|
| August 1. |
365. Mr. John Wood to Cecil. |
|
Asks him to show his accustomed favour to his master and
himself. Showed him how strange this proposition would be
found here. Desires him not to let his assured friend be
assailed with burdens "importable."—St. Johnston, 1 August
1569. Signed. |
|
P. ⅓. |
| August 3. |
366. The Regent Murray to Queen Elizabeth. |
|
Excuses himself for his delay in answering her letter. Has
kept the convention and in the same caused John Wood to
communicate amply her credit declared to him, wherein are
contained three degrees for an accord to be made of all controversies in Scotland. The same have been severally looked
on, weighed, and well considered by the noblemen here present, who have taken her meaning in very good part. They find
the two last degrees so prejudicial to the King's estate and the
surety of his obedient subjects, and somewhat dangerous for
the unquieting of the whole isle, that they can nowise condescend to direct anyone towards her to confer upon the same.
As for the first degree being in itself not altogether so dangerous, if by her good means it may be compassed, not only
will they be content to have the same conferred upon but will
think themselves highly bound to her for the same. They
will also be ready to confer with such of her subjects as she
may appoint on that behalf. Desires her to credit the bearer
Alexander Home.—St. Johnston, 3 August 1569. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 1¼. |
| August 3. |
367. The Regent Murray to Cecil. |
|
Refers him to his letter to the Queen for news. Requests
that he will cause search to be made for a letter written from
the Queen of Scots to the Earl of Marr, as he is very
desirous to have the same again.—St. Johnston, 3 August
1569. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. P. ½. |
| August 3. |
368. Lord Hunsdon to Cecil. |
|
At the convention at St. Johnstones, where the Lord
Boyd's commission was read, after long reasoning the equality
of the Scottish Queen's government with the King was simply
denied, but thus much granted generally, that whatsoever
may be done for the commodity of both the countries, shall
be granted to Her Majesty, two things excepted, first the
King's authority, second the freedom of their country.
Understands that Alexander Home comes to the Queen with
their resolution, for Lethington is suspected to be friend
neither to the King nor the Regent. Argyle came not to the
convention. Lethington durst not go till Lord Home's,
Athol's, and Huntley's servants and certain of the Hamiltons
convey him thither. He is making a marriage that Claude
Hamilton should marry the Regent's wife's sister, which will
be the cutting of the Regent's throat. The Scottish Queen
sent a commission to be divorced from Bothwell, which displeased the nobility very much, because therein she wrote
herself Queen, with all her stiles, and wrote to the Bishop of
St. Andrew's, head of the church, whereupon fell great argument between Lethington for the Queen, and James Macgill
for the King. Lethington affirmed that she might be
divorced without prejudice to the King or the church; Macgill affirmed the contrary, because she wrote to the Bishop,
who remains an obstinate papist, and impugns the King's
authority in writing herself Queen, and that she wrote to her
subjects, and they were not her subjects, and therefore could
have no answer. Lethington, the Prior of Coldingham, his
brother, and the parson of Fliske, reasoned for the Queen,
whereupon Robert Richardston, the Treasurer, took record
that they had reasoned and vowed against the King's authority, and also pronounced that whosoever did so hereafter
should be accounted a traitor, and so her commission for
divorce was utterly rejected. This morning came Fleming,
who thinks to make his mistress privy to these proceedings
before the Queen should understand thereof. Will therefore
stay Fleming one night after Home. The Regent has written
for some aid into Liddlesdale, wherein he would know the
Queen's pleasure.—Berwick, 5 August 1569. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Pp. 1½. |
| August 3. |
369. The Queen to Richard Patrick and Hugh Offley. |
|
Sends a copy of her agreement for a mutual restitution of
goods stayed on both sides, and commands them to resort to
the Marshal Cosse, and determine together upon some certain
day in this month in which the effect of that accord may be
put in execution. The day is to be such as she may have
advertisement from them, and be able to give knowledge
thereof into remote parts of her realm, where some things to
be restored may perchance remain.—Oatlands, 3 August 1569.
Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Pp. 1½. |
|
370. Draft of the above corrected by Cecil. Endd. Pp. 2¼. |
| August 3. |
371. Acknowledgment by the Queen of England. |
|
Having given to the Cardinal of Chatillon 20,000l. for
the use of the Queen and Prince of Navarre and their
associates, and received from the said Cardinal certain jewels
in pledge, she promises to restore the same upon repayment
of the money.—Oatlands, 3 August 1569. Signed. |
|
Endd. Fr. P. 1. |
| August 5. |
372. Sir Henry Norris to the Queen. |
|
Informs her of the taking of Lusignan by the Admiral.
M. D'Anjou judging that he would attempt Poitiers, sent into
the town ten ensigns of Italian footmen, and after the
Admiral was before the place, the Duke of Guise and his
brother entered with 600 horse. The Admiral batters the
town with eight cannon and some smaller pieces. On the 2nd
inst. the breach was made almost saultable, and the Count
de Lude, the governor, demanded to parley, which was refused. This news caused the King to depart towards Blois, to
speak with M. D'Anjou, intending to rescue the place. The
Queen Mother has required the Admiral to surcease for eight
days, that in the meantime they might talk of some composition. On the 1st inst. the King went to the Palais where, in
the end, the Parliament made a general arrest of all the goods,
lands, and offices of those who bore arms against the King,
and that all their lands held in fee or knight-service should
revert to the crown; and that for the other lands first, there
should be alienated for the sum of 50,000 crowns by the year,
and given to the clergy, in recompense of their demesne,
which the King had licence to sell, and the remainder bestowed
on such as had suffered loss by the religion and done service
in these wars. It is accounted that this attainture will
amount to 2,000,000 francs a year. The same day they made
sale, by sound of trumpet, of the Admiral's goods in Paris.
Some moved to have him executed in effigy, which was
thought unmeet, as serving only to irritate him to proceed
the more extremely. The King borrows 300,000l., and
offers to perpetuate the Councillors of Parliament's offices to
their children, on their giving a certain sum of money; besides
this they tax all citizens throughout the realm to make great
contributions. The Cardinals of Bourbon and Lorraine to
show an example to the clergy, have offered to sell 4,000l.,
rent of the monasteries of St. Germain and St. Denis. The
King has sent into Italy for 3,000 horse and 6,000 footmen,
but it will be hard for them to be in order to march these
three months. The Swiss will not be ready to enter France
until the middle of September, and are people rather to defend themselves than to assail their enemies. Whilst these
forces are gathering, the Admiral has commodity to fortify
those places already obtained and to win others, seeing he has
good store of artillery and munitions, his footmen obedient
and well disciplined, and his cavalry masters of the field.
Give account of levies for the King in different places.
Picardy and Normandy will be left smally furnished with
men of war.—Paris, 5 August. Signed. |
|
Pp. 32/3. |
| August 5. |
373. Sir Henry Norris to Cecil. |
|
Gives the same information concerning the siege of Poitiers,
and the confiscation of the property of the Huguenots as
is contained in his letter to the Queen of this date. The
Parisians have exhibited a list to the King of such as they
think meet to be admitted to the Privy Council, and of such
as they would should be secluded thence, with further request that some great personages should be imprisoned, so
that they seem rather to give order to the King than to be
directed by his Government. And whereas, when the Queen
Mother and the Cardinal were at the camp, the King caused
one Pirier, for his great disorders, and cruelty used to sundry
persons without commission, to be deprived of his office, being
a captain in the town, straight upon the Queen and Cardinal's
return he was admitted to his former estate, and uses more
cruelty than afore, so that it seems there is no King but the
Cardinal.—Paris, 5 August 1569. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 12/3. |
| August 9. |
374. Lord Hunsdon to Cecil. |
|
1. Complains of a restraint made by the Lord Treasurer
and others to the customer of wools, hides, and fells, that
none shall be transported out of Berwick into Scotland, as
being directly against the privilege of their charter and contrary to all law, for whenever any Act of Parliament has
been made for the restraint of any of the wares aforesaid,
Berwick has been always excepted. Trusts that the common
speech in Scotland which daily comes from London and the
Court is untrue, that the Duke of Norfolk should marry the
Scottish Queen. |
|
2. P.S.—Desires to know what shall be done with the poor
men who are in prison for coining the Scottish money.—Berwick, 9 Aug. 1569. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. P. ¾. |
| August 10. |
375. Examination of Nicholas Hubert. |
|
The examination of Nicholas Hubert alias French Paris
at St. Andrew's, 10 Aug. 1569. |
|
Deposes to having carried letters between the Queen of
Scots and Bothwell at the time of the journey of the former
to Glasgow. Determination to lodge Darnley at the Kirk-ofield. Understanding between Bothwell, Lethington, and
James Balfour. Bothwell told him that Lady Reres used
to bring him every night to the Queen's chamber at Holyrood. Refers to his deposition taken 9th Aug. for fuller
particulars of Darnley's murder. Relates several circumstances and sayings of the Queen, showing her complicity with
Bothwell in the crime. Carries keys from the Queen to
Bothwell. The Queen recommends that the commendator
of Holyrood and William Blacater should be persuaded to
assassinate Darnley. Huntly offers to accompany Bothwell
to the Kirk-o-Field. When at Seton the Queen commanded
him to take her casket containing money to Bothwell, and
another one containing jewels to the captain of Edinburgh
Castle. First had proof of the intimacy between the Queen
and Bothwell during the journey to Glasgow. The night
before the seizure of the Queen was sent with a letter to
Bothwell who told him to say that he would meet her next
day on the road by the bridge. Was ordered by the Queen
to induce Joseph [Rizzio] to leave the country. After the
King's death John Hay often comforted him, but no one else
did so except Huntly. Taken in the presence of Mr. George
Buchanan, Mr. John Wood, and Robert Ramsay. |
|
Copy. Endd. Printed at length in Anderson's History,
vol. II., p. 192. Fr. Pp. 8½. |
| August 11. |
376. Sir Henry Norris to Cecil. |
|
Is required by the King to depart to-morrow towards
Orleans. On the 1st inst. there departed hence one Brodeau
alias Chastetiere, secretary to the Queen of Navarre and the
Sieur De Pins, with letters of credit signed by the King, the
Queen Mother, and the Cardinal of Lorraine, to persuade the
Queen of Navarre to lay down arms, offering great conditions,
and amongst others Madame Margaret in marriage for the
Prince, whom they must practise to mount upon a Spanish
horse, and so bring him to the place of rendezvous. The
Admiral has made two breaches at Poitiers, but was in such
sort annoyed by the castle and a platform as he could not
assault the same without great loss. There is in the town
the Duke of Guise, the Marquis of Mayenne, the Count De
Lude, and divers other gentlemen of name, with 4,000 footmen
and 1,000 horse. Is thankful for the victory over the Queen's
rebels in Ireland, but sees the Cardinal of Lorraine's helping
hand has been there, who promised no less in open council.
Sends Chapelle to the Cardinal of Chatillon, and desires Cecil
to stay his return hither as he has caused him great trouble.
—Paris, 11 Aug. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 12/3. |
| August 11. |
377. Sir Henry Norris to Cecil. |
|
Robert Etienne, the King's printer, who for his religion is
forced to abandon his country, has required him to present to
Her Majesty the fruit of his last labour as a token of the
service he owes to her as the chief patroness of the Gospel.
He desires that the other one without clasps may be given to
the Cardinal of Chatillon.—Paris, 11 Aug. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd., with seal. P. ¼. |
| August 12. |
378. The Queen to the Regent Murray. |
|
Finds no reasonable cause of satisfaction in his letter of
Aug. 3. Mislikes his communicating with the whole estates
of her secret purposes sent to him by John Wood, for excuse whereof he alleges the Bishop of Ross and his servants
writing thereof, which is flatly denied by the said bishop.
Does not think his private letter a sufficient answer, he having
propounded the matter so openly. Sees no reason why the
dangers he writes of should not have been particularly advertised to her. Is altogether unsatisfied with his answer,
and finds no cause for her to send commissioners to the
Borders, the cause being properly his and meet for him to
solicit her favour in the ordering thereof, and not to use the
matter by such an indifferency of conference as though there
were any equality betwixt her and him. Returns his bearer
to the end he may better consider of his proceedings, and as
he means to have the continuance of her favour so to satisfy
her speedily in some more substantial and satisfactory manner
than this is, otherwise he will occasion her without further
delay to proceed to such a determination with the Queen
of Scots as she shall find honourable and meet for herself.
In so doing considers that she perceives that he only respects
himself and no other party, and doubts how he will like it,
and though he should yield to more conformity it may prove
too late and not recoverable by repentance. |
|
Draft in Cecil's writing. Endd. Pp. 2½. |
| August 12. |
379. William, Landgrave of Hesse, to the Queen. |
|
Congratulates her on the firm establishment of the true
religion in her kingdom, and trusts that she will entertain
the same good will towards him as subsisted between their
predecessors. Various rumours having come from France of
the death of his relative, Wolfgang, Count Palatine, desires
that if she hears anything certain that he may be advertised.
—Cassel, 12 Aug. 1569. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Lat. Pp. 2½. |
| August 13. |
380. The Cardinal of Chatillon to Cecil. |
|
Desires him to procure permission for him to export six
lasts of gunpowder to Rochelle for the use of the Prince's
army.—Shene, 13 Aug. 1569. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Fr. P. 1. |
| August 13. |
381. The Vidame of Chartres to Cecil. |
|
On account of a certain sum of money being retained by
Sir Thomas Gresham at the request of Madame De Stafort,
the business which he has with the Cardinal is hindered.
Desires that he will interpose his authority for its release.—
13 Aug. 1569. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd., with seal. Fr. P. 2/3. |
| August 15. |
382. Valentine Dale to Cecil. |
|
Is still more induced to think that the French will depart
from the agreement made with their Ambassador and put in
writing with his own hand, and will require satisfaction of
things spoiled on the sea before they will restore the goods
stayed in France. Besides the agreement past, it is against
all reason that goods arriving under the safe-conduct of the
Prince in time of peace should be stayed by public authority,
upon colour that some others have spoiled some of theirs,
unless they can show either refusal or delay of justice. The
men of Rouen estimate their damages with interest at little
less than 50,000l. There remain in Rouen, Dieppe, and Calais
of English goods arrested little less than 10,000l., besides about
20,000l. sent thither of late. Complains that the English
merchants are so afraid of their particular losses that they
cannot deal roundly.—London, 15 Aug. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 3. |
| August 15. |
383. Lord Hunsdon to Cecil. |
|
1. Is much bound to him for the procuring of 300l. at
the Queen's hands which he is sure was not easily got. Has
saved thereby his land in Norfolk. Is sorry to understand
that Cecil has been made such a stranger, either in the
Scottish affairs or any other, for he is sure they end so
much the worse. Hears that Sutton means to put in one
Coke of Newcastle to be his deputy, who is as fit for it as
Hunsdon is to be a bishop. Trusts that the Queen will
consider that this is now the only key to the realm, and if
there is any service here the master of the ordnance is the
principal man that must be employed, and therefore it behoves
him to be of skill and acquainted well with the place and
them that must serve under him. Trusts, therefore, that the
Queen will condition with him to serve here himself, and then
Hunsdon thinks that he will not be very desirous of it. |
|
2. Thinks there were some further fetches in Mr. Marshal's
not returning. As the coiners of Scottish money have all
wives and children, and are very good soldiers, he thinks
some small punishment will be sufficient, for they have remained
long in prison. |
|
3. P.S.—Writes concerning the infringement of the conditions of sale of certain trees in Sussex to the Lord Admiral.
—Berwick, 15 Aug. 1569. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Pp. 2. |
| August 15. |
384. Thomas Randolph to Lord Hunsdon. |
|
Thus far has returned from his long journey, having brought
with him an Ambassador from the Emperor (of Russia), a man
of good calling and well esteemed of His Highness. His train
is about three score persons. His provision was greater
than their ships were able to bestow. What his doings will
be, and how he will govern himself who now comes into a
new world and school of good manners, they will know by
the issue. Worse entertainment there was never shown to
any than to himself for a long time, but in the end he sped
right well.—"Upon the wild seas aboard the "Harrye," 15 Aug.
1569. Between Skewtesenes in Norway and Shetland, the
pole elevated 61 degrees." Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. P. 2/3. |
| August 16. |
385. The Spanish Ambassadors instructions to Jacob [Burgos]. |
|
Directs him to require that the present commissioners
appointed to view the goods of Spanish subjects which have
been stayed in England may be dismissed, and their malpractices inquired into. |
|
Endd. Lat. P. 1. |
| August 16. |
386. A Memorial from the Spanish Ambassador. |
|
Complains of the unfair proceedings of the commissioners
appointed to inspect and sell the Spanish goods which have
been stayed.—London, 16 Aug. 1569. |
|
Endd. Span. Pp. 1½. |
| August 16. |
387. The Count of Montgomery to the Prince of Navarre. |
|
Has defeated and taken prisoner M. De Terrides with the
most part of his officers and soldiers, together with their
artillery, arms, and horses. Sends a copy of the capitulation
with M. De Terrides and a list of the prisoners.—Orthez, 16
Aug. 1569. Signed. |
|
Copy. |
|
388. Composition between MM. Montgomery and Terrides. |
|
Arrangements for the exchange and ransom of M. De Terrides and his officers. The common soldiers to depart without arms, unless they prefer to enlist under Montgomery.
The artillery in the town and castle of Orthez to be surrendered
to Montgomery for the use of the Prince of Navarre. List of
prisoners annexed. |
|
Copy. Fr. Pp. 2½. |
|
389. Another copy of the above. |
|
Fr. Pp. 2. |
|
390. Another copy of the above. |
|
Fr. Pp. 3¼. |
| August 16. |
391. Charles IX. to Cecil. |
|
Thanks him for his good offices for the preservation of
peace and friendship between him and the Queen of England,
which he desires he will continue.—Amboise, 16 August 1569.
Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Fr. P. ¼. |
| August 17. |
392. Albert Frederick of Brandenburgh to the Queen. |
|
Having lost both his parents in one day, he sent to Antwerp for the purpose of having a monument made, as this
cannot be completed on account of the scarcity of alabaster,
he desires licence to export a ship load from England.—
Konigsburgh, 17 August 1569. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Lat. Pp. 1¼. |
| August 18. |
393. The Regent Murray to [Cecil]. |
|
Sends him a tarsel and a falcon, and desires to understand
some taste of his mind.—St. Andrews, 18 August 1569. Signed. |
|
P. ¼. |
| August 20. |
394. The Queen to the Regent Murray. |
|
Has been informed that he has caused the castle of Dumbarton to be besieged, and has appointed a new convention at
Stirling towards the end of this month, for the preparation of
new forces to pass into the west to make pursuit against
such as he thinks favourable to the Queen of Scots. Considering that the said Queen has remitted to her the final
order of all her causes, and that she has his promises at many
times to be advised by her, she cannot take in good part his
delay in answering her, and his pursuit of the Queen of Scot's
friends by force. Doubts notwithstanding his promises that
he only seeks the satisfying of his own estate without her advice or allowance. Peremptorily requires him to make some
more resolute answer concerning the articles sent to him by
John Wood, and in the meantime to forbear besieging Dumbarton and conducting any force into the West country. Has
in the favour of the Queen of Scots been content to send this
letter by Thomas Fleming, her servant, whom she requires to
be suffered to return to her quietly, and that also with some
answer meet for her expectation, assuring him that she cannot
with reason and honour satisfy the said Queen or her friends
with any further delay which may grow from lack of answer
from him. In default thereof she will be occasioned to proceed in such sort without him, as perchance he shall find much
against him. |
|
Draft, corrected by Cecil. Endd. Pp. 2. |
| August 21. |
395. The Cardinal of Chatillon to Cecil. |
|
Desires him to procure the release of a ship called the
"Dorothea Fortuna," for which he has engaged a French
captain, who will conduct her to Rochelle, and employ her in
the defence of the common cause.—Shene, 21 August 1569.
Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Fr. P. ½. |
| August 22. |
396. Bernaldo [Baktodebiro] to John [Denis]. |
|
Wishes to know whether the King of Portugal's Ambassador has left any letter or writing behind him which relates
or belongs to the writer. And whether his (the writer's) son
has been with the Ambassador to London, or still remains
there. An answer to be sent to Father Maldenado, rector in
the Jesuit's College.—Paris, 22 August 1569. Signed, Bernaldo
Baktodebiro (?). |
|
Add.: To Johana Denies Engles, of the household of the
Ambassr of the K. of Spain. Endd., with seal. German.
P. 1. |
| August 22. |
397. The Cardinal of Chatillon to Cecil. |
|
Encloses a list of "merchandises" which are most necessary
for the succour of the Princes and their camp. Begs that he
will procure a licence in the name of an English merchant,
who has engaged to transport the said "merchandises" to
Rochelle.—Shene, 22 August 1569. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Fr. P. 1. |
| August 22. |
398. The Queen to the Regent Murray. |
|
Is informed that Paris, a Frenchman who fled into Denmark with the Earl Bothwell, and who is thought to be
most privy to the said Earl's worst actions, has by policy
been brought into Scotland. Requests that after diligent and
circumspect examination of him had for knowledge of the
manner and circumstances of the murder of Lord Darnley,
the execution of him by way of death may be deferred,
whereby the truth may more plainly appear by his testimony
living than otherwise it will seem to have credit after his
death. |
|
Draft in Cecil's writing. Endd. P. 1. |
| August 22. |
399. Arrest of Spanish Goods in England. |
|
A memorial to the Privy Council by the Commissioners
appointed to view the goods, as to the disposal of certain
portions of them. |
|
Endd. P. 1. |
| August 24. |
400. Lord Hunsdon to Cecil. |
|
1. Thanks him for his letter and news. Is glad that the
Queen conceives well of his son. Desires that Cecil will give
his assistance and advice in an offer of marriage that he has
had from the heir of Mr. Onedall, for one of his daughters.
Sends a letter which he has received from Randolph out of
Russia. Looks to meet the Regent this week at Kelso and
to take order for the punishment of malefactors. |
|
2. P. S.—Desires to know whether he shall send certain
men to Knockfergus. Hears that the Earl of Ormond passing
through Wales is very sore hurt by the Mansfields.—Berwick
24 August 1569. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Pp. 1¼. |
| August 24. |
401. Valentine Dale to Cecil. |
|
Gives an account of negociations with the French ambassador, whose answer he looks for this day.—London, 24 Aug.
Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. P. 2/3. |
| August 25. |
402. Valentine Dale to Cecil. |
|
Has got an answer in writing from the French Ambassador,
which he sends. He has omitted divers of his reasons which
he spake. The Ambassador and the merchants of Rouen claim
by promise that their matter should have been done in three
days; to which he answered that the commissioners were named
within three days, but that there were other matters for which
there must be time.—London, 25 Aug. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. P. 1. |
| August 25. |
403. Valentine Dale to the Privy Council. |
|
Has declared to the Spanish Ambassador how careful their
Lordships were to have the doings to be examined of such as
had the sales of the King of Spain's subjects' goods, who had
commission to sell no goods but such as without damage could
not be kept, and that at the highest price that might be. If
he would make it appear that they had done the contrary, he
desired him to make more diligence, as he had to make his
report by the 29th instant. The Ambassador said that it
could not be done in such a short time, and required at least
the whole of September. He further desired Dale to tell their
Lordships that, if they thought good to sell all the goods, to
do so plainly, without any colour, and declared what goods
might have been kept, as sugar, cochineal, sarsaparilla, and the
like.—London, 25 Aug. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Pp. 1½. |
| August 25. |
404. Sir George Speke to Cecil. |
|
Sends the Spanish Ambassador's reply to his articles in
writing. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. P. ¼. |
| August 25. |
405. The Spanish Ambassador to [Cecil]. |
|
Requests a passport for a gentleman who has been sent by
his wife and his cousin to know his health. |
|
Endd. Span. P. ¼. |
| August 27. |
406. Lord Hunsdon to Cecil. |
|
Desires Cecil's assistance that the bearer, Henry Rolfe, who
has served in the wars for 25 years and had charge of men as
well by sea as by land, may purchase of the Queen 30l. of
"conceled" lands after 12 years purchase.—Berwick, 27 Aug.
1569. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. P. ½. |
| August 27. |
407. Declaration of the French Ambassador. |
|
Does not agree to the proposition of the Lords of the Council
to prohibit the transportation of goods between England and
the Low Countries by his master's subjects during the suspension of commerce, as it is contrary to the 5th Article of the
last treaty of peace, which he gives at length. Approves of
the plan of the Council for appointing four notable merchants
of London to arrange all matters relative to the restitution of
Frenchmen's goods stayed in England; and also that the
arrests made on both sides before the 8th of July last shall
be continued until the feast of St. Michael if the proposed
justice cannot be done earlier. |
|
Draft. Endd.: 27 Aug. 1569. Fr. and Lat. P. 1. |
|
408. Another copy of the above. |
|
Endd.: 24 Aug. Fr. and Lat. P. 1. |
| August 28. |
409. Sir Henry Norris to the Queen. |
|
1. The motion for peace is clearly vanished away, for the Admiral, by good experience, perceiving their treaties to be only
put forth to gain time and drive him to some inconvenience
by reason of his mercenary strangers, has rather been attentive earnestly to follow his attempt against Poitiers than
otherwise to be deluded with such vain persuasions. Mon.
Bonnivet, sent by the King with four companies of men-at
arms to enter Poitiers, has been defeated and taken prisoner
and brought before the two Princes of Navarre and Condé.
Two of his gentlemen, sometime of the religion, were before
his eyes beheaded, and soon after two Italians hanged. After
this defeat, the town being more straitly shut up, the Abbess
of La Trinité, sister unto the Cardinal of Bourbon, had licence
to come forth with certain other gentlewomen, and in her
passing through the army saluting the Princes, her nephews,
she said to the Admiral that she marvelled he would thus
assail the King's towns and trouble his good subjects. Whereunto he answered that he knew that she spake according to
her affection, further requesting her to declare that he hoped
shortly to have Poitiers in possession. As for the Duke of
Guise, he should pay the ransom of her late brother the Prince
of Condé, and the Marquis of Mayenne should satisfy six
months pay to the reiters. The King has sent M. De la Valette
with 600 horse, who makes divers skirmishes. On the 19th
the Admiral, assaulting furiously the town wall, there was
slain about 600 men, but in the end they entered and drove
the others to their trenches, for the town is huge in circuit
and many vineyards and meadows within the same. The
Duke of Guise has made double trenches within the town, and
has to the defence thereof, 4,000 men and the Prince's army is
esteemed to be 10,000 chosen footmen and 8,000 or 9,000
horse. |
|
2. The wisest here are persuaded that the importance of
the war depends chiefly upon the success of Poitiers, for if
the Admiral take this place he has in his hands the chief
branches of the house of Guise, besides great riches and ransoms and the flower of the King's army; but if he abandon
it, the loss of time, men, munitions, and other necessaries will
be no small hindrance. The King, in recompense of his great
travail in these winter wars last past, invested M. D'Anjou with
the county of Maine, and after the Queen Mother's decease has
given him the county of Auvergne; but Monsieur being well
liked of, and having the commandment of the men-of-war, in
time it will draw the King to have great suspicion of him,
so that the end of this war may be the beginning of another.
Thirty prisoners of the religion have been burnt in a house
at Orleans by the papists, and about 50 others cruelly cut in
pieces and thrown into the river. The Protestants have taken
certain places, and those of La Charité have spoiled the King's
house at Fontainebleau. The King is at Plessis. Gives account of different forces which are being raised for the relief
of Poitiers, but does not think that the King can gather together his forces yet for 20 days. The King has been certified
that the Duke of Holstein levies 6,000 reiters and 40 ensigns
of foot to invade France. Is secretly given to understand
that the gentlemen of La Beauce are ready to receive their
further directions upon the success of Poitiers.—Amboise,
28 August 1569. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Pp. 5½. |
| August 29. |
410. Sigismund Gise to his Brother. |
|
Chiefly relating to family matters. The siege of Poitiers
by the Admiral and the distress of the besieged. Difficulty
that the French King has in keeping his troops together.—
Paris, 29 August 1569. Signed. |
|
Ger. Pp. 3¼. |
| August 29. |
411. Lord Scrope to Cecil. |
|
Finds that Prestall is sometimes at Dumfries daily accompanying the Lord Maxwell, and sometimes at [Tynnoll] with
the Laird of Coghill, where, having got two other persons,
he coins both gold and silver, whereby he has now such
friendship that he is not easily upon any sudden or by secret
means to be come by. It were not amiss to pray his delivery
at the Regent's hands. Intends to muster the Queen's subjects
within this wardenry. The Borders were never in such disorder since he has had charge of them. Intends to call in the
sureties of those who refuse to enter themselves, and also
proclaim the disobedient outlaws.—Carlisle, 29 August 1569.
Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. P. 1¼. |
| [August 29.] |
412. Memoranda concerning John Prestall. |
|
1. Note of such places in Scotland where Prestall resorts. |
|
2. It is said that he has the Regent's and the Earl Morton's
assurance for his safety in Scotland. |
|
Endd. P. 1. |
| August 29. |
413. The Queen to Lord Scrope. |
|
Is informed on the behalf of the Queen of Scots that of
late he has proclaimed a peace upon the Borders, wherein
amongst other things was specially expressed that if any
Scotchman were invaded by the Earl of Murray the same
should not be received nor their goods in England for their
safety. Directs him in case Murray makes any pursuit by
force against his contraries, as far as he can without evident
taking sides, to preserve the persons who shall fly into her
realm for succour. |
|
Draft in Cecil's writing. Endd.: 29 Aug. P. 1. |
| August 29. |
414. Valentine Brown to Cecil. |
|
Writes touching the loan of 300l. from the Queen to Lord
Hunsdon. Denies that he has ever meddled directly or indirectly with the trade of the Low Countries. The coast men
of Norfolk and Lincoln have all this year haunted Scotland
with great quantities of corn under colour of Berwick and
Newcastle, and return with the wares of the said Low
Countries. If the Queen will give him authority to apprehend any of them, he doubts not with the help of the Lord
Governor to have some of the chiefest forthcoming.—Berwick,
29 August 1569. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Pp. 1¼. |
| August 29. |
415. Christopher Ehemius to Killegrew. |
|
Is on the point of starting for Nuremburg. They hear
that Poitiers has been taken by the Admiral. Many Italians
return to their own country. Three thousand Swiss are
levied for France.—Heidelburg, 29 August 1569. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Lat. Pp. 1½. |
| August 30. |
416. Lord Hunsdon to Cecil. |
|
Paris was put to death a fortnight since, and so was
Stewart, who was King of Heralds, who had determined to
kill the Regent, but was forgiven for that, and was burnt for
conjuration and witchcraft. Is glad to hear of some likelihood of the Marshal's coming, and trusts that then he may have
licence to come away. Thinks Cecil is not ignorant of his
opinion of that marriage; he loves and honours the one so
well as he would be right sorry it should take place. It is
commonly spoken and believed both in Scotland and in all
this part of the north.—Berwick, 30 August 1569. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. P. ¾. |
| August 30. |
417. Sir George Speke to Cecil. |
|
Has told the Ambassador that Swigs and his fellows shall
be inhibited to make any sale until upon trial it be known
whether they have committed any of the offences wherewith
they stand charged, so that the trial be made with as much
speed as conveniently may be. Whereupon he answered that
he would use such expedition as he conveniently might, albeit
he thought that ambassador hardly dealt with, who must
reveal the circumstances whereby he received his information.
—London, 30 August. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. P. ¾. |
| [August.] |
418. Arrest of Spanish Merchandise in England. |
|
A note of certain matters to be considered concerning the
merchandise stayed in England. |
|
P. 1. |
