholas Throckmorton.
The violation of the law and the King's Edicts by their adversaries has for a third time driven them into civil war. They are however full of courage, some of their leaders being in arms in the field and others in this town. Trust to be strongest on the sea, and hopes that the Queen of England will send them assistance.—Rochelle, 4 Sept. 1568. Signed.
Add., with seal. Fr. P. 1.
Sept. 5. 2500. The Cardinal Chatillon to Charles IX.
Having discovered the design of his enemies to seize him in his house and to execute their evil will upon him, he has been compelled to quit his house and the realm, which he hopes that the King will not take ill.—Senarpont, 5 Sept. 1568.
Copy. Endd. Fr. Pp. 1½.
Sept. 6. 2501. Sir Henry Norris to Cecil.
Has received a letter from Mr. Man, who is sick at Abbeville and not able to travel any further. There is one Pierre Roulet, secretary to the Queen of Scots, who has brought certain portraitures of Her Majesty and others, who is sent by the Cardinal of Lorraine and accounted a crafty merchant. The King continues still in his ague. There still continue great and many murders here, insomuch as DuVal, counsellor of the Court of Parliament of Paris, was on the 30th August most cruelly murdered at Mont Severin without any justice done on the offenders. The Queen Mother told him on the 4th instant that she would have no wars, and that the King would reconcile his nobility by the great clemency he intended to use towards them. It is for certain agreed that if the Duke of Alva brings his purpose to the desired effect in Flanders he will forthwith invade England. There be certain Scottish men sent by the Cardinal of Lorraine, who feigning themselves banished for religion must advertise of the proceedings in England for the Queen of Scots. The post Rowland is taken at Rouen and his letters sent to the Court.—Paris, 6 Sept. 1568. Signed.
Partly in cipher. Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 2.
Sept. 5. 2502. Sir John Forster to Cecil.
Complains of spoils committed by certain of the Queen of Scots' party within his charge. Sends two letters from the Regent Murray.—Alnwick, 5 Sept. 1568. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1.
Sept. 5. 2503. Lord Hunsdon to the Queen.
Has had no leisure since his coming from hearing poor men's complaints who are nightly spoiled only by such as appertain to the Queen of Scots. Unless speedy remedy be had a great part of the Borders will be utterly spoiled.— Berwick, 5 Sept. 1568. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. P. 1.
Sept. 5. 2504. Lord Hunsdon to Cecil.
1. This Sunday morning at seven o'clock Rowland Forster came to him with complaint of those men who had been at the killing of the scout, and brought the names of divers of them, who in preying upon him had killed one of his men seventy years old and hurt divers others, and carried away their cattle with crying Kill and Slay. Was not so soon come down to go to church but he had six other complaints as ill as that, and some poor men crying out that they must live upon him, for all that they had was taken by the Scots. No night escapes without spoiling and killing of the Queen's subjects. If he has not money he must revoke the footmen who have lain in the country to save it, and cannot send for the horsemen which is most needful until he has it. Sends the names of the leaders of such injuries. The munition here is very little. There is reasonable store of powder, but he fears that it is most of it cast away for lack of looking to.— Berwick, 5 Sept.
2. Encloses the complaints of divers who have been spoiled or taken prisoners by the Scots. Also the names of those who were at the killing of the scout. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 3½.
Sept. 6. 2505. Mr. John Wood to Cecil.
Found the Regent very quiet here, the nobility being gone home to prepare either for the entry of the French or them selves to come on the 25th to Richmond. Laments the hurt done to her friends by the proceedings and countenance of the Queen of England. What trust may be put in the promises of the adversaries all times past have declared manifestly, and this present day their continual attempts upon the Borders and their practices and preparations in France. Notwithstanding which the Regent is deliberate in person to justify his cause before ever he will stir armour. He lacks the opportunity of conference with Cecil "and says he must needs have it by one means or other."—Edinburgh, 6 Sept. 1568. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 1½.
Sept. 7. 2506. The Regent Murray to Cecil.
Desires him to put the Queen of England in mind of the preparation of the Frenchers intended towards Scotland, who are daily looked for by that faction in whose favour they allege their voyage enterprised. They continue in their intention of coming into England. Understands that the 25th inst. is appointed, which they think a great favour. Desires safe-conducts for the Earl of Morton, the Earl of Glencairn, Lord Lindsey of the Byres, the Bishop of Orkney, and the Commendator of Dunfermline, or any three of them, an Earl and a Lord being of the number, accompanied with 100 horse or within; also another for himself with 100 persons in his company. Meant not to sue for safe-conducts if it were not that the King's mother might peradventure desire to detain them.—Edinburgh, 7 Sept. 1568. Signed.
Draft of part of a safe-conduct for Murray in Cecil's writing. Add. Endd. Pp. 2.
Sept. 7. 2507. Lord Scrope to Cecil.
Has received a letter from Lord Herries, which he encloses. —Bolton, 7 September. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ¼.
Sept. 8. 2508. Mr. Robert Stewart to Cecil.
Fears that he will be constrained to remain some time longer in these parts. Will be glad to be advertised what is doing in the matters whereof he had charge.—Edinburgh, 8 Sept. 1568. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1.
Sept. 8. 2509. Lord Hunsdon to Cecil.
Beseeches him to send down money with speed, and then they will deal well enough with the Scots without putting the Queen to the charge of the 100 horsemen. Has sent for the gentlemen of the Borders to take some order for the victualling of the soldiers which lie there for their defence. Is constrained to have 200 soldiers remain still there. Has but 250 within this town.—Berwick, 8 Sept. 1568. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1.
Sept. 7. 2510. The Earl of Westmorland and the Bishop of Durham to Lord Hunsdon.
According to the Queen's commandment they have diligently done their endeavours to put in readiness the 100 light horsemen, who will not be ready before the 20th inst. Complain of the hardship of the inhabitants of the Bishopric being constantly liable to serve without recompense.—Auckland, 7 Sept. 1568. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 1½. Enclosure.
Sept. 8. 2511. Sir Henry Norris to Cecil.
Sends a book of architecture by him who makes the Queen's Tuilleries here. Cannot recover the letters which were taken from Rowland or obtain the poor man's liberty.— Paris, 8 Sept. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. P. ½.
Sept. 8. 2512. The Cardinal of Chatillon to the Queen.
The attempts to surprise the Prince of Conde and the Admiral has obliged them at length to seek a place of safety. Has himself been compelled in order to avoid falling into the hands of his enemies to seek refuge in her realm. Desires to be allowed to come to the Court.—Dover, 8 Sept. 1568. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Fr. Pp. 1½.
Sept. 9. 2513. Sir Henry Norris to Cecil.
On the 7th inst. M. De Mouy sent to him expressly to request the Queen of England's aid of 3,000 men to be landed betwixt St. Valery and Dieppe, being otherwise so entrapped as hardly shall he escape. Had audience of his unpleasant message the 8th inst. afore the King, his mother, and his council, and after he had declared his charge was desired to send it him in writing, which he intends to do to-day.—Paris, 9 Sept. 1568. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Partly in cipher. P. ¾.
Sept. 9. 2514. Declaration of the Prince of Conde.
Protests that he does not take up arms to attempt anything prejudicial to the King; but only to protect those of the religion from the tyranny and oppressions of their enemies. Form of oath to be taken by the nobility, officers, and others of the Prince's army, by which they engage to obey all his orders, and to avenge the murders and violences perpetrated against those of the reformed religion. Regulations for the maintenance of discipline in the said army, chiefly for the prevention of desertion, private plundering, excess in baggage, and numbers of camp followers, and disorders and quarrels.— La Rochelle, 9 Sept. 1568.
Endd. Printed pamphlet in French. Pp. 16.
Sept. 9. 2515. Declaration of the Prince of Conde.
Copy of the protestation and form of oath in writing.
Endd. Fr. P. 1.
Sept. 9. 2516. The Regent Murray to Cecil.
Letter of credence for Mr. John Wood sent towards the Queen of England instructed of his mind.—Edinburgh, 9 Sept. 1568. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ½.
[Sept. 10.] 2517. Message delivered by Sir Henry Norris to the French King.
The Queen of England has charged him to desire the King that this message may be declared to him in the presence of his Privy Council. The Queen on her honour declares that she had nothing to do with his subjects during the last troubles, and if she interferes now it is only on account of the duty due to her subjects, the friendship she has for the King, and the preservation of her own estate. Complains of the non-observance of the Edicts of Pacification, and the murders and injuries perpetrated on those of the reformed religion, which if he does not remedy, she will be obliged to provide for the danger threatening her own estate. Signed: Henry Norreys.
Endd. Fr. Pp. 6¼.
Sept. 11. 2518. Advices.
Rome, 11 Sept. 1568. Obsequies of Don Carlos. News of the Papal Court. Aid promised to the French King. Turin, [5] Sept. Negotiations between the Prince of Conde and the Duke of Savoy. News from Vienna, 9 Sept.
Ital. Pp. 4.
Sept. 1 & 11. 2519. Lord Herries to the Regent Murray.
Requires to be advertised certainly whether the obedient subjects of the Queen of Scots shall assure themselves in bodies and goods to be untroubled by any of the other party, at least until their return out of England. Complains of the proud thieves of these parts, who are assisted by some Englishmen in all manner of wrongs. If Murray will give the charge of the Wardenry here to any true man he promises his assistance whilst this great matter of the authority be tried betwixt the Queen and her son and the estates of the realm. Desires to have his house again, which Murray caused to be taken when he was with the Queen of England; at which time she promised him there should be no hurt done to him. —Dumfries, 1 Sept. 1568. Signed.
Copy.
The Regent Murray to Lord Herries.
1. Since Herries' coming into Scotland all hostility has been forborne by him. What on the other part has been their behaviour Herries knows well enough; as also the outrages attempted to make him and other noblemen of the King's council prepared to pass into England stay at home and consequently retain the realms in continual confusion. Minds inviolably to keep the abstinence to all subjects (the persons and goods of them who by law are justly forfeited excepted) till his returning forth of England; the like being observed by the other party. Is glad of his disposition to offer assistance to such as Murray may appoint to the Wardenry, and if he had been as willing this twelvemonth past, assuredly theft and oppression had not been so frequent. If Herries had continued in the Wardenry, he was not minded to have altered it. To speak plainly asks him if he has not proclaimed himself Warden, and commanded that none obey the King or him; reducing that March into a province by itself. And now to desire him to give the charge to some true man, what shall it profit, where Herries has before taken the charge on himself, without he promises for himself and dependants obedience to the Warden in the King's name.
2. As for his houses he had not sought none of them out of his hands; if he had served in the charge of Wardenry himself, or made his men and servants obedient to such as Murray in the King's name should have placed in that room. Will boldly take in hand to answer both England and Scotland for all attempts committed by any professing the King's obedience.—Edinburgh, 11 Sept. 1568.
Copy. Endd. Pp. 3.
Sept. 12. 2520. Advices.
News from Rome of the 12th September; and from Constantinople of the 14th August.
Endd. Ital. Pp. 2.
Sept. 12. 2521. Information of George Carr.
Declares that James Ogle refused to subscribe the information against him for using disrespectful speech in the Warden's court, and complaining that he is not equitably dealt with by the Warden.
Endd. Pp. 2½.
Sept. 12. 2522. Charles IX. to the Queen.
Sir Henry Norris having informed him of the charge which was given to him, he sends the bearer, the Bishop of Rennes, with his answer.—St. Maur des Fosses, 12 Sept. 1568. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Royal letter. Fr. Broadside.
Sept. 12. Catherine de Medicis to the Queen.
Letter of credence for the Bishop of Rennes.—St. Maur des Fosses, 12 Sept. 1568. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Royal letter. Fr. Broadside.
Sept. 12. Advices from Rome.
News from Rome of the 12th September of affairs passing in Italy and the Papal Court.
Endd.: Copy of a letter sent to the Cardinal of Lorraine from Paris, 29 August. See that date. Ital. Pp. 2.
Sept. 13. 2523. The Queen to Philip II.
Praises the bearer, Don Diego Guzman De Silva, his late ambassador at her Court, for his zeal in fulfilling the duties of his office and perserving the mutual amity. Considers that Man was displeasing to him not through his own fault, but through the malice of certain Englishmen residing at his Court.
Rough draft, corrected by Cecil. Endd. Lat. Pp. 2.
Sept. 13. 2524. Lord Hunsdon to Cecil.
1. The Earl of Argyll and the others fortify Dumbarton, which is able to receive 3,000 men. The Borderers of Tividale do all they can to procure war.
2. The English horsemen are not able to encounter them, They ride not under 200 or 300, and upon any fray they will be within three hours 1,000 or 1,200, which the Marches cannot deal with. Where there is a town of 100 or 200 householders not three of them are English but all Scots, and in some towns all Scots. Even at Tweedmouth there are more Scots than English. Meets Cessford on the 25th inst. Bennett sold ordnance, shot, powder, and all manner of things under his charge that any man would give him money for, and the Queen must be contented with the loss, for he died not worth a groat. Desires the Queen's favour and mercy for Ralph Swynhowe of Cornwall (Cornhill), who has remained two years in prison at Durham for the killing of a man, but who was not near the slain man by twenty-two score. The Lord Home gathers all his friends. Intends to stand upon his guard.—Berwick, 13 Sept. 1568. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 2.
Sept. 14. 2525. The Cardinal Chatillon to Cecil.
Letter of credence for the bearer, M. De Luzy.—London, 14 Sept. 1568. Signed.
Add. Endd. Fr. P. ½.
Sept. 14. 2526. The Cardinal Chatillon to Charles IX.
Regrets that he should be obliged to abandon house and country, which he does not from any distrust in the King's goodness, but in order to avoid the danger and violence of his enemies. Has not come here for any practice, as he had not determined to come three hours before he left his house. Begs the King not to take his favour from him.—London, 14 Sept. 1568.
The Cardinal Chatillon to Catherine De Medicis.
To the same effect as the above.—London, 14 Sept. 1568. Copies. Endd. Fr. Pp. 3.
Sept. 15. 2527. Sir Henry Norris to the Queen.
1. On the 9th inst. he had audience at St. Maur, afore the King being yet not able by his late sickness to rise out of his bed. Having at length declared that which he was commanded by her letters, the King required him to have patience in a gallery adjoining to his chamber till he had conferred with his Council. Whilst he was there he is credibly informed that the Cardinal of Lorraine praised God that the Queen of England had declared war for the religion, because she lost by that means the favour of the King of Spain and the Emperor, who would be very glad to follow the enterprise against England, and for that the natural of the English is not willingly to suffer a prince stranger, it would be meet to begin the war by some of their own nobility who have already means thereto, and the affairs troubled it would be easy to send forces into that country. This done Norris was required to come to the King, who desired that he would grant him in writing that which he had declared by mouth, as the matter was of great consequence so might he and his Council deliberate thereupon, which thing Norris promised, and the next day sent to him.
2. Mons. Montmorency has sent expressly to him requiring that the Queen might be advertised speedily that it was determined in their Council that answer should be sent shortly by the Bishop of Rennes, to whose requests if she accords unto she does the thing most agreeable to the Cardinal of Lorraine, but greatly prejudicial to the religion; contrariwise if it like her not to grant to any of his requests all his enterprises are utterly overthrown. The Prince of Condé with the Count Rochefoucault remains about Rochelle, and his army lies presently severed in the towns, whither do daily repair of the religion from all parts of the realm. D'Andelot has lately taken St. Lo in Britanny.—Paris, 15 Sept. 1568. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Partly in cipher. Pp. 2½.
Sept. 15. 2528. Sir Henry Norris to Cecil.
1. Desires him to foresee the inconveniences that may come by granting the Bishop of Rennes' requests, and return him without granting any one of his demands, and so shall he greatly benefit the religion, and utterly frustrate the Cardinal of Lorraine's enterprises. The King being determined that an edict should have been published disannulling all protections made for them of the religion, the same was presently upon Norris' message stayed. Thinks if it had been published the number of them of the religion had been ruined (sic).
2. The slaughter was not so great at Orleans as was reported; the number was but six of the soldiers appointed to keep the doors during the time of the preaching. The King has determined to send his nobility to their charges. Thanks him for his goodness shown to the bearer.—Paris, 15 Sept. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Partly in cipher. P. 1.
Sept. 15. 2529. Proclamation by Charles IX.
Commands certain bands of gensd'armes and archers to assemble at Orleans by the 20th inst., under the command of his brother the Duke of Anjou.—St. Maur des Fosses, 15 Sept. 1568.
Endd. Printed broadside in French. P. 1.
Sept. 15. 2530. The Regent Murray to Hunsdon.
Understanding the late attempts against him he has come suddenly to this town hoping to apprehend certain of the principal attempters. Has apprehended him who was guide.— Jedburgh, 15 Sept. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1.