|
| Aug. |
516. The Answer to be made to the French Ambassador. |
|
The message sent to the English Ambassador in France
varies from the report thereof made by the King to the
French Ambassador, as the English Ambassador was willed
to declare that the Queen found such difficulties growing by
the inequality of ages, that she could not find her mind void
of doubt and misliking. True it is that the Queen willed her
ambassador to say much like as the King's letter contains,
with some further additions thereto, both to induce the speech
and conclude it. He was willed to say that Her Majesty
perceiving the continual solicitation of the King and Queen
Mother thought good to show herself to have regard to the
earnest continuance of the King's requests; that she found
two principal impediments; one of religion, might be remedied
by conformity in the Duke himself, the other might seem to
be a difficulty rather in opinion than substance, and that
nothing does so much rule in marriage, when the persons are
to be considered how one may like the other as to have their
opinions satisfied with a mutual sight, and specially in this
case, where such as have seen the Duke dare not venture to
affirm that the Queen shall like or mislike him. The like
had been granted to her for a person of as great estate as the
Duke of Alençon, yet she left it to be considered by the King
and Queen Mother, whereof she willed him to say that she
had no meaning to have made any motion, but she had seen
by the letters of the Duke and the Queen Mother to their
ambassador, the Duke's desire to come to this realm to be seen
of her. He is to conclude by saying that she has no meaning
therein to abuse or disgrace him, whom she acknowledged
to have great cause to love and esteem. The Queen must,
as she did before, leave the matter of the interview to the
judgment of the King and Queen Mother, and as for the
matter of religion, if Her Majesty had not as good hope of
more conformity in the Duke than was found in the Duke
of Anjou, she would in nowise yield to have any more time
therein spent, and for the rest of the articles, although some
alteration might be made for her advantage, at the least for
the satisfaction of the opinions of her subjects, to recompense
the inequalities of age, she shall not be found therein unreasonable to answer the King's earnest goodwill.
In the handwriting of Burghley. Endorsed by him: "I bedstead, 3 beds, trunk apparel, 2 trunks, the chest of apparel.
To be answered to the French ambassador at Kenilworth."
P. 2¼. |
| Aug. 1. |
517. The Regent of Scotland to Lord Burghley. |
|
They have accorded the abstinence according to the desire
of Her Majesty expressed by her ambassador, and mean
sincerely to keep it. Prays him to esteem well of him and his
proceedings unless he find cause to the contrary, and trusts he
will be a good mean for the continuance of the Queen's care
touching the King and his estate.—Edinburgh, 1 August 1572.
Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 2/3. |
| Aug. 1. |
518. Declaration of the Regent touching the Abstinence. |
|
It had been specially agreed that the town of Edinburgh
should be set at liberty on the last day of July, on which day
great numbers passed from Leith to Edinburgh, and semblably
from Edinburgh to Leith. The Regent had sent his baggage
and household stuff to Edinburgh intending to stop there,
when he was informed that the men of war had not departed
from Edinburgh as had been agreed. He then sent messengers to fetch back the guard that had preceded him, but
they had already reached Edinburgh, and seeing the soldiers
of the Castilians not departed stood guard all night upon
their families and goods; word was then sent to the provost
of Dundee, the colonel of the footmen, to keep all in peace and
quietness, which he did. And as the treaty said that the
town was to be set at liberty in the same condition as it was
when the Earl of Lennox the late Regent quitted it on the
January 27th, 1570, the magistrates by whom it was then
governed, and who were allowed arms for the watch and
ward of the town, should not be judged unlawful to have
such now, seeing they offered neither hostility or injury to
any. The Earl of Lennox when he departed had a guard of
two hundred footmen and some horsemen, and as the one
passed out so was it lawful for the other to enter. Let it
be judged if it be lawful for the other side to still collect the
customs or coin money, being such a violation of the abstinence that it cannot be suffered. He and his party will give
no cause for violation thereof.
Endd. Pp. 3¼. |
| Aug. 2. |
519. Commission to the Earl of Morton. |
|
The Regent being about to depart for Stirling, where the
King is at present residing, appoints James, Earl of Morton,
Lord of Dalkeith, Chancellor and Great Admiral of Scotland,
to be Lord Lieutenant within the Sheriffdom of Edinburgh,
the Constabulary of Haddington, Linlithgow, Berwick, Roxburgh, Selkirk, Peebles, and the overward of Clydesdale within
the Sheriffdom of Lanark, for the purpose of seeing that the
abstinence is properly observed, and gives him directions
concerning his duties and those of the officers who were to
assist him, and details the penalties to be inflicted on those
who do not observe the truce.—2 August 1572.
Endd. P. 1. |
| Aug. 2. |
520. Robert Melvil to Lord Burghley. |
|
Thanks him for being the means of obtaining peace in
Scotland, and is very well pleased that the Queen has allowed
Grange to have the custody of the Castle. Prays him to
hasten to take order in such matters as are referred to the
Queen and the King of France, as their adversaries have
refused to submit their differences to the ambassadors.—
Edinburgh Castle, 2 August 1572. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 1½. |
| Aug. 3. |
521. Alexander Gordon, Bishop of Galloway, to Lord
Burghley. |
|
Has requested the ambassador Sir William Drury to obtain
the Queen's favour and conduct for him to speak with Her
Majesty and the Queen his mistress, when he hopes to do such
good offices to the Queen of England as shall deserve thanks.
This passport may be restricted to as many persons as may
be thought expedient, and should he offend against the
Queen's estate, laws, realm, or subjects, then may he be
deprived of his conduct and punished accordingly. Desires
conference with him. The Queen by her dealing has not
only obliged the noblemen concerned, but has made conquest
of the whole hearts of all indifferent persons in the realm.—
Edinburgh, 3 August 1572. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ¾. |
| Aug. 5. |
522. The Earl of Morton to Thomas Randolph. |
|
Will have the money that is in possession of Sandy
Seagates put into some responsible hand as long as can be;
good it were if the man for whom he travail made his claim
good by law in the mean season. Has learnt from Nicholas
Errington what his expedition has been towards the matters
of state, and of his own particular; the first he overpasses
until it shall please the Queen more favourably to respect
them. For himself, although things are reported to his disadvantage, yet he has been no hinderer of the pacification,
but is as desirous of the quietness of the country as any
subject of his calling. Did not see any ground whereon a
peace might have followed, nor how with honesty they could
treat, seeing the King's authority was withstood and the
town of Edinburgh fortified. Has done Her Majesty good
service however slenderly it be respected. Trusts to live as a
Scotsman may, and awaits till it please her to think more
favourably of them and their doings. Requests him to speak
to the Earl of Leicester respecting one Willie Graham kept
in prison by Lord Scrope.—Edinburgh, 5 August 1572.
Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ¾. |
| Aug. 5. |
523. The Earl of Morton to Lord Burghley. |
|
He has wished him in a letter brought by Mr. Nicholas
Elphinstone not only to induce others to reason but to incline
himself somewhat "a summo jure," for that extremities
never made peace. Has never been a hinderer of peace, as the
Queen's ministers here may have reported. Had their adversaries a year ago yielded unto the conditions they have now
assented to, it might have been done with less loss. Has
done as good service to the Queen in seeking the continuance
of amity between the realms, in desiring the quietness of his
country, and in obedience to the King as any of his calling;
he will be constant when the reporters of things to his prejudice may not so prove. Hopes that time will give occasion
for him to have a better opinion of him.—Edinburgh, 5 Aug.
1572. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 2/3. |
| Aug. 5. |
524. Lord Hunsdon to Lord Burghley. |
|
Sends a copy of the agreement for the surcease. The
bearer, Nicholas Errington, can declare the manner of their
proceedings on both sides. Desires his favour towards him
for Swinburne's son, who is now dead. Received this
morning by the pursuivant the council's letter with a writ
for the delivery of the Earl of Northumberland, whereupon
he has sent for Sir John Forster.—Berwick, 5 August 1572.
Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ¾. |
| Aug. 6. |
525. Sir Wm. Drury to Lord Burghley. |
|
Has from time to time sent news of what has passed since
his last letter to Lord Hunsdon; the rest he will learn by the
bearer, Nicholas Errington, whom he beseeches him to favour
touching the wardship of Swinburne's son. "The crownes off
France wyll woorke greater effekte than the woordes off
Ingland."—Berwick, 6 August 1572. Signed.
Add. Endd. by Burghley. P. ½. |
| Aug. 8. |
526. Rowland Johnson to Lord Burghley. |
|
1. Desires his favour in obtaining an increase in his
pay, as he has been actively employed.—Berwick, 8 August
1572. |
|
2. Encloses a copy of a warrant granting him 2s. 6d. a day
as deputy-surveyor of Berwick, when unemployed, and further
allowances when he is occupied about the Queen's buildings
and fortifications. Signed.
Add. Endd. Written on different pieces of paper.
About pp. 3½. |
| Aug. 10. |
527. Walsingham to Sir Thomas Smith. |
|
The Marshal Montmorency is sorry that the Queen's resolution has fallen out to be such, touching the offer proposed
by him and De Foix, considering how necessary it was to
have some sound amity and perfect intelligence between the
two crowns, and seeing the Queen in great peril without this
help. He thought the Duke was well inclined to an interview, yet he could not give his consent thereto, unless he
were assured that thereby might grow a liking, The next
day he repaired to the court and had audience with the
Queen Mother first, who said she could not but be sorry at
the Queen's resolution, notwithstanding which the King her
son was determined to continue good amity to Her Majesty.
He then showed her how the Queen upon the receipt of
certain letters from the King himself and the Duke D'Alençon,
seeing their great and earnest desire for the proceeding of the
match, had willed him to tell them that the principal impediment in her opinion consisted in the difference in their
ages, and the case of religion; the latter she hoped might be
so accorded to the satisfaction of both parties, and as for the
first the difficulty seemed to consist rather in opinion than
substance, and she desired them to consider that in marriages
a satisfaction of the opinions of the parties that were to match
was most necessary and requisite, and seeing there could grow
no satisfaction that way but by an interview she would yield
thereto if they so liked of it. To this the Queen Mother
answered that if she were assured that there might grow a
likelihood of liking upon the interview she would willingly
give her consent, but as experience taught that of the meeting
of princes there followed rather miscontentment than good
liking, she could not in respect of the danger thereof yield
her consent. She then had long speech of the goodwill and
love the Duke bore to the Queen, and considering how necessary it was for the Queen to marry, as well for her own
safety as the benefit of her subjects, she hoped God would
so dispose her heart to prefer public before private respects.
Received like answer at the hands of the King. Upon
advertisement from Flanders that the Queen meant to revoke
such of her subjects as were there, the King, advised thereto
by such as incline to Spain, is dissuaded from dealing in the
cause, wherein he before was very resolute. But it is conceived that without the Queen's assistance he cannot bear the
brunt of so puissant an adversary, and so the matter remains
in suspense as to what shall be done, yet he (Walsingham) is
assured that underhand he is content that there shall be
somewhat done, for that he sees the peril that will befall him
if the Prince of Orange quail. Such as are of the best judgment to foresee how much the good or evil success of that
poor Prince imports her repose, hope the advertisement is
false, she having so lately discovered the King of Spain's
malice towards her; they say that nothing can more hinder
the poor Prince's enterprise upon his first entry into the
country, for the people, who were otherwise well inclined
towards him, and are fearful of nature, will thereby grow
more fearful and forbear to do that which may further the
enterprise. Cannot do otherwise than wish the Spaniard
far removed in neighbourhood from Her Majesty. The Count
Montgomery shows himself by sundry demonstrations worthy
of the favour and honour he has received at the Queen's
hands.—Paris, 11th August 1572. Signed.
Partly in cipher, deciphered. Add. Endd. Pp. 3. |
| Aug. 11. |
528. Sir Wm. Drury to Lord Burghley. |
|
Grange has sent letters to France by Pinart to tell his
brother to get some of the Queen of Scots' dowry and to
return to Scotland. De Croc has solicited the Castilians to
have a convention of the nobility, and end and agree matters
among themselves, thus believing that both parties may be
more wholly at his master's devotion; he has also made Verac's
peace with the Regent, and they set off together to Stirling
to await the return of Pinart. Has heard that a motion
has been made to him or to the Privy Council by the King's
party for some person of more sufficiency and skill than he to
deal in their matters, which he hopes will be granted, for he
would rather serve the Queen in Constantinople than among
such an inconstant and ingrate people. Not six days before
his last return his death was determined upon, soldiers were
to have been the executors, and he is to be informed by some
person of credit who were the devisers, and what was intended. No one has ever been punished for the frequent
attempts upon his life. The letter sent to the Regent by
Elphinstone was misliked, as their desires were not to their
content satisfied. Wishes they may show themselves more
thankful in the end for favours bestowed upon them.—
Berwick, 11th August 1572. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 1⅓. |
| Aug. 11. |
529. Lethington and Grange to Sir W. Drury. |
|
The Regent's party are about to levy a tax upon the inhabitants of Edinburgh, wherewith to enlist a new company
of men of war. The writers press earnestly M. De Croc to
find fault, but he is very slow. He declares that he is
writing to the French Ambassador in England to advertise
his master of the injuries done to them, but they look for
small redress unless it come by the Queen of England's
means. Desire that he will write to the Earl of Marr that
he understands of the great extortions used against the poor
inhabitants of Edinburgh, and how contrary to promise the
town is still guarded and garrisoned as a town of war, wherewith his mistress will be offended. It were convenient if he
"purchases" a letter from the Queen to the same effect.—
Edinburgh Castle, 11 August 1572. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ¾. Enclosure. |
| Aug. 13. |
530. Sir Humfrey Gilbert to Lord Burghley. |
|
Being informed that a large number of Frenchmen are
coming to Flushing with the next wind desires to have
order what he shall do herein, without which he has determined to leave the town with all the English, as they practise
to use them very evil, and to banish those of the townsmen
who are their friends. If the Queen will leave him to do it
he will procure a mutiny between the townsmen and the
French, and will take the townsmen's part and will die for it,
and all his people with him, except they cut all the French in
pieces and the governor also. Knows that there is the like
plot laid for them. If he had the galley and a little frigate or
two he would do any exploit the safer and the more certain.
The English served very valiantly on the 9th, and killed divers
Spaniards, and made them run away three miles like peasants.
Thanks him for his favours for victuals and other things, and
will be at all times ready to take anything in hand with
Gideon's faith.—Flushing, 13 August 1572. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 22/3. |
| Aug. 16. |
531. Lethington and Grange to Sir Wm. Drury. |
|
Are advertised that Captain Wood intends to shear the corn
presently upon the ground, the property of Lord and Lady
Home, and to dispose of it to his profit. He should content
himself with what he has already gotten of their gear, without taking the corn. Ask him to procure a letter from the
Queen to Captain Wood, forbidding him to intromit or dispose
of the corn until he shall learn her pleasure thereanent.—
Edinburgh Castle, 16 August 1572. Signed: W. Maitland
W. Kirkcaldy.
Add. Endd. P. 1. |
| Aug. 18. |
532. Ralph Lane to the Burgomasters of Nieuport. |
|
Wishing their deliverance from the miserable tyranny of
the Duke of Alva, he advises them to put themselves under
the protection of the Queen of England, and also to bring
other principal towns in their neighbourhood to do the same.
The Queen will by no means be induced to take them from
the subjection of their sovereign the King of Spain, but only
to take the protection of their persons, goods, and liberties
from the tyrannical government of the Spanish garrisons,
as she does not mean to reap any benefit. Though Her
Highness will be pleased to allow her subjects to give them
aid, she will not put herself or her realm to any charge for
the maintenance of garrisons. Gives a large panegyric on
the virtues of the Queen and the happiness of her subjects,
and the disinterestedness of the assistance rendered by her to
Scotland. If therefore they will send their humble supplication to him he will use his utmost endeavours for them about
the Queen and her Council.—From the Downs, 18 Aug. 1572.
Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 3. |
| Aug. 20. |
533. Sir Wm. Drury to Lord Burghley. |
|
Has sent Captain Case to the Regent at Stirling to complain about the injuries done to the people of Edinburgh, and
to confer on his route with the Castilians, and carry their
complaint in writing with him. Lethington and Grange wish
for a letter from the Queen expressing her pleasure that they
and the Earl of Huntley are at her devotion, and that Lord
Home should be restored to his houses. The Justice Clerk is
still determined to pass into France. Tullibardine is still
dealing with the Castilians to have matters settled without
interference from England, and De Croc also so wishes it;
they are offended that no answer has been returned to their
letters.—Berwick. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1. |
| Aug. |
534. Memorial by the Castilians of Complaints of Injuries. |
|
Complain that the town of Edinburgh is guarded as a town
of war by companies of men of war and townsmen, who keep
watch and ward day and night, and have their "corsgardis"
continually in the kirk and Tolbooth. Leith is also guarded
as in time of war, in contravention to the abstinence. Men
of war are lodged upon the poor to be nourished at their
expense. They are forbidden to enter their houses, soldiers
being lodged therein.
Endd. P. 2/3. Enclosure. |
| Aug. 22. |
535. Advertisements from France. |
|
The Duke of Holtzemburg being sent by the Bishop of
Cologne with 2,000 horsemen and certain footmen, has been
overthrown not far from Limberg by 3,000 horsemen and
1,000 harquebussiers of the Prince of Orange under Captain
Brum. M. de la Noue has issued forth of Mons and slain
very near 1,200 of the Duke of Alva's soldiers. "The
Admiral being at the Louvre the 22nd of this month, and
having conducted the King to the tennis court, as he went
homewards to his own lodging was stricken with a harquebuss
which had three bullets. The forefinger of his right hand is
quite stricken off; his left arm has two wounds, the one hard
by the wrist, the other not far distant thereof. The D. of
A[umale] and the D. of Guise are suspected to be some
stirrers in the matter, for the harquebuss was discharged in
Monsr. de N.'s house, and one Villemin, a schoolmaster of
Monsr. de G., who was accustomed always to lie there, the
night before absented himself, and appointed the party that
committed the act to lie in his room."
Endd. P. 2/3. |
| [Aug.] |
536. Deaths of the Queen of Navarre and Admiral
Coligny. |
|
Verses on the death of the Queen of Navarre and the
Admiral Coligny.
Fr. Pp. 19⅓. |
|
537. Two sonnets on the death of the Admiral.
Endd. Fr. Pp. 3. |
| Aug. 22. |
538. William Faunt to Lord Burghley. |
|
The Admiral, this 22nd of August, "departing from the
Court to his lodging, reading a letter he had by the way
received, was traitorously striken with a harquebuss out of a
window in a house near the Hall of Bourbon, which perished
the fourth finger of the right hand, and pierced the left arm
through the bone in two places beneath the elbow." The
surgeon made report to the King of Navarre that he should
hardly escape without the loss of his arm. The King takes it
very grievously, and sent the Admiral word that if he doubted
anything he should have his guards to attend him, or else
have his lodging near to him, which with great reverence he
refused. After this misfortune the King of Navarre came
accompanied with 600 or 700 gentlemen to the Admiral's
lodging, where the matter is not a little lamented. The
women of the house where the harquebuss was shot were
brought to the King, who caused them to be locked in his
own chamber till such time as he was from table, commanding that all the gates of Paris should be straitly kept.
After he was dressed the writer saw the Admiral in his bed,
who bears it with a reasonable good countenance, but yet
much misdoubted of the physicians if he should escape a
fever. It is thought to be a Frenchman of the King's guard
that hurt him, who fled immediately in the sight of many,
very well mounted, with a pistol in his hand, but no certainty
is yet known.—Paris, 22 August 1572. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 1¼. |
| Aug. 22. |
539. Lord Burghley to [the Admiral of France]. |
|
The marriage of the Queen is of more moment to the weal
of this realm, and of Christendom for the benefit of religion,
than he fears their sins will suffer them to receive, but trusts
that God who has so mightily prospered their estate will bring
his marvellous work to some further perfection.
Holograph. Endd. P. ½. |
|
540. Copy of the same. Endd. Fr. P. 2/3. |
| Aug. 22. |
541. Lord Burghley to [the Duke of Alençon]. |
|
Is not accustomed to write to his superiors, being stranger
princes, but such is the commendation of the courtesy of his
Excellency, which has manifestly appeared by his frequent
letters to him, that he might seem to fall into as great a crime
of negligence of contempt if he should not by these few lines
recognise his duty to him, and assure him that wherein he
may pleasure him the same shall not lack. The dealing of the
bearer, M. de la Mole, has been such that his worthiness has
confirmed the good opinion of his Excellency, being his lord
and master.—Kenilworth, 22 August 1572.
Holog. P. 2/3. |
|
542. Copy of the same. Fr. P. 2/3. |
| Aug. 27. |
543. Sir William Drury to Lord Burghley. |
|
It seems the Queen is so wearied with Scottish matters that
she desires rather to be a looker on than a part player amongst
them; the French King is not of that mind, but will have
irons in the fire, not for love and affection, but to serve himself. De Croc seeks to make an inward league between the
Regent and Lethington and Grange. There is now a meeting
of the Commendator of Dunfermline and Mr. James Macgill or
Mr. John Hay on the King's side, and the Bishop of Galloway
and Sir James Balfour on that of the Castilians, to commune
on various heads, but no power is given to conclude anything.
The place for the meeting of the nobility will be either St.
Andrew's, Stirling, or St. Johnstone's. The Regent intends to
send men of war to Jedburgh. Captain Trotter, with sixty
and odd men, are come to within a mile of Home Castle, a hundred more are expected. It is judged that Lord Seton has
made his peace with the Regent, which the Castilians much
mislike; he is shortly to depart to the Duke of Alva, "he
is an evil willer to England." The Castilians wish the Queen
to demand pledges from each side for the performance of the
covenants. Some one of the King's side will presently be sent
into France, to be followed by the Justice Clerk. Requests
authority to grant license to Robert Melvil to come to England,
whose coming the Queen will much like.—Berwick, 27 August
1572. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 1½. |
| Aug. 23. |
544. Lethington and Grange to Sir William Drury. |
|
Marvel that they have not heard in what part her Majesty
takes their offers, seeing they have done everything in their
power to satisfy her, and have submitted themselves wholly
to her good pleasure. They intend to send Mr. Melvil to her,
and request a passport for him. Pray him not to forget the
suit of Lord Home.—Edinburgh Castle, 23 August 1572.
Signed: W. Maitland, W. Kyrkcaldy.
Add. Endd. P. 2/3. Enclosure. |
| Aug. 28. |
545. Massacre of St. Bartholemew. |
|
Proclamation by M. de Matignon, lieutenant-general for the
King in Normandy, commanding all those under his charge to
live peaceably with one another, in pursuance with the last
Edict of Pacification. Attributes the late commotion and
slaughter in Paris to the particular quarrel between the Duke
of Guise and the Admiral.—Caen, 28 August 1572. Printed
broadside.
Endd. Fr. |
| Aug. 29. |
546. Sir Humfrey Gilbert to Lord Burghley. |
|
1. Their meeting with the Prince of Orange is deferred till the
30th inst., and this day they embark to execute this exploit.
On the 28th the Duke of Alva departed towards Mons. Six
ensigns of Walloons have revolted from him to the Count
Ludovic. On the 27th instant a little galley and flyboat of
Flushing took two ships which lay before Sluys, in which were
thirteen Spaniards, who were brought to Flushing and there
all hanged save three of the best, who were saved to redeem
certain Englishmen that were taken by those of Sluys. Begs
that certain money due to him and his soldiers for service in
Ireland may be paid, as he has not only mortgaged certain lands,
but entered into great bonds for the payment of money, which
if they be not shortly discharged will turn to his utter
undoing. |
|
2. P.S.—Their journey to Antwerp is deferred through Seres,
who hardly dares to do anything that is accompanied with
danger.—Borsele, in South Beveland, 29 August 1572. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1. |
| Aug. |
547. Thomas Wal to Lord Burghley. |
|
Informs him of the proceedings of Sir Humfrey Gilbert and
the forces under him in Walcheren. Capture of artillery.
March to Bruges. Skirmish at Sluys. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 2. |
| Aug. |
548. List of Names of French Gentlemen and Noblemen.
Rough draft in Lord Burghley's writing. Endd. P. 1. |
