Elizabeth: September 1572 | British History Online

Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 10, 1572-1574. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1876.

Citation:

'Elizabeth: September 1572', in Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 10, 1572-1574, ed. Allan James Crosby( London, 1876), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/foreign/vol10/pp173-186 [accessed 22 November 2024].

September 1572



Sept. 3.	549. Walsingham to Lord Burghley.
	As the bearer returns home thoroughly instructed, and is able to render a very good account of what he has seen, he refers Burghley to his report. His Lordship can guess why he forbears to afford many lines.—Paris, 3 September 1572. Signed. Add. Endd., with seal. P. ⅓.
Sept. 3.	550. Sir Humfrey Gilbert to Lord Burghley.
	Has received letters from the Prince of Orange, dated from Hellewaye on 26th August. The gentleman who brought them assured him that the Prince has 20,000 footmen and 9,000 horsemen. The whole army is paid for one month, and the States of Holland stand bound for the payment of two months more. The Duke of Alva has moved from Mons, and has not above 1,000 horse and 14,000 footmen, whereof a great number are ill armed and furnished. The Duke of Holst is at Deventer with 700 horse and 2,000 footmen, and Count Vandemburg lies about the town with 5,000 foot and 1,800 horse to keep him from joining the Duke of Alva. Skirmish in which Mr. Cotton was a little hurt with a harquebuss shot. Look to place their cannon against Tergoes on the 6th or 7th instant. There is at this instant never a French soldier in Flushing, Captain Staunton's band remaining there, so if there were more English sent over before the French return, the place might be possessed without bloodshed; yet there is nothing to be attempted by the English without being masters of the sea, otherwise the ships of war of the town and island will cut them off from victuals. Understands that the Duke of Alva has taken the messengers which they of Flushing sent to the Count Ludovic with a copy of their petition to Gilbert for the bringing over of more soldiers with the galley and galliasses.—Clowting, in South Beveland, 3 September 1572. Signed. Add. Endd. Pp. 1¼.
Sept. 3.	551. Sir Valentine Browne to Lord Burghley.
	Has great difficulty in procuring timber for the bridge. Desires him to favour Rowland Johnson's petition. Has 1,300l. which was sent to him for secret causes remaining untouched, but for want of supply of other money is forced to make but lenten provision of victuals.—Berwick, 3 Sept. 1572. Signed. Add. Endd. P. 1.
Sept. 4.	552. Sir W. Drury to Lord Burghley.
	If the Queen shall deal any more in Scottish matters, he asks for instructions in writing for his guidance. He refers the bearer, Captain Case, who has a suit to urge, to his favourable consideration.—Berwick, 4 September 1572. Signed. Add. Endd. P. ½.
Sept. 5.	553. Mission of M. La Ferte.
	He is to give the commendations of the Prince to the Queen of England, and to beg that matters might take a speedy and happy issue, since by the marriage the estate of both would be better assured. He is to desire her to believe that what has happened in Paris was not with the consent or assistance of the Prince, who has lost many of his friends and some of his household. He is to beg the Queen to continue her favour to the Huguenots, and especially to send assistance to Rochelle. He is further to assure her of the devotion that the gentlemen of Normandy of both parties bear towards the Prince. Draft, Endd. by Burghley: 5 September 1572. La Ferte that came from Jersey from the Count Montgomery. Fr. P. 1.
Sept. 6.	554. Walsingham to Lord Burghley.
	As he has not leisure to write to him at large he refers him to the report of the bearer.—Paris, 6 September 1572. Signed. Add. Endd., with seal. P. ¼.
Sept. 6.	555. [La Ferte] to —
	As to the article that by the marriage the estate of both parties will be better assured by reason of their neighbourhood; Normandy borders a great portion of this realm, and would serve as a bulwark and defence against all enemies. Thinks that the whole of Normandy would adhere to the Prince, as in addition to his duchy he has great authority in other parts. The whole of the nobility are devoted to the prince, and hope by his means to be restored to their privileges and liberties according to the "charte Normande." The lords of whom he spoke would have gone to Normandy if matters had turned out as they wished, and if they could have been certain of the favour of the Queen. The noblemen intend that Rochelle should remain in the hands of the Queen as a pledge. Draft, Endd. by Burghley: Windsor, 6th September 1572. La Ferte that came from the Count Montgomery at Jersey.
Sept. 6.	556. Sir Humfrey Gilbert to the Count Montgomery or Lord Burghley.
	1. Is greatly moved by the news from France, which he trusts is not so horrible as the report goes. Hopes that he will communicate all particulars to the Queen, and point out the danger ready to fall on her if she does not look to taking revenge for these atrocities, seeing that if the opportunity favours them [the Papists] there is nothing else to look for but the tragical destruction of all the Protestants in Europe. Begs him to send an account of the affair and let him know how many of the nobility have escaped.
	2. P.S.—Affairs here are in such good train that if the Prince of Orange had some moderate succour the cause of the religion would prosper, for being really the stronger and the master of the open country it would be easy for him to utterly overthrow, the Duke of Alva and consequently all the other enemies of Christianity. Desires him to tell this to the Queen as if it was his own opinion, and also if the Prince were defeated how difficult it would be to make head against the enemy.—Tergoes, 6 Sept. 1572. Signed. Add. Endd. Fr. P. 1.
Sept. 7.	557. Sir Humfrey Gilbert to Lord Burghley.
	Has written to stay such of his friends of the West Country who would serve with their ships, but not such as would serve by land. Would be glad of more soldiers for the respects which he has written to the Lords of the Council. The Prince is of such strength that they do not doubt the Duke of Alva if the Frenchmen aid him not. Her Majesty may have at this present the islands of Walcheren, Zwerackeslee [Ziericksee], and South Beveland, which are of great wealth and lie together. They have out of them 80 sail of men-of-war, such as they be. Are not very well victualled, but if they had Tergoes, then were these three islands able to victual 20,000 men continually. The Prince is master of the field, but they have grown to mistrust the French King for these late murders. Knows that the Queen and the Lords of the Council are many times forced to pretend that which they nothing desire, wherefore what letters soever shall be sent from the Council for revoking him home he will think them but for form, except Burghley writes privately to him, and then he will obey.—Olontynge-by-Tergoes, 7 Sept. 1572. Signed. Add. Endd. Pp. 2.
Sept. 13.	558. Mr. Thomas Cotton to Lord Burghley.
	Since his last letter he sees great alteration through these wicked murders in France. Those of Flushing so amazed as it is much to be lamented, referring themselves to the Queen as the only pillar for their refuge. The Dutch Church daily practises with the Flushingers to request Her Majesty to take their town into her hands. The people and chief of the town be held as rude, simple, and wilful men, hardly able to judge of their best. The three islands of Walcheren, Beveland, and Ziericksee are very fertile, and able to maintain themselves and those who shall keep them. Are entrenched before Tergoes, which is garrisoned by 600 Spaniards and 200 Walloons, and their ships lie so as to stop all succours. Have cut off all victual from going out of the island. It is reported that the Duke of Alva has had a great overthrow. Begs him to continue his favour to his friend Mr. Thomas Farmor of Norfolk.—From the Camp, 13 Sept. Signed. Add. Endd. Pp. 2.
Sept. 14.	559. H. Killigrew to Lord Burghley.
	Arrived at Berwick on the 11th and went thence to Tantallon, where Lord Morton has lain sick for 10 days. Many speeches passed between them, Lord Morton saying he was the same man he always professed himself to be, both for the King his master's service, and for the continuance of the amity towards the Queen, and that he knew of no pensions offered by De Croc, whom he seemed not to like as he had not hitherto acknowledged the King's authority. There will hardly be a good peace without farther trouble, on account of the great jealousy shown by each party. The news from France makes them startle, and alienates their minds from that King. The day of meeting is put off from the 10th to the 20th of the month, when the Regent and Lord Morton will return to Leith. He has informed the Castilians by Mr. Melvil of his mission, and that he will come to them after he has seen the Regent. He is not misliked of either party, so some good may arise in the matter wherewith he is charged. John Knox is again in Edinburgh, which town and Leith are fortified and guarded with the King's soldiers.—Leith, 14 September 1572. Signed. Add. Endd. Pp. 2¼.
Sept. 15.	560. Sir W. Drury to Lord Burghley.
	Has upon hearing of the late most horrible and detestable murder committed in France, sent to Lethington and Grange touching their adjoinment to the King's party, and will write to them again. Wishes Pinart yet in France. Has acquainted Mr. Killigrew in all Scottish causes, by the negligence of whose servant his Lordship's letter to him was conveyed into Scotland.—Berwick, 15 September 1572. Signed. Add. Endd. P. ²/3.
Sept. 11.	561. Robert Melvil to Sir W. Drury.
	Is sorry for the news; it appears that there are great practices for the overthrow of religion. He prays that the troubles may be quieted, and that they may continue steadfast to each other.—11 September 1572. Signed. Add. Endd. P. ⅓. Enclosure.
Sept. 16.	562. Walsingham to Lord Burghley.
	Is under the physician's hands hoping to avoid a continual fever. How they continue constant in their severity here without respect of persons his Lordship shall learn by Sir Thomas Smith's letters, as also of the proceedings in Flanders. —Paris, 16 Sept. 1572. Signed. Add. Endd. P ½.
Sept. 22.	563. Edict by Charles IX.
	Prohibits all officers, magistrates, and administrators of justice and finance of the reformed religion from the execution of their respective officers on account of the distrust with which they are viewed by his Catholic subjects, and exhorts them to conform themselves to the Roman religion. Minor officials, such as serjeants and notaries, who will abjure the reformed religion shall be permitted to continue to exercise their offices. Promises to provide all such as shall conform with other offices; those who are not culpable of the late conspiracy, and who have not attempted anything against the King since the last edict of pacification, are to have such of their goods as have been seized restored to them. His proclamation of August 28 against the leaders of those of the new religion only refers to those who have been guilty of the late conspiracy against the King's person. All governors and officers are ordered to protect those who desire to return to the Catholic religion, and to severely punish such as molest them.—Paris, 22 Sept. 1572. Copy. Endd. Fr. Pp. 5.
Sept. 22.	564. Sir Valentine Browne to Lord Burghley.
	Has given order that Henry Killegrew shall be furnished with money and such other things as may serve his turn. Upon the advertisements of "the tragicals" out of France, he thought it his duty to make some speedy supply for the place of his charge more than his ordinary limits. Not being furnished of any prest he is driven to buy more hardly. There has been very much transporting of corn over the seas all this year, and the new will not be so plentiful as was hoped by reason of the continual wet. Desires that his license for the transporting of the slaughter (hides) and evil corn from Berwick may be renewed.—Boston, 22 Sept. 1572. Signed. Add. Endd. P. 1.
Sept. 22.	565. The Earl of Morton to the Earl of Leicester.
	The matter he writes of (the massacre of the Huguenots), is both pitiful and lamentable, to hear of so many noble and godly men so shamefully and cruelly murdered. He trusts there is no good nor godly heart that would not hazard both life and substance for the avenging of it; there is great danger to them of the same religion in other countries; some remedy should be provided whereby men can defend themselves should occasion arise. If his simple opinion had been followed, the amity and friendship of the two countries had not been now to be knit, but time and experience will bring that which at present they cannot see. The countries being fairly united and brought to friendship, the troubles of the same being taken away, the mightiest and chiefest princes that are their neighbours would be content to be friendly towards them. De Croc leaves no good office undone that may advance his master's favour and love in the country. There has been no one from the Queen to encounter De Croc's proceedings for some time past, but that seemed to take quarrel against them that were friends; whatever report may say, the noblemen of the King's party have always been honest and faithful He beseeches him not to leave off his travail to bring the two countries to friendship and quietness.— Dalkeith, 22 Sept. 1572. Signed. Add. Endd. P. 1.
Sept. 23.	566. Walsingham to Lord Burghley.
	Refers him for the state of things here to his general letter directed to the Council and to the enclosed occurrents. Commends the courtesy of M. de la Mole in procuring a passport for M. Belmain in order that Burghley may cause the French Ambassador to thank him on his behalf. The King at first would only grant him a safe-conduct to live unmolested, which safe-conducts contain little safety, as has lately been found here. Desires him to procure his return, as he lives here but a languishing life, and will not be able to do Her Majesty service worthy of her charges.—Paris, 23 Sept. 1572. Signed. Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 1²/3.
Sept.	567. Occurrents in France.
	1. It is reported that divers gentlemen of the religion in Languedoc, because they see not how they may remain with safety in their houses, have assembled at Nismes, Montauban, and Castries, and have taken divers Catholics prisoners, whom they hold as hostages.
	2. There have entered Sancerre 1,600 Protestants very well appointed.
	3. On the 19th those of the religion in prison at Rohan were most cruelly slain, without respect of person or sex, to the number of 800.
	4. Those of the religion who have been baptised or married lately are re-married and re-baptised.
	5. On Friday the 19th inst. the Prince of Conde was to hear mass at St. Germains de Près accompanied by many of the nobility. The King of Navarre shall go to mass at Michaelmas, when the celebration of the order shall be, and to induce him the sooner thereto, the King has propounded these conditions—that he will write to the Pope to absolve him from all that is past, and to admit him amongst the rest of the Princes who have their ambassadors there resident; that he will write to the King of Spain to restore such domains as he withholds from him; and that he will resign to him the disposal of all spiritual livings in his own territories. From Lyons they learn that 10,000 men are being levied for the King in Switzerland, and that all companies of men-at-arms in those quarters are commanded to repair hitherwards. The Protestants of Toulouse, to the number of 3,000, have retired to Montauban. Endd. Enclosure. Pp. 1½.
Sept. 24.	568. H. Killigrew to Lord Burghley and the Earl of Leicester.
	Will hear this day from the Regent and the Earl of Morton in a matter they wot of, of which he hopes good. It is desired that the Bishop of Ross be kept sure. Has good hopes of a peace, as he finds all the Lords willing to join in common defence with Her Majesty. He is utterly deceived if De Croc has any credit now with the Regent or Morton, who sent him word that his mistress should make the peace, and that they wished that De Croc would go. If it come to a peace Lethington must into England and put the Queen to some charge for a time, and she must also promise for Grange that he shall be true and obedient to the King for his Castle of Edinburgh. De Croc has intelligence with Athol and Huntley that they command all their followers to put their horses to hard meat, a thing strange at this time of year, and cause of great jealousy. It were good that Morton should be encouraged to continue his devotion and well doing. They be marvellous glad that the Queen has recalled her Ambassadors, and wish the French had none in England.— Leith, 24 Sept. 1572. Signed. Add. Endd. Pp. 1¾.
Sept. 24.	569. James Harvey to Sir Thomas Gresham.
	1. Chiefly on commercial matters. Money being scarce the rate of interest is 15 per cent.—Antwerp, 18 Sept. 1572.
	2. P.S.—Sends a copy of the composition of Mons, which the Duke of Alva has taken, and Count Ludovic has departed with his men with their armour.—Antwerp, 24 Sept. 1572. Signed: James Harvie, junior. Add. Endd. P. 1.
Sept. 24.	570. The Prince of Orange to Lord Burghley.
	Desires him to show favour to the bearer, M. De Boison, and to obtain for him an audience with the Queen.—From the Camp, 24 Sept. 1572. Signed. Add. Endd. Fr. P. ½.
Sept. 25.	571. Secret Service Money.
	A minute of receipts and payments by Sir Valentine Browne for certain extraordinary and secret causes, between Michaelmas 1571 and Michaelmas 1572. The total receipts are 5,100l., and the payments 3,787l. 20d. To Sir William Drury for certain secret causes, and for his entertainment in Scotland, 1,500l. To the masters of several ships hired for espial service, 193l. 4 8. To George Tottye in secret causes, 1,240l., 100l. being paid by the Laird of Lochleven's brother. For clothes for the Earl of Northumberland 12l., and for his charges at Berwick, 109l., and for his conveyance to York, 66l. 13 4. Pp. 1½.
Sept. 25.	572. Junius De Jonge to Killigrew.
	These treasons and horrible massacres which have been perpetrated in Paris and elsewhere in France serve for a ladder not to mount up to heaven to scrutinise the judgments of God, but rather to descend and contemplate the hearts of the traitors and wretched reptiles ("pauvres vermins") of this lower world, filled with an hypocrisy such as the world has never seen the like, or so horrible. These murders must show those who have even the least judgment that they intend to carry out their conspiracy against those of the true religion, according to the tenor of their Holy League. Urges the necessity of union, and not to suffer themselves to be talked into a vain feeling of security by those enemies of God, whose design is to destroy, one after another, all those who have not on their forehead the mark of the whore of Babylon. Begs that he and Lord Burghley will urge the Queen of England to give all aid and assistance to the Prince of Orange, if not openly at least secretly. They have great scarcity of munitions to carry on the siege of Tergoes, which he begs may be sent. A dissension has broken out in the camp before Tergoes, between Sir Humfrey Gilbert and Captain Morgan, who seeks to withdraw himself from the command of Sir Humfrey on account of some insult which he says he has received. Does not think that it deserves to be called an insult, and has endeavoured to reconcile them. Fears that some letters addressed to him by his master the Elector have miscarried. — Flushing, 25 Sept. 1572. Signed. Add. Endd. Fr. Pp. 3.
Sept. 25.	573. Walsingham to Lord Burghley.
	The surrender of [Mons] by composition is held here for certain. It is commonly said that they departed with bag and baggage, and ensigns displayed. They fear much here that the Duke of Alva and the Prince of Orange should grow to composition, which makes them give out speech that they much desire continuance of amity with Her Majesty. The Chancellor is neither dead nor prisoner, though something was intended against him. He is commanded only to make his wife to go to mass. The bearer can inform him touching their practises in Portugal. — Paris, 25 Sept. 1572. Signed. Add. Endd., with seal. P. 1.
Sept. 27.	574. Anonymous Letter from Rome.
	Movements of the Christian fleet against the Turk, and efforts to induce the French King to join the League.—Rome, 27 September 1572. Endd. Ital. Pp. 1½.
Sept. 27.	575. M. Haultain and others to Burghley.
	The late massacre in France having caused great numbers of foreigners to fly into England, they beg that the foreign churches in that country may be permitted to select such as are able to serve, and send them over to the Low Countries with their proper arms.—Flushing, 27 September 1572. Signed. Add. Endd. Fr. P. ½.
Sept. 27.	576. Sir Humfrey Gilbert to Lord Burghley.
	Is sure that no complaint in his absence will cause his Lordship to condemn him unheard. Would gladly have written particularly of such as have misused themselves, but time will not permit as he is now embarking towards Tergoes, where they mind this night to attempt the town, having made a breach.—Flushing, 27 September 1572. Signed. Add. Endd. P. 1.
Sept. 28.	577. Sir Humfrey Gilbert to Lord Burghley.
	On the 27th instant they made a camisadoe on the town of Tergoes, which he utterly misliked, yet could not let it. They had hurt and slain but 10 persons, but it was a marvel that it had not cost them 500 lives. A gentleman of his band named Bramydge was hurt and taken prisoner, whom he is promised to have ransomed. The Spaniards would be glad to make good wars, for that they have hanged so many of them, and are like to take more of them. Two young gentlemen served very valiantly at this service, one Colby, not above 19 years of age, and one a son of Mr. Keys, the late serjeant porter, who is very dangerously hurt.—Tergoes, 28 September 1572. Signed. Add. Endd. Pp. 1⅓.
Sept. 29.	578. H. Killigrew to Lord Burghley and the Earl of Leicester.
	Things are not yet so ripe as men would wish them. The Regent and Lord Morton are willing of the matter they wot of, but they have not broken it to him; he is made believe they will first sound others' minds therein, whereby they may be better able to perform in the end, and he thinks they will see some end or other of this matter before he receive an answer worthy to build upon. Has written to Mr. Secretary about De Croc's proceedings. The advertisements in their letter to him did some good, for all those who had any fear of God or zeal for religion exhibited a supplication to the Regent to prevent the like danger drawing near. The Regent said that Strozzi's coming was to be feared; he would have the Castle for the custody of the King, not considering Stirling sufficiently strong; if that can be compassed peace will follow, but otherwise rather war than longer abstinence. They are at their wits' end resolving, he does all in his power to bring matters to a peace, thinking that thereby other matter will be accomplished with greater surety. Every man cries out that it is high time to join in a straiter league with England, unless it be Atholl and the Castilians, who trust or fear the French King. De Croc fears to remain in Scotland, as his credit is lost except with some secret friends. Hearing his master openly exclaimed against, he besought the Regent to publish a commandment that none should speak dishonour of the King, saying the Queen of England had done the like, but he has had no answer; at all assemblies and meetings they show more favour to him (Killigrew) than to De Croc. Lord Herries visited him yesterday, and professed to be wholly at the Queen's devotion. They stand in fear of their fifty or sixty ships which be gone to Bordeaux, and wish their mariners were in the Queen's service. Lethington and Grange deem it strange they have had no answer to their many offers. If it comes to a peace, he requests instructions what to do in Lord Home's matters. The Irish bishop has escaped by the treachery of a papist, who ran away with him to Aberdeen, where he stays for passage to Flanders or Spain. Is offered to have him taken by recompensing them who will do the feat, who must fly with him to England, and forsake the north whilst the Earl of Huntley rules there. If it fall to war again the Regent will demand Home Castle, and aid to take that of Edinburgh.— Edinburgh, 29 September 1874. Signed. Add. Endd. P. 4.
Sept. 30.	579. Mons. de Haultain and others to Lord Burghley.
	If they succumb to the violence of their enemies the Duke of Alva would soon be able to subjugate the Low Countries and then attack England. Beg that he will urge the Queen of England to send them prompt assistance, to enable them to make sure of the island of Walcheren, and thus escape this common danger.—Flushing, 30 September 1572. Signed. Add. Endd. Fr. P. ½.
Sept. 30.	580. Proclamation in Normandy.
	Prohibits all armed assemblies, unless by the express command of His Majesty, under pain of death.—Caen, 30 Sept. 1572. Signed by M. de Matignon, Lieutenant-General for the King in Normandy. Copy. Endd. Fr. Pp. 1¼.
Sept.	581. Advertisements.
	1. Venice, Sept. 29.—Movements of the Christian army under Don John of Austria in the neighbourhood of Navarino.
	2. Possonia, 30 Sept.—Account of the coronation of Rudolph the Emperor's son as King of Hungary. Endd. Pp. 1½.
Sept.	582. The Duke of Alencon to Sir Thomas Smith.
	Thanks him for the goodwill which he has shown towards his marriage with the Queen of England, and desires him to continue in his efforts for its accomplishment, assuring him that both the King his brother and himself will be so grateful that he will have no cause not to be content. Signed: Francoys. Holograph. Add. Endd. by Burghley. Fr. P. 1.
Sept.	583. Massacre of St. Bartholomew.
	If the Marshal Montmorency had been in Paris he had passed the same way with the others because he is hated of the Parisians and the Guises, and his brethren who were there were kept for no other cause but because he was not there. The L. of Nance had the coffers of the Admiral, who was commanded to search in them to see if there were no letters which the Admiral had written to the Marshal, or from the Marshal to him, which made mention of any conspiracy, but there were none found. Monsicur Teligny when he found his father-in-law was dead got from house to house and entered into a garret against the lodging of the Marshal of Savoy, who is now Admiral, and being discovered was slain with daggers, and being half dead was thrown down from the windows into the street. The murder [endured] at Paris above eight days without ceasing to murder men and women, and the opinion is there was slain above 3,000 persons, besides 400 gentlemen very brave and valiant and of great houses. On the 26 August they slew above 1,200 persons, besides women, at Orleans. In Lyons was the like committed, putting the most part in prison, who were also slain. In the town of Meaulx they committed also a horrible murder. There is also a speech of the like in Bordeaux and Toulouse. In Rouen they put in prison 62 of the religion, the rest were in their houses, and on Wednesday, 18 Sept., about 4 a.m., the murderers went to the prison and by force commanded the jailor to deliver the prisoners to them, whereto he refused as much as he might. In the end he delivered them to the said murderers, who calling them out by their names one after another slew them. The jailor would have saved one, but they looking into the roll and finding him lacking, he was forced to deliver him unto them. The chief of the murderers were Captains Marrone and Caumont and the Curate of St. Sulpice. Captain Caumont came to Dieppe on the 30 September with his companions, thinking to have done the like there, but the Lord of Cigongnes would not suffer them. The Lady Dowager Princess asking license of the King four days after the murder to go to Conde to see her children who were sick, he agreed unto her upon condition that she should not in going save one Huguenot, swearing divers times that if she should save one she would much displease him.
	2. List of names of gentlemen who were slain, amongst whom occur those of two Catholics; also the names of some of those who escaped. Endd. Pp. 2.
Sept.	584. Massacre of St. Bartholomew.
	Carrouges, the Governor of Rouen, understanding that it was the King's pleasure to have the Protestants of Rouen to be partakers with those of the religion who were before most cruelly murdered, would not attempt so cruel a fact without sufficient warrant of the King, and sent to know whether it was his pleasure. The King, with a frowning countenance and binding his anger with oaths, said that it was his mind, and that he should see the same executed. The Governor not being satisfied with simple words sent again to the King requesting his letters for his discharge, whereat the King seemed to be very angry, and with horrible oaths, snuffing and shaking his head, bade the same should be executed, saying he should have no letters. When the Governor heard this answer he retired to a house in the country, after which the people slew all those of the religion without any resistance. The King is now become so bloody that it is impossible to stay his thirst to quench the same in innocent blood; riding or hunting last week he went to Montfaucon to see the Admiral hanging by the feet, a spectacle which shows what good nature is in him. It is much lamented to see his cruelty; even by the Papists many be sorry that so monstrous a murder was invented, and partly they dread their own lives, in so much that M. de Morvilliers wished himself dead ten years ago. The Duke of Guise himself is not so bloody, neither did he kill any man himself, but saved divers; he spake openly that for the Admiral's death he was glad for he knew him to be his enemy, but for the rest the King had put to death such as might have done him very good service. After the Admiral was hurt he requested of the King that he might have some armour in his house, who sent his passport to Marcells for a cartload. Marcells advertised the Queen Mother and Monsieur, by whose means the cart was taken by the way. The Queen Mother, about 11 p.m., went to the King, telling him that the Admiral caused armour to be taken to his lodging, who answered that he had granted passport for the same; "whereupon the Queen Mother with her loving and motherly persuasions began to inform the King that the Admiral did hate the King, herself, Monsieur, and the rest of his house, and that he would give him arms to destroy them all. She so persuaded the King that he swore that they should every one die, and presently M. de Guise was sent for to take this execution in hand and used as a butcher for the slaughter. The inventors of this monstrous bloodshedding were the Queen Mother, Monsieur, Duke Nevers, and Tavannes. The revealers of this invented conspiracy were Grammont and Bouchevannes. The Queen of Navarre, not long before her death, talking with the Ambassador of England, told him that Grammont was born to the ruin of her and her house." All the Scots be grown into marvellous misliking of this extreme tyranny. A Scottish gentleman, who has been an earnest servant for his mistress, talking with "my lord the day before I came away," wished with all his heart that the lords might grow to agreement. The King has sent to De Croc to keep them still in division. The English Ambassador desires to know whether he shall grant a passport to the Laird of Livingstone to this country. It is reported that Mons is rendered by composition to the Duke of Alva. Divers Papists coming to Walsingham's secretary willed him that Her Majesty should not trust the French King, or suffer herself to be abused with fair words. By the way, the writer met some one who said that they [the English] should all go to mass, and would be much astonished when the two great trumpets came to summons them, meaning France and Spain. He answered that he did not think the French [King] would infringe his league, and as for Spain the amity was so ancient, and further, that there were many lame in England, and that they would be greatly troubled with the carriage of them. One said he hoped shortly to be a lord, and others to make choice of the best houses in London, which betokens no good meaning. The execution was appointed at Amiens upon Thursday last. M. de Longueville has gone towards St. Quintins, where the King assembles 6,000 horse and 8,000 footmen to aid the Duke of Alva and pursue the Prince. The Protestants and Papists of Tours have been together in fight, and many slain on both sides. Pp. 3.