|
| July 2. |
1075. Sir Valentine Browne to Lord Burghley. |
|
Has fully paid and cleared all the charges of the Queen's
forces late in Scotland. Has received the 1,000l. assigned
him from Mr. Hodgson, William Selby, and others of Newcastle. Has paid all the money he borrowed in Newcastle
and Durham. Prays him to write to the customers and
officers of the port of Hull to suffer his provisions to pass to
Berwick notwithstanding the late restraint, the stay whereof
is both to his hindrance and charges, some evil payers taking
occasion thereby to drive him off the delivery of the things
he has long since paid for. The time of the year draws on
fast that may be dangerous for shipping, and the provisions
must serve the winter.—Berwick, 2 July 1573. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1. |
| July. |
1076. Expugnation of the Rebels in Edinburgh Castle. |
|
A brief estimate of the Queen's charges in the aid of the
same under the conduction of Sir William Drury, Marshal of
Berwick, from the first preparation therefor to the end of
the same. Charges grown before the entrance of the aid into
Scotland, 1,182l. 6s. The charges of the aids in Scotland for
56 days, to end the 12th June, 5,195l. 1s. 8d. Further
charges of the General and soldiers in Scotland, conduct
money ships, &c., make the whole amount of the charge
7,422l. 7s. 8d.
Endd. by Burghley. Pp. 3. |
| July 3. |
1077. Sir W. Drury to Lord Burghley. |
|
Is emboldened the rather to put him in mind of his word,
whereby, the service ended, he had some hope of his present
repair up, for that he gathers the Regent intends to discover
the continuance of misliking him, as to remove him from
further having to do in these parts, and not without the
knowledge of some one English person. But to the end that
the cause might not be hidden from the world, what his late
or former dealings have been in any cause wherein he has
been employed, beseeches that he may have the Queen's
licence for his repair up, where he may answer to no less
than may be objected against him. Should he be the first that
has advertised of the Regent's intention, prays that the same
may be kept in secret till further show thereof by others.
—Berwick, 3 July 1573. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 1⅓. |
| July 4. |
1078. Dr. Valentine Dale to Lord Burghley. |
|
The Ambassador of Spain sent his secretary to him to
make his moan that the Queen did either send or permit
Montgomery and divers soldiers to go to the succour of the
Prince of Orange, being very sorry there should be any
occasion of misliking between the Queen and them, and was
desirous to know how many ships there might be that went.
He answered that some that had been with Montgomery
might seek their adventure abroad to find themselves
occupied, but the Queen did not countenance them, and that
he did not know the number of vessels, but they could not be
either of any number or men of any account, and it might be
they were either of the Low Countries or French. There died
a Savoyard within the liberties of the Scottish Queen, by reason
whereof his goods are due to her by right of "aubaine"; the
wife of the "Grand Esquier" of Savoy is a suitor to have a grant
of this confiscation, and has procured the Duchess of Nemours
to be a suitor to the Scottish Queen. The news of the peace
is confirmed by divers messages from the Queen Mother, but
can hear no more of the capitulation. They are inquisitive
to know whether the Queen sent Mr. Horsey for a delay, or
else to shift off the matter clean; he is appointed to have
an audience to-morrow.—Paris, 4 July 1573. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 1¾. |
| June 25. |
1079. Anne d'Este, Duchesse de Nemours, to Mary Queen of
Scots. |
|
Desires that Madame la "Grande" of Savoy may have
12,000 francs from the goods of the late Master Lawrence du
Bois.—June 25. Signed.
Endd. Fr. P. 1. Enclosure. |
| July 4. |
1080. Proclamation in Brittany. |
|
The King and M. de Montpensier, his lieutenant-general
in Brittany, command the inhabitants of the town of Vitre,
formerly of the new opinion, but who have now made abjuration therefrom, and profession of the Roman Catholic religion,
that they hear mass all Sundays and feasts, and receive the
sacraments of confession and holy communion, especially at
Easter. The curés, rectors, and others shall register the
names of those who have not satisfied, and give copies to the
Governor and Judge Royal of the city. Curés and other of
the clergy are forbidden to inter the corpses of those that
die in the new opinion in holy places, under a fine of a
hundred livres for the poor. Persons who have formerly
made profession of the new opinion are not to keep schools
under pain of death, and no inhabitant is to send his children
elsewhere than to the public schools; those who have children
in England and elsewhere being especially enjoined to cause
them to return within a month, under pain of 500 livres.
They are forbidden to show joy by word or sign at the news
of the successes of those in arms against the King. They
are to keep their houses when the body of Christ is borne in
procession. They are forbidden to visit or preach to the
sick, nor to sing publicly or privately the psalms put in
rhyme by Marot. Those who have not made profession of
their belief are enjoined to do so within 10 days.—Vitre,
4 July 1573.
Endd. Fr. Pp. 22/3. |
| July 5. |
1081. Dr. Valentine Dale to the Earl of Leicester. |
|
The assault at Rochelle is given, and in vain. The mine
was made three sundry ways to the intent it might have the
more force when it should be blown up. Strozzi and Gohas
[Giazzo] were appointed to give the assault, and were flanked
with 400 harquebussiers and 1,200 Swiss. The mine was
blown up and the assault attempted, but they had so well
flanked the breach within, and were so ready to receive them
that gave the assault, that the first rank of M. Strozzi found
it so hot that there were none that would follow, and so the
assault took no place. The report goes that there should be
five or six hundred slain. They say at the court that this
happened because they that gave the first onset found the
breach not reasonable. Some say they were so well provided for within that no man could come but to his death.
It is said also that when the mine was blown up the
rampart fell outward towards the breach, and the ruins
filled it up in such sort that the rampart was more inaccessible than before. Strozzi finds fault with them that should
have seconded him. They that were on the ramparts saw
them within in squadron ready to have tried it with blows if
the assault had not been repulsed. They let not to say they
look to have the town shortly, but it must be by composition
for the soldiers will come no more at it. The Queen Mother
is at Paris to prepare money for the setting forth of the Kingelect of Poland, howsoever the King's debts be paid and his
service done. Mauvisiere comes over to be resident Ambassador
upon that color the better to treat for other things. There
is talk that the treaty of marriage between the King elect
and the Duke of Saxony's daughter is reversed. Villeroy
one of the Secretaries of State, is gone to Rochelle with full
determination of accord if they can be trusted; this is the
third secretary sent for the purpose. Has written to the
Privy Council of the merchants' matters, and the incredible
dearth there is here.—Paris, 5 July 1573. Signed.
Add., with seal. Pp. 2. |
| June 5. |
1082. Election of the King of Poland. |
|
The Assembly was in the "champion" of Warsaw with a
concourse of people occupying 15 miles compass, to the
number of 200,000 horsemen, besides a troop of borderers to
the number of 14,000. The Cardinal of Comenduno was the
first to recite his oration exhorting the subjects to elect a
Catholic. Seigneur Rosenberg, the Emperor's ambassador,
in the Bohemian tongue, to the great liking of all, most
eloquently showed that in the Prince Ernest were all those
good parts that were required in a good and true prince; by
his voisinage he was so fit a person that on him should depend
the perfect observation of privilege; and by the pacifying
of Prussia and Livonia they would be united to that crown,
promising to adjoin there to the Duchies of Bar and Rostock,
and to maintain a hundred gentlemen in good "studies" by
means of the Emperor and the King of Spain, with the rest
of his kindred. He promised all their forces to the defence
of the kingdom, advising them that if they chose a stranger
whose forces were far off, neither should he be able to
supply or defend them. There was no trust to be placed in
Turkish promises, and the Emperor has taken truce with the
Turk for three years, it resting in his hands to prolong it at
his pleasure. He offered to the Senate regions of the Turk,
and touching religion the Prince could so accommodate
himself that all things should pass without bloodshed. The
King of Spain's ambassador being very desirous to follow
was put back by the French, willing him to observe the order
that those should first speak that first entered into the kingdom, and he was not permitted to speak but what he had
already given in writing, which was to make the same offers
that the Emperor had made. By this means the French
ambassadors, of whom two were apparelled like prelates and
the third soldier-like, had audience. Beginning in praise
of the noble house of Valois, how they had always been
defenders of the Holy Church and Catholic religion, and that
none of their blood was ever spotted with heresy, they
descended to high commendation of the Duke of Anjou,
being so valiant and adorned with such virtues as might
become a prince of his descent, and so made offers of him to
be their king. The Admiral was worthily punished, as one
that manifestly conspired against the King's blood. All the
revenue Anjou had in France should be employed in Poland,
and spent at the discretion of the Senate for the benefit of the
kingdom. The King offered that in the service of the lords
of Poland to spend the benefit of his crown, and in occasion
of wars to give them strong succour; he promised likewise
to recover from the Muscovite all those territories he holds of
theirs, and that with very small difficulty they should have
certain aid of the Princes of Germany further to add states
to their dominions, meaning Wallachia. He offered perpetual
peace with the Turks, to bring a good number of readers in
all the services at his charge, and to maintain a number of the
nobility in the study of good letters. There was also a letter
sent to the Bashaw, by way of Wallachia, which commanded
them either to elect a Pole or the Duke of Anjou. The
ambassadors of Sweden made their oration in behalf of their
King as fitted to be chosen for his nearness of blood, declaring
him to be a great creditor for sums lent their late King to
defend his country against the Muscovite, saying that his
forces adjoined to the power of their kingdom were able to
bridle him, if they chose him not King then to restore him
his own money and the dowry promised him, whereas if they
did elect him he would remit it. Hitherto the Muscovite
Ambassador came not forth, considering perchance that it
was not for his honour, but a letter was presented which
comprehended many fair proffers, concluding that if they
would bestow the kingdom upon him he would not call
himself King of Poland but Emperor, with great hope of
winning new countries and to correct the enemies of Christ.
Endd. Pp. 3. Enclosure. |
| July 7. |
1083. Dr. Valentine Dale to [Lord Burghley]. |
|
The King has much ado to please the Pope and them of
Spain and Lorraine, and others that desire persecution of
religion. He has despatched a post to satisfy the King of
Spain therein; whether they do discover anything of their
intention to entrap them of the religion, as they have done
at the making of other peaces, he knows not. They of Spain
do enter into jealousy of renewing their former practices in
the Low Countries now upon this peace, the more because
De Lumbres is here and keeps himself secret. Franciotto
and Cavalcanti are doers here in the matters of the Duke.
Although it be true the King has signed the agreement for
the peace, yet it is not known whether they in Bearn,
Languedoc, and Dauphiny have accepted it, or whether they
have laid down their arms. The little help of munitions that
came from England maintained Rochelle till the time of the
peace, without which they could not have held out so long.—
Paris, 7 July 1573. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 2. |
| July 7. |
1084. Dr. Valentine Dale to the Queen. |
|
After Mr. Horsey's first audience the King and Queen
Mother assembled the Council to advise for the conclusion of
the peace, and after two days deliberation the King signed
the capitulations against the will of such as have always
advised to root out them of the religion by sword. As divers
think it much against the King's honor to condescend so
favourably to his subjects in cause of religion, they do not as
yet publish the peace with any solemnity. On Sunday they had
access to the Queen Mother, who hoped that now peace was concluded the Queen of England would speak "franchement" touching her son's suit, and trusted there would remain none other
excuse. Mr. Horsey said she had cause to take great advice in
so weighty a matter, and entered roundly into the miscontentment of her subjects by reason of the massacre, so that the
Queen Mother was constrained to use long speech for their
excuse, and to deny many of those things which have been
reported, both of the manner and for the number, very desirous
as it seemed to be purged in her opinion. Mr. Horsey wished
it might be published that the intercession of the Duke had
been the cause of the conclusion of peace, that always he
might be noted to be a favorer of them of the religion, with
other particular talk of the conformity he should need to use
in religion for the contentment of her subjects. The Queen
Mother said the Duke had been a great persuader of the peace
indeed, and that he, she, the King, and the King of Poland had
bound themselves in honor for its performance, so that it stood
them all upon to see it kept, and for matters of religion the
Queen of England might rule him at her pleasure. Afterwards
the King came forth and uttered that he concluded the peace
rather in contemplation of her, and how many ways he perceived her goodwill towards him, and then recommended the
suit of his brother. Mr. Horsey was in hand with him again
touching the massacre, but the King said the most part that was
reported was untrue, that he was sorry for that that was done,
and wished he had lost his arm rather than it had happened.
Her "ambassade" in the opinion of many has been a great declaration of her care for the re[pose] of them of the religion, and
has procured them p[eace] with more speed and more favourable conditions; for it plainly appears that there were many
adversaries to it, both in respect of religion and also in point
of honor; it was concluded without delay upon Mr. Horsey's
coming, and there is further hope that it will be much better
performed. Touching their suit they hold themselves contented with her answer for the present, the causes of the
misliking of her subjects being at large deduced by Mr. Horsey,
cannot but give them to understand that it was given on
good grounds.—Paris, July 1573. Slightly injured by damp.
Copy. Pp. 5¾. Enclosure. |
| July 7. |
1085. Pietro Bizarri to Lord Burghley. |
|
1. The Ambassador who was sent to the Emperor by those
of the Polish nobility who favoured the election of his son,
and who adduced reasons why the late election should be set
aside, has left the Imperial court with some presents. |
|
2. The Emperor will go to Prague about St. Bartholomew's
day to procure that his son may be declared King of Bohemia.
Count "Scheredinus" [Schærding] has collected 4,000 cavalry
to impede the passage of the new King. The Moscovite and
the King of Sweden have formed a league against him, to
which the King of Denmark is not averse, and many of the
German Princes think that his passage is by all means to be
prevented. Poland is in a wretched condition through the
dissensions of the nobility, and the new King will not be able
to govern without great bloodshed. Among the pasquils
against the election is one that the Polish nobility have been
troubled quite enough already with the "Gallico morbo," and
there is no necessity why they should perish utterly with a
new one. The Duke of Alva obtained leave to raise 10
regiments, but in six weeks could only levy 600 men, and
those mostly raw countrymen and very few gentlemen. |
|
3. The Venetians have ordered all Jews to quit their
territory within 15 days; but some of the richest of that
people have promised to give the senate annually 60,000 gold
crowns, and not to receive more than 5 per cent. interest
instead of 12 and more, as they have been doing. Desires
to be informed through Windebank whether this history
has been presented to the Queen.—Augsburg, 7 July 1573.
Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Lat. Pp. 2. |
| July 9. |
1086. M. de la Mothe Fenelon to Lord Burghley. |
|
Recommends the bearer, an inhabitant of Rouen, to his
favorable consideration, and desires his letters for him to the
officers of Rye to enable him to recover his goods. Expresses
his willingness to perform the same offices for any subject of
England.—London, 9 July 1573. Signed.
Add. Endd. Fr. P. 1. |
| July 10. |
1087. Ivan Basilowitz to the Queen. |
|
Whereas the King of Denmark lays claim to certain towns
on his coast, and has commanded the English merchants to
take letters of privileges for those places for him; he declares
that the said places have belonged to him of inheritance, and
desires her to command her merchants to go to sea with ships
of war, that they may resist the King of Denmark's pirates,
and he will also send his men-of-war to assist them.—Moscow,
A.M. 7090 (sic), 10 July and of his birth the 48.
Copy. Endd. 1582. Pp. 1⅓. |
| July 11. |
1088. Advices. |
|
1. Rome, 11 July 1573. Rumour of the death of the Grand
Turk. Great preparations of men, munitions, ships, and provisions against the Turks. Rendezvous of the Turkish fleet
at Modon to the number of 265 sail. Unsuccessful assault
on Rochelle. |
|
2. Vienna, 2 July 1573. Presents given by the Emperor
to the Ambassador of Poland. Invasion of Lithuania by the
Muscovites. Ravages by the Turks in different places.
Ital. Pp. 3¼. |
| July 11. |
1089. Occurrents in France. |
|
The King of Poland has withdrawn . . . some
say to Niort, some say to . . . . leagues from
Rochelle. The French soldiers, which are not thought [above]
900, lie about the King of Poland. The Swiss lie near the
town to keep it. The Prince of Condé is come to his house
in Gastinois. The articles of pacification were not sent to the
camp till the 6th. The soldiers do come ordinarily out of
Rochelle to view the town, and repair there. They of the
town keep themselves without offending them that are without. The port is kept strait as during the siege. The King
and Queen Mother have sent to the [King of] Poland to come
from the camp. The King and both the Queens are .
. . the time to Charleval in Normandy. It is said
the King and Queen Mother . . back to Paris in
time to meet . . . . Poland on his return.
There is very great and speedy . . . for the
receiving of the ambass[adors] and for the entry of the King
of . . . Paris. Captains La Fleur and La Croix
were taken as they issued out of Sancerre to seek succour,
and La Fleur is executed. Although Sancerre be not in the
pacification, yet it is thought they shall be received into
mercy, and that they will lay down their arms.
Endd. Injured by damp. P. 1⅓. |
| July 11. |
1090. Edict of Pacification. |
|
The memory of all things happened since the 24th of
August last shall be extinguished. They shall not reproach
each other, dispute, or use offensive words, but live peaceably
together. The Catholic religion is to be established throughout
the country, except at Rochelle and a few other places, where
those of the new religion shall have liberty of worship.
Bailiffs and judges ordinary are to see to the decent interment
of those who die in the pretended reformed religion. Those
who give security to change their religion shall be admitted
indifferently to the universities, schools, hospitals, &c. All
of that religion can sell or alienate their goods, and retire
whither they please, provided it be not to the territory of any
princes with whom they are at war. Various other articles
relating to the discharge of prisoners for religion, &c.
Fr. Endd. Pp. 8½. |
| July 12. |
1091. M. de la Mothe Fenelon to Lord Burghley. |
|
Sends some of the articles of the pacification, and will send
the rest when he receives them. Has prayed the Queen to give
answer to the requests of the King for an interview for his
brother, to which she replied that his demand was reasonable,
and she would confer with him [Burghley] upon his return
to court to-day, and give answer before next Monday. Asks
his influence with her to obtain an answer, and for a letter to
the Duke of Alencon.—London, 12 July 1573. Signed.
Add. Endd. by Burghley P. 1. |
| July 12. |
1092. Sir W. Drury to Lord Burghley. |
|
If his stay at Berwick but depends upon Lord Hunsdon's
coming, he can but wish he would hasten him, as he has been
absent for twelve months. Assures him that though he has
received something against him from the Regent, that not only
in this last journey against the Castle, but in former at all
times has he deserved to be well thought of by him, but how
the same has been answered others can witness. Where
Burghley writes that he wishes it were in his power to
reconcile the difference, his lordship has such power and
interest in him and to command him, that his will shall be
but the instrument to execute his lordship's will. His sick
wife wishes and calls for him there, and his creditors look for
him, were it but for a time, to content them. His state of
body is fitter to be in the physician's hands to cure that
which else may be uncurable.—Berwick, 12 July. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 2. |
| July 13. |
1093. Maisonfleur to Lord Burghley. |
|
1. Cannot send any news of the Duke of Alençon as Mr.
Horsey has brought no answer to his letters to the Duke,
which probably, as he is at Rochelle, he has not received soon
enough to answer. Yesterday about four in the afternoon
there arrived at "La vielle Poste d' Anvers," where he is
lodged, five German gentlemen, each accompanied by two
servants, who said they had been five weeks in the service of
the Prince of Orange, but some say that they were seen a
year ago with the Duke of Holstein when he was going to
join the Duke of Alva. Had determined to raise two companies of foot soldiers to serve in Holland if the Duke of
Alençon had not forbidden him to leave the kingdom. As he
has not heard from him intends to depart in five or six days
for the Brille where he has an equal number of soldiers with
the sixty or eighty he has in this city. Expects besides a
strong troop from Hampton and Rye. Will attend on him
before he goes to receive any commandments for the Queen's
service or his own. He would bestow a great favour on him if
he would impart any news he has of the Duke of Alençon, or of
what Mr. Horsey has learnt in France. Will bring a copy of the
letter he has sent to the Duke of Alençon to persuade him
from remaining before Rochelle.—London the 13th. Signed. |
|
2. P.S.—Has just heard that the "Primrose" has taken some
small French ships, with 200 or 300 French soldiers who have
been stripped of their arms and accoutrements. The soldiers are
very necessary to him to complete the troops he will take into
Holland, and prays therefore for letters from the Queen to the
captain of the Primrose, and others it may concern, that their
arms and accoutrements may be returned. The Earl of
Oxford has at the house of a merchant of this city thirty gilt
morions, which the merchant is willing to sell if he can have
licence from the Earl, which he prays him to obtain for him.
Add. Endd. Pp. 3. |
| July 15. |
1094. M. de la Mothe Fenelon to Lord Burghley. |
|
As upon the Queen's answer depends one of the most
honourable and necessary alliances of Christianity, and the
great and useful effects that are looked for between the two
kingdoms, prays him to be a mean that it be written in such
good fashion that the King and Queen Mother may see that
he has not deceived them when he said that there was always
sincerity intended. Will send one of his servants into France
to take the Queen's letter and bring back answer, and prays
him not to forget the letter to the Duke of Alençon that has
been promised, and to send a form of security and safe conduct that he may see if they in France require anything
more. London, 15 July 1573. Signed.
Add. Endd. Fr. P. ½. |
| July 16. |
1095. Dr. Valentine Dale to Lord Burghley. |
|
Stays for the delivery of the Queen's letters to the King
elect until he come near the town. They of Dauphiny and
Languedoc think themselves not sufficiently provided for by
those of Rochelle, and therefore remain in arms. The King
elect leaves such matters to them that list. It is well he
comes from Rochelle without dishonour. There has been
slender order in the camp, and those advantages that they
of the town have had have been as well by their own
vigilance as through the negligence of the "assiegants."
They blame M. Biron for planting his ordnance in place
of least advantage. Some say the fault in the first assault
was in the company of M. Strozzi. The gentlemen went always
to the trenches and to the very walls unarmed and laid far
otherwise than the Duke of Alva did before Mons, which gave
them of the town leisure to entrench themselves, to discover
their mines, and make divers sallies at their pleasure. The
ships and fortifications in the haven were so slenderly looked
unto at Montgomery's first coming that a small attempt would
have brought in divers of his vessels. The vessel that came
in escaped by them all before it was known whether she was
friend or enemy. They had left store of wine, muscatels,
and sack for three years, fish for a year, and biscuits for two
months, and in these latter days did change with the soldiers
without wine for flesh. There could be nothing done or
intended by Monsieur but they knew of it in the town, and
they had so entrenched themselves that they feared not any
assault. It is bruited that the Duke will needs over, but
the wiser and closer sort make no such brag. His wife
requires to be with him so earnestly that he cannot but be
moved, and indeed the charges of housekeeping in London are
wanton and are more felt than when he has doing there himself. Prays the Queen may be made privy thereunto, and his
wife present herself to know the Queen's pleasure.—Paris,
16 July 1573. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 1½. |
| July 17. |
1096. Occurrents in France. |
|
The camp is broken up from Rochelle. The Swiss and the
rest of the soldiers that remain shall be sent to Dauphiny
and Languedoc to the succour of M. Danville. There are
4,000 Swiss and Almains coming, some affirm to join the
Protestants of Dauphiny, some that they were levied for the
Prince of Orange. The King of Poland takes his voyage from
Rochelle to Nantes and so up part of the Loire, either to avoid
the pitiful clamour of the poor of the country, who are ruined
by these wars, or else to try how he can brook the seas. The
King has been troubled with voiding of blood, both above
and beneath. The Swiss have gone to besiege a little castle
not far from Rochelle that held out during the siege of that
place.
P. 1. |
| July 18. |
1097. Occurrents from Frankfort. |
|
Great dissatisfaction in Poland on account of the election
of the Duke of Anjou. Lithuania has separated from Poland
and elected a Duke and entered into a perpetual alliance with
the Muscovite. The Duke of Prussia has also taken up arms
to oppose the election, to which Dantzic and some say Cracow
have not agreed. Levy of troops in Germany. A new Diet
spoken of. Troops raised for the service of the Duke of Alva.
The Duke of Savoy has sent "Madame L'Admirale" to the
Inquisition.
Endd. Fr. P. ½. |
| July 19. |
1098. Advices from Delft. |
|
1. M. de Batembouch failed on 9th July in his attempt to
revictual Haarlem, and together with some other gentlemen
was slain by the enemy. Two to three hundred of his men
were killed, most of whom were townsmen of Delft. On the
same day two galleys were taken from the enemy, who lost
between 700 and 800 men. On the 15th or 16th Haarlem
was surrendered on composition, which, however, was not
observed, but every kind of cruelty committed. On the
morrow the Spaniards wishing to sound the courage of the
garrison of Alkmaar were chased back to Haarlem with the
loss of 200 men. There is not a town in Holland which has
heard of the treachery and cruelty of the Spaniards but is
resolved to hold out more than ever, and have offered to send
hostages to the Prince, who has refused to receive them, saying
that their earnestness was the best hostage that he could
have. His Excellency has been from town to town for the
purpose of putting them in order. |
|
2. M. de Lorges is in garrison at Leyden with the French
companies, and is joined with M. de Noailles in the government
of the town; he has also eight ensigns of Walloons and others
near at hand. The English are in garrison at Delft. The
whole country is in good courage to resist. The Count de la
Mark is at Rotterdam less strictly guarded, who has promised
to behave better for the future. All the ships of Brille and
those which were in Haarlem Meer to the number of 80 have
gone to Flushing to prevent the revictualling of Middleburg.
Reported arrival of 500 Scots.
Endd.: 19 July 1573. Pp. 12/3. |
| 23 July. |
1099. Valentine Dale to Lord Burghley. |
|
The Queen Mother is returned to this town. The King appoints to be at Madrid to give audience to the ambassadors
come to congratulate the King elect, who does his pilgrimage
on foot from Blois to Notre Dame de Clery. The Queen
Mother has been very desirous to hear from the Queen, and
Mauvisiere is commanded to make himself ready towards
England. They of Dauphiny and Languedoc are waxen very
strong, and M. Danville is had in some jealousy, therefore the
Count of Retz is appointed to conduct such an army as they
can make into that country; but until they have despatched
the King elect they have no leisure to attend [to] their things at
home. The publishing of the peace was referred to the Rochellois. The townsmen came to the King elect at his departure,
desiring him to be a mean that such articles that were
accorded them might be performed; he answered that he never
before had made promise to the Protestants, but since he had
he would see it performed. At his departure there entered
certain ships, English and "Bretysh," with victual. The ships
laid to stop the entry of the haven are withdrawn, and the
carrick with other forts built by the King elect burned.
Neither they of Languedoc, Dauphiny, or the town of Nismes
accept the peace. The Protestants are possessed of a very
strong town called Lodeve, where the most part of the riches of
the country was bestowed, because by the situation it was taken
to be inaccessible; they have gotten the harvest of the country
as far as Toulouse, and had devised to surprise Toulouse, but
were discovered. They are bent to be earnest in their suit
now, at the return of the Duke, and there are some that get some
credit to bring to the Queen Mother any word of hope therein.
The Cardinal of Lorraine in an oration touching the grant
from the clergy, to the King, declared that the massacre
should be a matter deeply dissembled and much allowed of
among themselves, applauding him for the manner in which
using "d'une saincte simulation, et d'une dissimulation plaine
de pieté," he has purged his kingdom of heretics, and brought
his people back to the Holy Roman Church, comparing his
conduct to that of King Josiah. The Queen Mother went to
Dieppe for the preparation of the transporting of such as are to
go to Poland by sea, and to inform himself perfectly of the
commodities of the voyage for the King himself, for they cannot assure themselves which way they may take. Young
Lansac comes by sea from Poland to try the passage that way.
Paris, 23 July 1573. Signed.
Add. Endd. Partly Fr. P. 2½. |
| July 23. |
1100. Occurrents in France. |
|
The King elect of Poland, to avoid the murmuring and
mutiny of the soldiers, for that they were unpaid, took galley
at Rochelle, feigning to go for his pastime on the sea, and took
his voyage to Nantes, and thence the 20th of the month is
appointed to arrive at Tours, where the Duke of Alençon,
the King of Navarre, and the Duke of Guise come to
meet him. It is said Marshal Tavannes died "ex morbo
pediculari," which is much noted, as he was one of the greatest
persecutors at the massacre. There is a great bruit spread
that neither the Emperor or the Princes of Germany will
assure any passage to the King elect. It is said that the Muscovite makes preparation against Poland. It is reported that the
navy of the Turk is consumed with fire from heaven, but the
Ambassador that is come to congratulate from Venice reports
that there is not above the number of 20 ships consumed. It is
further reported that the rest of the Turks navy is withdrawn
for this year.
Pp. 1¼. |
| [July 23.] |
1101. Huguenots of Languedoc, &c. |
|
List of towns and fortified places in possession of the
Protestants of Languedoc under the government of M. de
Boulliargues and M. de Gremeau. Names of such as have
charge in Dauphiny among the Protestants.
P. 1. |
| July 25. |
1102. Occurrents in France. |
|
M. Danville sent his secretary to the King for arms and
succour, but he attends at the Court without despatch, as does
the secretary of the Lieutenant of the Government of Limoisin,
whose is sent to have order to levy money, otherwise the
forces of the Protestants cannot be withstood. The Emperor
and the Princes of Allemagne intend to procure the election
of a King of the Romans, for fear lest the King elect of Poland
should work some practice for the Empire, if the Emperor
should die. The Emperor understanding that there would come
ambassadors out of Poland to the number of 1,500 horses, was
content to give passage to certain that were already on their
way, so that they passed not above the number of 200 horses,
and has removed the posts from where they did lie, and laid
them at Vienna, that no passage should come but by that way.
The Muscovite makes war against the Poles, and has promised
the Emperor aid to invade Poland. The King elect looks to
6,000 horses of the Turk, and to be invested of Wallachia.
P. 1. |
| 26 July. |
1103. Dr. Valentine Dale to [Lord Burghley]. |
|
Captain Thomaso came to him with a sorrowful complaint
that he was advertised by Battista Gondy, a notable merchant
of Florence, in chief credit with the Queen Mother, that she
should ask him if he did know a Captain Thomaso, for the
King was advertised by M. de la Mothe that he had intelligence with the Queen's Ambassador, and his letters were
shewed in her Privy Council. The poor man was much dismayed, and doubts how it may be taken against him, and
more lest he have "a shrewd turn unawares." Writes that he
may have consideration of his case, and weigh whether any
such thing might be revealed to the Ambassador out of such
a place. Paris, 26 July 1573. Signed.
Add., with seal. P. 1. |
| July [26]. |
1104. Audience with the King and Queen Mother. |
|
The King being returned to St. Germains, Dale signified
both to him and the Queen Mother that the Queen had written
letters of gratulation to the King elect, and desired to know
their pleasure when he should do Her Majesty's message, they
answered that the King elect would be very shortly at Paris.
The King had no great joy of the honor of his brother, but
entered into talk of his other brother and of the peace, to which
he answered he could say nothing. The Queen Mother had
some discourse of the amity between the subjects of the Queen
and of the King of Poland; she had written to the Queen for
his favour for the passage of his soldiers; at Dieppe she
did see a ship that had been coming from Dantzic but 15 days,
whereupon he told her how ancient the amity had been between
the Queen's progenitors and the subjects of Poland, what large
privilege they had in England, and how necessary the amity
of the Queen was for furthering or letting the passage of the
King at all times, and for his wars with the Muscovite or with
Sweden, or any other accident that might happen, how much
her ships and mariners were in estimation with the Muscovite,
and the Kings of Denmark and Sweden, and what riches did
come of the staple that was at Dantzic for cloth. The Queen
Mother said there should be as much amity on her son's part
as ever had been, and if the third link of amity might be
withal, what a force it would be when all should be knit
together. She desired that the Queen might be advertised that
when she was at Dieppe there came in certain Frenchmen that
were spoiled by one Paiot, against whom they of the town made
request that they might set forth six ships, which she would not
do for avoiding of inconvenience, and therefore prayed her to
travail for the quieting of the seas. Dale said that he did not
know what Paiot was, or if there were any Englishmen in his
governance, but when there was any great disorder the Queen
set forth to apprehend such as were offenders, and he would advertise her of the request. Bienvenu, who goes to his country
for a time, has told him that what countenance soever they do
make to desire passage through Germany, it has been concluded
that the King of Poland shall embark at Calais, which he had
learned from so good a place that he had advertised the Duke of
Savoy thereof. The Venetian Ambassadors both assure him that
they have not made any motion to the King of Spain or the
Venetians to have passage by Italy. The King of Spain has
not sent any gratulation at all, which is much marked.
P. 2¼. Enclosure. |
| July 26. |
1105. Dr. Valentine Dale to Lord Burghley. |
|
Whereas the Ambassador hitherto has been alone to work,
he shall now have help of the Duke himself, and all other means
that can be devised, it is a matter so earnestly minded. The
Queen Mother now begins to commend his stature, and says
he is much grown during his being at Rochelle, and they say
his beard has grown, which helps much his imperfections. Is
of opinion he would become Protestant, and there is hope conceived throughout the realm, by the departure of the King
elect, if the King might rid himself of that godly prelate of
whose ungodly oration he did last write, of whom they say
the King is weary, for he is ever in hand for persecution.
Will be as moderate in extraordinaries as he can, wherein if
ever there might be favor shewed now there do arise charges
daily which were never used; every passport a French crown,
and twenty such like. Now that Bienvenu is gone and
Thomaso discouraged, no man will come at him but he must
have something either in money or presents. Pays for oats
at the rate of five nobles the quarter of English measure, wheat
twenty nobles, and yet it is very little better; wine better
than sixpence the English quart; and now at these entries and
triumphs there will arise divers occasions of great necessary
charge. Knows he does not lack his furtherance, neither for
the Deanery of Wells, nor in anything that occasion shall
present.—Paris, 26 July. Signed. |
|
P.S.—Has received a letter from Mr. Horsey saying that
the Earl of Leicester stands his good lord touching that little
deanery.
Add. Endd. Pp. 3. |
| July 26. |
1106. Anonymous Letter from Scotland. |
|
The calamity of that good country (Flanders) is not only
lamented by them, but goodwill borne to relieve part of their
burden. Some number of men of war are already repaired
thither, others upon the coming of his servant Captain
Ormiston are in preparation, but the third sort are desirous to
hazard themselves if they were certain of his pleasure, and
what assured entreatment they might look for. They are
not such as have been levied by wages in former wars, but
rather some in the rank of nobility, who have done valiant service in the cause of religion and repressing civil sedition here.
For that purpose is Captain Montgomery, a gentleman of
approved truth and good credit, directed towards him to
understand the condition of their affairs, and to return
speedily with resolution of his pleasure.—Stirling, 26 July
1573.
P. 2/3. |
| July 31. |
1107. Thomas Wilks to Walsingham. |
|
Since the conclusion of the peace at Rochelle there has
been nothing else talked of, and all other occurrents have
yielded to that as the candle to the sun. The 26th, the King and
Queen Mother went to meet the King elect at Estampes, but
he making more haste than they were aware of met them at
Chanteloup, seven leagues from Paris, and the next day they
came to Paris, but very covertly. Since his departure from
Rochelle the gentlemen of Poitou, and such as were neighbours
to the Rochellois, have put themselves in arms, which is not
a little wondered at, as they have remained quiet hitherto. It
is most probable they mean to join with certain Swiss lately
come out of Berne, and Switzerland, under the conduction of
the Prince of Geneva, son of Madame de Rohan. The Rochellois
are already in hand with their battered walls, and have
2,000 men daily working on them. The villages near to
Rochelle where the camp is lodged were set on fire by certain
stragglers; some say it was done by the King-elect's commandment, to prevent the plague, which began to be hot in
those villages; they of Rochelle went out to save them, and
being resisted by the boutefeux, set upon them and slew them
every man, which seemed strange to the King at first, but
since he seems to digest it well enough. The Count
Gayazzo was sent with the Swiss to the Castle of Aubeterre
with four cannons to besiege it, but finding it to be inaccessible, marches forth to meet M. Danville. The Protestants
are possessed of a notable town within this eight days called
Aiguesmortes. The Protestants of Languedoc refuse utterly
the composition of Rochelle; the wisest judge this peace to
be the beginning of greater wars. Fregoso is returned from
Rochelle to the Duke of Saxe to continue the treaty of marriage between the King elect and the Duke's daughter. It is
reported that the King of France endeavours to win the princes
Protestant of Germany to make the King elect King of the
Romans, and so give a push at the Empire; it is thought he
can do it easier by the envy the princes bear to the house of
Austria. The means he uses to win them is the intelligence
he has with the Prince of Orange, whom he has aided within
three months with the sum of 300,000 crowns. Mauvisiere
is a great resorter and very secret conferrer with the Cardinal
of Lorraine; surmises they have some exploit in hand which
Mauvisiere shall execute at his coming into England.—Paris,
last of July 1573. Signed.
Endd. Pp. 2⅓. |
| July & Aug. |
1108. — to Giacomo Spinola. |
|
1. Venice, 18 July '73. The report of the Turk's death is
false, being merely a trick in order to see what the Seignory
would have done if it had really happened. |
|
2. Antwerp, 3 August. After the capture of Haarlem there
was great hope that all the other towns in Holland would
have surrendered, but they have replied to the Duke that
they would rather die than yield. The Duke has divided his
camp into three parts. Naval preparations at Antwerp.
Add. Endd. Ital. Pp. 1½. |
