Elizabeth: March 1574 | 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: March 1574', 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/pp471-481 [accessed 22 November 2024].

March 1574



[March.]	1330. Spanish Goods.
	Draft of a warrant appointing commissioners with authority to inquire into all complaints arising from the seizure or sale of ships and goods belonging to the subjects of the King of Spain in or since the year 1568.—Anno Regni 16. Incomplete. Pp. 7.
March 2.	1331. Dr. Dale to Lord Burghley.
	1. Was appointed to come to the King and Queen Mother on the 23rd February, but the Queen Mother was fallen sick of a grief in her thigh and kept her bed; the King likewise was in his bed attending for his fit, yet his pleasure was that he should have audience with the council. Answered that he would take the negotiation that De la Mothe had with his mistress at some other time; but if it pleased them to enter into treaty touching the grief of her subjects and the depredations done daily upon them, he would be glad to give her advertisement of their good proceedings. Chancellor Biragues said he should have his answer next day. The next day Secretary Pinart sent certain answers in writing, wherein he found nothing touching the matters. The next day delivered the Queen's letters in behalf of the Vidame, with as much persuasion as he could devise of the cause of his departure and the reasonableness of his request, which was for a forbearing or surcease for a time, but thought the Queen Mother was little moved by it. Has dealt with Lord Morley to persuade him to remain constant in his obedience. Told him he understood he had been with the Cardinal of Lorraine; he answered it was upon occasion of meeting him in the street, and that they had no conference. Fears he has not good counsel. By these answers the merchants may see what is like to be done for them; is put in some hope for Nutshawe because he has bills for his wheat —Paris, 2 March 1573. Signed.
	2. P.S.—Within an hour after his audience there was a bruit that there were 700 or 800 horsemen of the religion seen near Montfort, and come within two or three leagues of the Court, whereupon the Queen Mother departed suddenly towards Paris. Bands were sent for from all parts. The King and Court were ready to dislodge that night, removing of stuff as if they had fled before an enemy. All that night the guard watched. In the morning the King [being] but weak took his mule and marched with his forces in order of battle to Paris, dined at Madrid, and rested that night in the house of the Marshal de Retz in the Faubourg St. Honoré. At Paris they were persuaded the King was in danger, but for anything that is known it was but a false alarm. The Vicomte de Turenne was sent to seek them that were assembled, and is not returned. The King remains at Retz' house, not resolved whither to go. Add., with seal. Endd. Pp. 3.
March 2.	1332. Dr. Dale to Francis Walsingham.
	Touching the Vidame, gathers something from his letters and from the man by whom he sent a letter with two sheets of paper unwritten. For the great matter he may see what an answer is shaped from hence. This last pageant is called "La Bataille de St. Germain's" among themselves in "masquerie." Lord Morley said he would retire back towards the Low Countries, and will not deal with the French, nor hot nor cold. Belike he found no great comfort from the Cardinal of Lorraine. By the ticket enclosed he may perceive his resolution to be towards Spain. Prays him to excuse him in that he does not write to the council touching the complaint of the merchants that have been spoiled on the sea, because he can make no ground of suit till they have their proofs better. —Paris, 2 May. Signed.
	P.S.—At the closing up of this packet had advertisement that Lord Morley had left Paris yesterday at the gate St. Jacques towards Spain, and left two of his men for a passport for his arms.
	The rumour increases of the Assembly of the Religion in La Beauce, Normandy, and Champagne, and commission sent to all governors to levy men. The Queen Mother is very busy to make money in this town. [On separate piece of paper.] Add. Endd. Pp. 1¾.
March 3.	1333. —to John Lee.
	1. The new governor intends to continue altogether in this town, and for the better assurance of himself, the town, and all therein, he loads them with soldiers. There are appointed to be in and about the town 5,000 footmen with certain horsemen, and 3,000 elsewhere. There has been a proclamation that all farmers, gentlemen, and others bring in their cattle, corn, and other provisions into the next town, and if the enemy come to burn their houses, upon pain of martial law. On Wednesday were four men strangled and quartered, whereof two were Gueux and two Spaniards who had practised the surrender of the castle to Count Ludovic; their quarters are set about the castle and their heads on the gate. The soldiers that were in Middleburg are sent to Louvain and thereabouts, and they of Louvain withdraw themselves apart, but whether for fear of the soldiers or mistrust of the Gueux the writer knows not. Last night the Gueux invaded Hoogstraten and took 18 of the chiefest prisoners. Maestricht is guarded by 2,000 footmen and one company of horse, and others are along the riverside, but the Prince is determined to come over by force.
	2. Count Ludovic's force is very great and increases daily. Gives account of reinforcements to the number of 12,000 men under different princes, who have either joined him or are on their march towards him. The Duke of Saxony takes the Prince's part openly, and with the other princes of Germany will execute the peace that was proposed last year "but by the Duke of Alva his curst head hindered." Large sums of money amounting to 900,000 crowns made in various places by cambio to take up men for the new governor; and the Spaniards have promised 1,000,000 crowns for maintaining the wars against the Turk and fortifying Tunis. The preparing of an army at Laredo is confirmed more strongly.—Antwerp, 6 March 1573.
	3. P.S.—The English Catholics are quiet because there is so much to do here to prevent this imminent danger that there can be no place left to their practices. Signed: S. Add. Endd. Pp. 2¾.
March 5.	1334. Treaty with Spain.
	Notes relating to the demands that Captain Chester and other English subjects serving the rebels in Holland and Zealand shall be commanded to return, to which it is answered that Her Majesty refuses not to stand to any thing that has been provided for heretofore by treaty.—5 March 1573. Endd. P. 1.
March 6.	1335. Sir Valentine Browne to Lord Burghley.
	1. The Earl of Argyle with his wife have suddenly departed from Edinburgh into their country, nevertheless the Regent has prosecuted the action of the jewels, and extends on the Earl's lands for the same.
	2. The Archbishop of Glasgow, the bishops of Ross and Dumblane, and all others in France, who are suspected to be workers there against the Regency, be proclaimed traitors. This day begins a great convention at Edinburgh of the clergy for matters of the church; and on Monday the nobles and other principal men of the realm likewise "compere" there about the same, and other causes touching the government, where they expect some gentleman from the Queen's Majesty. Sends an order taken by the Regent for redress of all attempts against England since his regency, which is to the avail of the English Borders, who have in this time done far more harm than they have received, whereby his Grace is of the Scotch noted to be over favourable to the English. Bruit in Scotland of some practice of the Earls of Huntley and Athol and others. Begs that the Governor or the Marshal may be sent to this charge as he is greatly hindered in following his own charge, where his purveyors use the trust committed to them at their own pleasure.—Berwick, 6 March 1573. Signed. Add. Endd. P. 1.
March 8.	1336. Dr. Dale to Lord Burghley.
	The horsemen that caused the King to depart so suddenly from St. Germain's attempted to pass over the Seine at Mantes, and were stayed by Montmorency, whose band lay there. Afterwards they would have passed at Vernon but could not. They call themselves "les Malcontents." The pretence of their assembly is not only for religion, but that they feared to be surprised and slain. Their captain is M. de Guitery. The Vicomte de Turenne and De Torcy are sent to them with an assurance. Guitery is looked for at Court upon the hostage of Turenne and De Torcy. It is said they did not mean anything against the King, but to take the Duke, the King of Navarre, and the Prince of Condé, and that the first two were privy thereto. The King and Queen Mother told him they thought the matter would soon be appeased, and that all about the King were faithful. At the time that he spake with the Queen Mother the King made merry with the Duke and with Navarre, and goes about the town with them, using them with better countenance than ever he did, and suffers the Duke to change the watch, giving them the word, as if to take away all suspicion from them, but the general opinion is to the contrary. M. de Montpensier, the Admiral, Condé, and others are despatched to their governments. News comes from hour to hour of the doings of De la Noue, and that he has taken Lusignan, Fontenay, and other towns, and that Montgomery is landed, to which they think the Queen's subjects and ministers are privy. Has made means to stay Lord Morley, and Secretary Pinart has sent word that the King has written for his stay. Is remitted to the Chancellor to see what can be done for the Vidame without prejudice of justice. Has been answered that it was no time to do anything for the daughter of the Duke of Montpensier.—Paris, 8 March 1573. Signed. Add., with seal. Endd. by Burghley. Pp. 2¼.
March 8.	1337. Dr. Dale to Francis Walsingham.
	Every man is at his wits' end here what to think, even those whom these things touch nearest. There are that are afraid of the donjon of Bois de Vincennes that know as little cer tainty as he does. The poor men which are abroad will not trust overmuch to fair words. Prays he may have knowledge of such things as it behoves him to know. It is a constant rumour that Montgomery is landed.—Paris, 8 March 1573. Signed. Add. Endd. P. ¾.
March 8.	1338. Occurrents.
	Giving an account of the movements of the Huguenots in France, the forces under the command of the various leaders, and the towns they have taken.—Written at sea, 8 March 1574. Signed. Fr. Endd. P. ²/3.
March 17.	1339. The Regent of Scotland to Sir Valentine Browne.
	Inquisition has been made at Leith for the ship of Newcastle, but no knowledge gotten of her. Will stay her if she arrive in any port within the King's dominions. There is at present no outward action of sedition and misliking in the north, but such universal quietness as has not been at any time in their age. The like rumours are daily dispersed here, some of their ships lately returned met certain French ships, passing westward. Some think they are meant for the succouring of Middleburg, others for the keeping of the seas, but the most common opinion is they pass on their own adventure against the Spaniards and Portingalls. The youngest brother of the King of France is proclaimed Lieutenant General. There is contention between the Dukes of Guise and Montmorency. Ships remain yet in readiness at Ostend and Dunkirk. The new governor raises great number of men of war. Count Ludovic, brother to the Prince of Orange, is come towards Maestricht with 3,000 horsemen and 3,000 footmen; it is reported the Prince Electors form themselves with him. The people were never more like to rebel, for the dearth is great and like to increase, and the trade like to cease, for they of Zealand can keep the whole coast and permit nothing to come or pass.—Holyrood House, 17 March 1573. Signed. Endd. Copy. P. 1.
March 12.	1340. Philip II. to the Commedator Requesçens.
	As he has always desired to reward those of his subjects who serve him faithfully, he intends to form a new order of knighthood, with life fiefs attached, to be paid out of the confiscated property [of the rebels]; before, however, proceeding to the erection of the order he would be glad to have his advice, and to be informed if the said confiscated property will be sufficient for the purpose.—Madrid, 12 March 1574. Copy. Endd. Fr. P. ²/3.
	1341. Institution of a New Order of Chivalry in the Low Countries.
	Minute of the institution of a new order of chivalry for the purpose of upholding the Roman Catholic religion in the Low Countries, which shall be endowed with a revenue of 150,000 florins, to be furnished out of the confiscated estates of the rebels. Copy. Fr. Pp. 1½. Enclosure.
March 15.	1342. Dr. Dale to Lord Burghley.
	Guitery, Renville, and Mesnel have been to Court, and have returned with promise to persuade their company without any demand or capitulation. The assembly in St. Lo is five hundred horses and twelve hundred footmen. The King has sent Stozzi to De la Noue, and it is spread that the pacification is as it were concluded, yet the King has provided five-and-twenty thousand footmen and five thousand horsemen. To pacify them of the religion he says privily that he will declare for the Prince of Orange, and will send "les Malcontents" to him. Montmorency is looked for at the Court. It is spread the Guises depart to their government. Prays for advertisement how these things are taken by the Queen.—Paris, 15 March. Signed. Add. Endd. P. 1.
March 15.	1343. Dr. Dale to Sir Thomas Smith and Francis Walsingham.
	Guitery and the others went up and down the court with as good cheer as if they were of the Court, without demonstration of misliking. Some said that they had letters from some of the greatest to shew for their justification; others, that they require exercise of religion, and assurance of divers towns upon the Seine and the Loire. Jacomo very wittily found means to speak with Guitery, who said that they were possessed of St. Lo, that the King would give them the edict of January and more, and would send them to the Prince of Orange. They would stand upon their guard, what words soever they had received from the King, and they desired the Queen's favourable countenance, as they understood the King minded to despatch one to move her to stand neutral.—Paris, 15 March 1573. Signed. Add. Endd. Pp. 1²/3.
March 15.	1344. Dr. Dale to Francis Walsingham.
	The great familiarity of the King to the Duke and to Navarre makes every one that sees it to muse. Looks to have somewhat upon the digesting of the answer given to him, and sent by M. de la Mothe. They are more afraid of Montgomery than any other thing. Pinart says one of the men who committed the spoil whereof Horsey wrote is in prison at Newhaven, and he demands proof against him.— Paris, 15 March 1573. Signed. Add. Endd. P. 1.
March 16.	1345. Safe Conduct by the Queen for the Duke of Alençon.
	At any time convenient before the 20th May next, the Duke of Alençon may land at any port for which the wind shall serve him, with a convenient number of persons for his train, and such ships and vessels as are meet to serve them. He may make his repair to her at a convenient time after she be advertised of his arrival, and return to France at his pleasure without impediment or stay. Commands all her officers and subjects of whatsoever degree that they permit him to land, and yield him honor and assistance, with things necessary for his dignity, and for his train, and show him the like at his departure, upon pain of punishment with all extremity. All strangers being in amity with them should be well used, more especially the Duke, being son and brother of kings, and coming to do her honor.—Greenwich, 16 March 1573. Endd. Pp. 1.
March 18.	1346. Sir Valentine Browne to Lord Burghley.
	Is credibly informed that the bruit that was lately raised that the Lords of the North should be in parley to choose another Regent is untrue. It would appear to have taken ground because those lords came not to the present assembly of the estates of Scotland at Edinburgh to which they have sent their several proxies; and also by reason that the Earl of Argyle and others of those parts have restrained their country from bringing victuals to Leith, which of a custom they did yearly in this season ship thither. The Regent is earnestly occupied in the church causes, the clergy standing stiffly of themselves to make laws, and to have the correction of the same absolutely, and the Regent to have none but such as shall be corrigible by the King's authority. Understands that the gift of the Customership here to Beverley is much stomached by Roger Mainwaring, who to disable the said Beverley procures to find him to be a Scot born, and so himself by suit to have the office. Affirms by his experience of 20 years that the man is both honest, wise, and of ability to serve, and that he never knew him to be other than the son of James Beverley, gentleman, Clerk to the Check here, who in King Edward's time married a Scottish woman in Berwick, by whom he understands he had this Beverley.— Berwick, 18 March 1573. Signed. Add. Endd. Pp. 1¼.
March 22.	1347. Dr. Dale to Lord Burghley.
	These men are intolerable even to them that like their faction, as may appear by the bruits they have caused to be spread without ground. It is thought La Noüe has great intelligence, or he would not send the King so stout an answer that he would die in arms, and not as the Admiral did. Montmorency has sent his wife to excuse him for not coming to the Court. The Guises make as though they were departing daily. Sends the declaration of them in arms of their cause, and the edict published by the King for the government of his men-at-arms.—Paris, 22 March 1573. Signed. Add. Endd. P. 1.
Feb. 25.	1348. Protestation of them of the Religion.
	Detailing the causes that have made them take up arms, not against the King but to keep their religion, whereof they are unjustly bereaved, to defend their lives against murderers, and to preserve the small portion of goods that is left them. They will esteem the Catholics that live peaceably in their houses as their friends, and in nowise molest them. They desire nothing more than that by a lawful assembly of the estates the realm may be established in good order, and that by a good peace they may live together in amity, for attaining whereof they will employ their lives and their goods,
	"Printed at Rochelle in diverse languages that the truth of our cause and purpose may be known to all Christians. 1574." Endd. P. 1. Enclosure.
March 17.	1349. Ordinance of the King to the Companies of Gendarmerie.
	For restoring peace to the kingdom, the King orders that it be announced by public cry and sound of trumpet in all public places that the gendarmes repair fully equipped to the governors and lieutenant-generals of their several provinces, to be mustered on the 20th April next for receiving payment and doing service.—Paris, 8 March 1574. Signed: Charles.
	Certificate of Pierre Gaudin of the proclamation of the above in Paris the 17th March 1574.
	Copy of the licence to Frederic Morel to print and sell copies of all edicts and ordinances of the King. Tract. Fr. Pp. 16. Enclosure.
March 22.	1350. Dr. Dale to Sir Thomas Smith and Francis Walsingham.
	Two pages have confessed they had prepared poison for the Duke of Guise, who has made a stir this two or three nights as though he should be assaulted in his house, whereas there is no appearance of anything attempted. This, with the matter of Vantabran, makes the wisest doubt some deep practice against such as the Guises do not love. The King doubts lest Guitery will deceive his expectation. News has come that De la Noüe is strong in the field, and seeks passage over the Loire. There is a bruit that the Queen prepares a great army by sea.—Paris, 22 March 1573. Signed. Add. Endd. Pp. 1½.
March 23.	1351. Count Montgomery to Lord Burghley.
	1. Landed 12 days ago at Coutances, and the next day came to Carentan, where M. de Matignon, lieutenant for the King, had placed forces, which surrendered upon composition in two days. Since then has taken various castles and forts and captured 10 pieces of artillery. Hopes within a week to go further into the country. The Vicomte de Turenne and the Sieur de Torcy have come to treat with him on the part of the King. Sends the answer that he made. The memory of St. Bartholomew is too fresh for them to allow themselves to be deceived. At Sedan, the property of the Duc de Bouillon, there are various lords and gentlemen, who, though not of their religion, have joined with them, knowing their quarrel, and the need of quiet for the country. Thanks him for the favour and courtesy he has showed him.—Charenton, 23 March 1574. Signed.
	2. P.S.—Prays that he will be the means of sending merchants to sell them powder and artillery. Add. Endd. by Burghley. Fr. Pp. 1½.
March 22.	1352. Religious Wars in France.
	Commission from the King to the Sieur de Torcy, lieutenantgeneral in the government of the Isle of France, to treat with the Count Montgomery and others in arms, making them ample promises of favour and protection if they will cease their hostility.—Bois de Vincennes, 11 March 1574. Signed.
	Declaration from the Sieur de Torcy that the terms of the King's will and intention have that day been made known to the Count Montgomery and others.—Carentan, 22 March. Signed.
	Answer from the Count Montgomery, stating that he will communicate the King's terms to the body of which he is only a member.—22 March 1574. Copy. Fr. Pp. 3. Enclosure.
March 26.	1353. Ordinance of the King of France.
	Commanding it to be announced by sound of trumpet and public cry that the 200 gentlemen of his household are to repair to St. Denis, and the archers of the guard to where he may himself be, and that all knights of the order, pensioners, gentlemen of his chamber, and servants of his household shall repair to the governors of the provinces in which they live.— Paris, 8 March 1574. Signed: Charles.
	Certificate by Pierre Gaudin, crier to the King, that these presents were published in Paris on Wednesday the 26th March 1574.
	Terms of the licence to Frederic Morel to print and sell copies of edicts, ordinances, and letters patent. Tract published at Paris by Frederic Morel, 1574. Pp. 8.
[March.]	1354. Occurrents in France.
	It was bruited that the Duke of Savoy should be dead, and had left the government of his son to the Pope and the King of Spain. It is now known he is not dead. Within two or three days of the quarrel between Guise and Vantaubran, Montmorency obtained leave to depart for a time. They of Bearn have taken three-and-thirty mules of the King of Spain laden with money and saffron for the succour of Flanders. The Venetians doubt if their league with the Turk will take place. The King of Poland has sent for money to perform the promise of M. de Valence, and for that purpose the Duchy of Anjou is engaged for 100,000 crowns. There is fresh news that they of the religion have taken Lusignan and other towns. The gentlemen of Poitou and Saintonge withdrew themselves to Rochelle. It is reported that the Duc de Bouillon is dead, and that the Count de Lude was in great danger to be slain in succouring Niort.
March 28.	1355. The Vidame of Chartres to Lord Burghley.
	Giving thanks to him and to the Queen for their friendly dealing in his affairs.—28 March. Signed. Add., with seal. Endd. Lat. P. ²/3.
March 30.	1356. Ban and Arriere Ban.
	Commandment to the Provost of Paris from the King to make proclamation that all vassals and others in Paris belonging to the Ban and Arriere-ban, without exception, shall assemble in that town, fully equipped, on the 15th of April, for assisting the King against those of the new opinion who are in arms. Bois de Vincennes, 30th March 1574. Signé: Charles, et au dessous Brulart. Certificate of Pasquier Rossignol, sworn crier of the King for the town of Paris, that the above has been proclaimed by him in all the accustomed places on the 2nd April. Signed. Tract printed at Paris by Frederic Morel. Fr. Pp. 8.
March 31.	1357. The Prince of Orange to the Queen.
	Desires that a judgment which was obtained against M. de Beaulieu by the company of Benedetto Spinola with respect to the purchase of certain cochineal may be reversed.— Dortrecht, 31 March 1574. Signed. Add. Endd. Fr. P. ¾.
March 28.	1358. — to Lord Burghley.
	1. 28 March 1574.—Disgrace of the Duke of Alva and his son Don Frederic, who are ordered to leave the Court of Spain.
	2. April.—Departure of an Irish Franciscan from Bilbao to Nantes with letters from Stukeley to an Irish bishop who is there.
	3. On April 5 the King's letters came to the justices of every port along the coast of Guipuscoa and Biscay, that they should look to their harbours and havens for that the Queen of England had prepared 90 ships. Four days after the proclamation there came people to St. Sebastian from the West parts who said that there was no such matter at all. On the 7th April there came from Madrid to Bilbao one of the chiefest alcaldes of the Chancery with commission from the King to see the fleet and army made ready in all possible haste, being authorised to do such justice as never before was seen, to hang and punish any offender that shall deny to do as they shall be commanded towards the setting forth of the armada, or refuse to labour or to serve, for certain by their privilege do not mean to serve for Flanders.
	4. 8 April.—The King has sent letters to Pedro Melendez naming him, amongst his other titles, "Captain General of the Canal of Flanders."
	5. 10 April.—The King's surveyor resident in St. Sebastian sent for the writer and for two other Englishmen and demanded whether they had skill in casting such iron pieces as come in the English ships, and whether their iron would run to make the like ordnance. To which he answered that he thought that this iron would not well run for that purpose, but that in England they "melted" it with some other privy metal. Hears that about Bilbao they have already cast falcons and falconets, and made many engines, as chain shot, crossbars, and other things without number.
	6. April 13.—Proclamation was made in St. Sebastian by certain captains that all men who would serve in this armada should have three ducats per month and one real per day, together with four months wages as prest beforehand.
	7. April 17.—The Alcalde of the Chancery has come to St. Sebastian. The Duchess of Feria and Thomas Stukeley work against the Irish Archbishop, who was almost put in great danger of his life by Home.
	8. Don John of Austria has departed towards Milan with certain bands to be Governor of Flanders, where this fleet shall meet with him. The King of Portugal has in readiness eight great ships and six carvels to come to Santander as soon as the fleet shall come from Seville.
	9. April 18.—Proclamation has been made in St. Sebastian and Passages that all victuallers and others shall manifest in writing what quantity of provisions they have. The King has commanded to take up 2,000 soldiers in Guipuscoa.
	10. April 19.—A post has come from Flanders to haste forward this armada. The King has granted to this fleet the whole spoils of such of their enemies as they shall meet. Add. Endd. Pp. 3.