|
| Sept. 2. |
317. Philip II. to the Commendator of Castile. |
|
Has received his letter of 15th June touching the matters
of England. As for the English refugees who the Queen of
England has required should be sent out of the Low Countries,
in accordance with treaty, they can be sent to Liege or
Cambray, and their pensions secretly paid to them there, and
in return it will be as well to find out if there are any of his
rebellious subjects in England, and to demand their expulsion.
—Madrid, 2 Sept. 1575. Signed. |
|
Endd. Copy. Fr. P. ½. |
| Sept. 3. |
318. Edward Castelyn to Walsingham. |
|
1. Has travelled to Cologne with the bearer, Roland Fox,
and earnestly followed the commission given to him, viz.,
to learn in what credit Fox is in Cologne; whether the Queen
could take up there 30,000li or 40,000li after five or six per
cent.; whether a greater sum may be had; what bonds they
require, and whether her Majesty may be furnished with
15,000li for armour there upon bonds. |
|
2. Roland Fox is of great parentage, and most of them
very rich, and some of them in authority at Cologne and
Spires. Her Majesty may have the aforesaid sums and more
after the said rates, but they none of them will deal
therein until they may see a commission and authority that
she will borrow money, such is their peevish manner. Six
days after his arrival they presented him very solemnly
with 10 pots of excellent Rhenish wine, as strong as sack.
They require the city of London to be bond for the money
taken up. Harness and other armour her Majesty may have
at the hands of John More, a rich merchant in Cologne;
corslets furnished as in Germany at 20s.; harquebussier's
furniture, viz., a piece flask, touch box, lint, and a head-piece
at 12s. 6d. Horsemen's harness of proof and furniture at 50s.,
to be delivered in London, and better cheap if delivered at
Hamburg, Emden, or Cologne. Hears that in Holstein there
are divers gentlemen from whom may be had 200,000
dollars at five per cent. per annum. Has talked with a rich
widow in Cologne called Hilton, who has promised to stay
all such money as she may receive at next Frankford mart
for the Queen at five per cent. The Seignory of Venice
owe her notable sums, and the city of Antwerp 100,000
dollars. There are two worthy gentlemen of great credit of
Fox's kin who may stand the Queen in great stead, for one of
whom, named Peter Bellerbushe, he has promised to procure a
horse and a gelding, both ambling, and for the other, named
Peter Evans, some English greyhounds and other hounds, for
whose transport over sea he desires to have a licence. If
the Queen would have money at Cologne for six, five, and sometimes four per cent. a meet man should be sent to be a "legier"
here, with sufficient commission to watch for times of advantage, who would save his wages in one bargain. Recommends
Roland Fox for this place, and desires that his own charges of
13l. 15s. 2d. may be paid.—Antwerp, 3 Sept. 1575. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 22/3. |
| Sept. 3. |
319. Dr. Dale to Lord Burghley. |
|
Sends a copy of his letter to Sir Thomas Smith in the
great matter. Prays him bear with his scribbling hand, as
he does not commit these matters to any other.—Paris, 3 September. Signed. |
|
Add., with seal. Endd. P. 2/3. |
| [Sept. 3.] |
320. Dr. Dale to Sir Thomas Smith. |
|
Understanding it is the Queen's pleasure he should write
plainly and wholly what he finds in the handling of the suit
of Monsieur, will as largely and as effectually as he can
declare what he has learned and seen from the beginning.
It is certain Monsieur himself has always been of the mind
that he would think himself the happiest man alive if he
might attain the Queen's favour in marriage. His chiefest
hope of stay, if he should need, is in the Queen. He has been
little and seldom made privy of the treaty that has been with
the Queen for him. The Queen Mother has been very desirous
to prefer her son that way, and has been always doing to
further it as she has had opportunity. The King that dead
is was very willing to it, until about the middle of December
1573 he began to mistrust Monsieur and the King of
Navarre, after which he never suffered his brother to go from
him, but kept him prisoner during his life, and so did the
Queen Mother till the coming of the King to Lyons in October
last. Until the time the King returned from Avignon, neither
did he think of either of the advancing or placing of his
brother, but of the settling of himself, being put in hope
speedily to oppress them of the religion and recover his towns
without difficulty. He always had watch on his brother and
the King of Navarre. Since the marriage of the King there
have been many practices against Monsieur by the Guises,
whereby the King has been in many passions against his
brother, and has been sometimes advised to use all severity
against him, and sometimes to win him by fair means and
good usage. If it had not been for the help of the Queen
Mother it had been hard with him before this, but she has
always been a stay unto him both as a mother and to have a
stay for herself against the Guises, with whom she has had
much ado since the King's marriage. Now it has been thought
impossible that Monsieur should be continually kept as he
has been without apparent ruin of one of the brethren. On
the other side it has been thought dangerous to advance him
to join with the Queen, and suffer him to go at liberty.
in the end it was thought best to bestow him if it might be
possible, and therefore the King willed La Chastre to renew
the matter, and gave the like instructions to Mauvissiere.
Still the King and Queen Mother have been in great doubt
whether the Queen has some intent to set Monsieur at
liberty by this treaty without any further meaning to grow
to conclusion. Certain it is both the King and Queen Mother
would with all their hearts the matter were ended if it might
be compassed, and they might trust Monsieur to be at liberty. |
|
Copy. Enclosure. Pp. 4½. |
| [Sept. 3.] |
321. Occurrents in France. |
|
The rumour of the coming of the reiters to the Prince of
Condé is many ways confirmed. The Dukes of Lorraine and
Guise, the Marshal of Retz, and Monsieur Biron are despatched
to stay their passage. The number of horses to serve the
King by the Edict are very slenderly furnished, and for money
they are utterly unprovided. They mind to take another
army into Perigord, but Montpensier, who should be general,
makes courtesy, and says he perceives it is a matter as well
against them of the blood and the rest of the nobility as
against them of the religion. The King has sent to Danville
to renew the treaty of peace and make the truce if need be
till January, but it is thought they in that country will not
have any great haste to make any truce. The enterprise
upon Rochelle was not so great a matter as it was taken to
be. The King has yielded the sovereignty of the Duchy of
Bar to the Duke of Lorraine, much against the minds of the
Court, because it was an ancient right of the crown of much
importance. There is advertisement of an enterprise for the
King against Sedan, but men judge they have overmuch to
do at home. The Admiral's son is come to Dauphiny with six
or seven score horses, and men pass there in small companies
from Germany and Geneva without any stay. The King is
gone from the Louvre to lodge at the house of the Duke of
Guise. It is reported the Duke d'Uzes made an enterprise
upon Beaucaire, and there lost 200 or 300 reiters, which is
like to be true, because the Swiss that were with him are
almost wasted, and Count Martinengo departed from him with
2,000 good soldiers. James Fitz Morris sent three of his
chiefest men in one ship from St. Malo to land as it were
to make favour and submit themselves, or else otherwise to
practise what they may upon land; the rest he sent severally
in five "Bretysshe" [Breton] ships, which are appointed to
linger about the coast of Ireland to understand what they
shall be appointed to do by the other from the shore. The
Bishop of Ross says he will be very shortly towards Rome. The
King has committed the matters of Warcup and Nutshawe
to Bellieure. |
|
Enclosure. Wrongly Endd., 6 Sept. 1575. Pp. 2¼. |
| Sept. 4. |
322. James Harvie, Junior, to Lord Burghley. |
|
Arranges for the receipt and payment of certain moneys.
The exchange from hence is at 24s. 6d. for the pound sterling.
Since they took Schoonhoven the Spaniards have done nothing.
They mutiny for their pay. The Commendator has sent men
towards the Maas for doubt of the Prince of Condé. The
ships of this town have fought with those of Flushing.—
Antwerp, 4 Sept. 1575. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. by Burghley. Pp. 2¼. |
| Sept. 4. |
323. M. de Mauvissiere to Walsingham. |
|
Has been unable to sleep during the night, because of the
matter of which they conversed yesterday, and which it is the
desire of the King, Queen Mother, Monsieur, himself, and
the whole kingdom to bring to a good end.—Auxstford
[Oxford], Sunday, 4 September 1575. Signed. |
|
Add. to Walsingham at Augstoc [Woodstock]. Endd. Fr.
P. 1. |
| Sept. 5. |
324. Negotiations for the Marriage of Monsieur with the
Queen. |
|
With regard to the proposals of the King and Queen
Mother of France for the marriage of the Queen with
Monsieur, and touching the King's unwillingness that his
brother should come over without some hope of a good end
arising from an interview, and without a promise that he
should be allowed exercise of his religion the Queen replies
that he cannot entertain either matter till she had seen her
proposed husband.—5 September 1575. |
|
Endd. Fr. Pp. 2⅓. |
| Sept. 5. |
325. Negotiations for the Marriage of Elizabeth with
Monsieur. |
|
1. Copy of the articles delivered by the French Ambassador
and Cavalcanti (vide letter from Elizabeth to Francis Walsingham, 16 April 1571). |
|
2. Copy of the preceding document No. 324. |
|
Fr. and Lat. Pp. 9. |
| Sept. 6. |
326. Lord Seton to the Queen. |
|
Thanks her for her favour shown to his son, and expresses
his willingness to serve her.—Seton, 6 Sept. 1575. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1. |
| Sept. |
327. Declaration of the Regent of Scotland to the Earl
of Huntingdon. |
|
Excuses himself for the detention of Sir John Forster and
the other gentlemen, and attributes the present quiet state of
the Borders to his having done so. Signed. |
|
Copy. Endd. Pp. 4. |
| Sept. 6. |
328. The Earl of Huntingdon to the Earl of Leicester. |
|
1. Is sorry that his Lordship was not at the Court when
Mr. Bowes arrived there, as he trusted by his good means
that the Queen would better have accepted his poor dealings
then he sees she has. |
|
2. To his no small grief he finds by her letters that she
utterly dislikes all that he has done. Fears that he can do
nothing in this action that she will like of, for in a letter
from Mr. Secretary Smith he wrote these words, "That peradventure her Majesty doubted I would be too remiss and
bear too much with the Regent." Doubts that her Majesty
has conceived some suspicion of him. Cares not a straw for
the Regent, if it were not in respect for her service, and if
war be thought better than peace, will be as ready to serve
in one as the other. Cannot think of any better course than
that which he has taken. Never did anything before it was
deliberately considered by him and his associates, whom he is
sure all serve her Majesty in this action with the same
dutiful mind that he does himself. Where the Queen is
offended that he sent up Mr. Bowes with so slender advertisement, &c., he did it for the best, as he knew he was able
to declare at large that which he durst not for fear of being
too tedious set down in writing. Doubts that Mr. Bowes has
not told her Majesty as much as he might, both concerning
the state of the cause and his dealings; yet he says that he
has told the whole both to the Queen and Leicester.—
Durham, 6 Sept. 1575. Signed. |
|
3. P.S.—Came here to meet Leicester's sister, but will be
at Berwick again to-morrow or the next day. It is time
that some end of this negotiation was had, for the lewd fellows
on both sides of the Borders wax very wild. |
|
Add. Endd. Pp. 2½. |
| Sept. 7. |
329. Walsingham to Daniel Rogers. |
|
Thanks him for his letters, and well allows of his manner
of dealing in that negotiation. Prays him to recommend the
cause of Martin to the Prince and States.—Court at Woodstock, 7 Sept. 1575. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. P. ½. |
| [Sept. 7.] |
330. Dr. Dale to [Walsingham]. |
|
1. Repaired to Court with Sir Henry Cobham and had
audience of the King and Queen Mother together, which is a
manner used at this time when they mind to deal sub
stantially in any matter. Declared to the King the Queen's
sincere meaning towards them, and told the Queen Mother of
Sir Thomas Smith's goodwill to do service in that cause, and
that the Queen meant all good faith in her proceeding. The
Queen Mother said she had never seen anything else in him
but truth and plainness, and that she had spoken with her
son Alençon within four days before, who said he was now
of years, and would be loth to go out of the realm, unless he
were assured to speed. Further, she said the Queen must
forbear to aid such as were rebels unto the King, as it was
said she had already done with 50,000 crowns, wherewith
the reiters were ready to march, and had also promised other
50,000 against the next fair of Frankfort. Answered that he
doubted not they would be satisfied therein, and assured
them that he did not understand of any such matter, but on
the other side understood James Fitz Morris was aided at
St. Malo, yet he though they would be sorry that anything
were attempted by him to the prejudice of the Queen. |
|
2. Further, said the Queen was advertised of some enterprise of them of Bas Normandy against the Isle of Guernsey,
notwithstanding she did not believe it. The Queen Mother
answered that James Fitz Morris was at St. Malo to attend
the Queen's pleasure for her pardon, but other aid he had
none, and wished that the matter of the money were no more
true that that of Guernsey. |
|
3. The King said of himself he could not believe the
Queen would help his enemies if she minded to enter into
this alliance, and so he and the Queen Mother went forth
with discourses how necessary this matter might be for both
realms, how meet the match would be for the Queen to join
with the House of France, and how desirous they would be
to see that day. |
|
4. In the end the Queen Mother turned to the King and
him and said if her son might be placed with the Queen her
two sons had two of the goodliest ladies in Christendom, and
so parted very merrily. Monsieur was in the chamber all
the time of his audience, but he stood on the other side of the
bed in such wise that there was not any occasion for him or
for Sir Henry Cobham to speak with him. |
|
Copy. Pp. 3¾. |
| Sept. 10. |
331. MM. de la Mothe Fenelon and de Mauvissiere to
Walsingham. |
|
1. With regard to the request of M. de la Mothe that he
be permitted at the desire of the King of France and the
Queen Mother to visit the Queen of Scots, the King her son,
and the Regent of Scotland, they declare that they neither
know what to say or to write to their Majesties. Nor can
M. de la Mothe return without something more being done
to further their wishes. |
|
2. Though the Queen has alleged certain occasions for putting off the visit to the Queen of Scots, she has not refused it
as regards the others, but has in a measure accorded it. Pray
therefore that he be allowed to have audience with her, and
give her to understand that, without breaking treaties and
leagues, they cannot understand how she can refuse permission, or that they may meet the Earl of Leicester and others of
the Council, with whom they may speak further of the matter.
—Oxford, 10 September 1575. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. by Walsingham. Fr. P. 1. |
| Sept. 10. |
332. The Earl of Huntingdon to the Earl of Leicester. |
|
Has received his letter of Sept. 2, by which he finds that
Mr. Bowes has not so largely uttered to the Queen as
he might have of the Regent's offers to him, &c., which he
sees was the cause that her despatch was in harder terms
than otherwise it would have been. For the better satisfaction of her Highness he briefly writes a few articles to
show how he has proceeded with the Regent. |
|
1. At the first meeting he charged the Regent with
detaining the Warden and the rest, and refused to treat
with him before the discharge of their bonds, which was
granted. |
|
2. The next day the bonds being discharged by proclamation, he agreed upon a course of proceeding to try out the
cause of the late brabble, wherein it was thought that the
Lord Warden should set down in writing such matter as he
thought fit and that Carmichael should do the like. |
|
3. Then they drew certain articles whereon it was thought
meet to examine such witnesses for England as the Warden
should nominate, and the like for Scotland nominated by
Carmichael. |
|
4. After divers examinations taken both of English and
Scotch they fell to consider what the state of the matter
appeared to be by the depositions. What he and his associates conceived of the whole was sent to Mr. Secretary Smith
on the 21st ult. Having no will to stand much upon comparing the depositions, he earnestly urged the Regent to
think of some such answer as might satisfy the Queen for
the taking, detaining, and demission of her subjects upon
bonds. As for the killers of Sir George Heron and the rest,
it was readily granted that justice should be done upon them
if they could be found out. The like was demanded on the
part of Scotland, to which it was answered that as most
part of the slaughter was done in England, such as they could
find not to have done it in their own defence should be
delivered to justice. Cannot certainly learn who killed Sir
George Heron, as three sundry Scots are charged, one of the
Crosiers, a Douglas, and a Turnbull, but yesterday his brother
said that one of the Elwoods killed him. As for the taking
and detaining, the Regent earnestly protested how sincere
his meaning was herein, with which he hoped to satisfy him
for the Queen. |
|
5. The next day the Regent brought the enclosed writing
and on their finding some fault therein, he answered that he
only set it down as a declaration of his innocency and to show
his intention not to offend her Majesty, and that he was
ready to do anything that might redound to her honour or
be taken as a satisfaction, which speech in effect is contained
in the letter the Earl sent by Mr. Bowes. To this in private
he added that he was ready to deliver up Carmichael,
only he required that the Queen should be informed of his
doings, and then he doubted not but she would deal honourably
with him. He refused not also to deliver any other, but
said he would do anything to content her Majesty, and earnestly urged to know what would be accepted. Huntingdon
said that he would certify his offers to her Majesty, and if
they should be liked he must and would be satisfied. "Well,"
said he, "you deal more hardly than the Queen's Majesty
would do if she understood the state of the matter as well
as you do." Must confess he cannot tell what more could
have been demanded than by the Regent was offered, especially when he knows that Carmichael's little finger is more
dear to him than most of the heads that were that day in
the field. Prays him to consider the Queen's first letter sent
to him, and then he will see how consonant his dealings
have been to her commandment there set down. Has no
doubt but that the Regent will execute as many as justice
will permit. It is necessary at this time that justice be done
upon some on both sides in terrorem, for except fear of punishment bridle them the lewd men that dwell on both Borders
will when they list put the treaty betwixt both realms in
danger of breach. Meets the Regent on the 12th inst.—
Berwick, 10 Sept. 1575. Signed. |
|
Pp. 4. |
| [Sept.] |
333. The Regent of Scotland's and Huntingdon's declaration. |
|
Declares that the detention and the release upon bonds of
Sir John Forster and the rest was done merely that further
troubles might not arise upon the Borders, and disclaims all
intention of meaning any dishonour to the Queen of England
thereby.—Signed: James, Regent; H. Huntingdon. |
|
Copy. Endd. Enclosure. Pp. 3. |
| Sept. [10.] |
334. The Raid of Reedswire. |
|
Recapitulations of the negotiations between the English
commissioners and the Regent of Scotland touching the
beginning of the disorder and measures to be taken for its
punishment. Part of the best of the English who were taken
prisoners were taken by their friends for their safeties and
might have gone home but durst not. The beginners of the
fray were the evil men of both the realms. The matter that
most touches in honour is the detaining prisoners as it were
in time of war. Though the same was very injurious yet
good came thereof, for the Borderers during that time remained
quiet, but now since their coming home there has chanced
divers raids and robberies. |
|
Endd.: Sept. 1575. Pp. 2¾. Enclosure. |
| Sept. 10. |
335. Lord Hunsdon to the Earl of Leicester. |
|
Since his coming, finds so great discontentation in all sorts
from the highest to the lowest for these late attempts, that if
there be not some notorious example by execution and imprisonment of some of the chiefest offenders, although the
Queen would be content to put up some piece of that dishonour she has received, yet he sees not how the amity can
continue between the two kingdoms. Doubts not but at the
next meeting with the Regent all will be well. Desires that
Mr. Vernon may be sent to his charge of victualler of Berwick,
and also that the Treasurership may be filled up.—Berwick,
10 Sept. 1575. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Pp. 2. |
|
336. The Victualler of Berwick. |
|
1. He shall make no provision within Northumberland or
the Bishopric without special necessity to be allowed by the
Governor of Berwick. |
|
2. He shall serve every man by the day with a loaf of
wheat bread for 1d., which shall weigh out of the oven 24 oz.,
and in beer 1 pottle by the day after xxxs to the tun of 240
gallons for 1d. Every man to have 2 lbs. of beef or mutton
for 1¾d. the pound from Midsummer to January, and from
January to Shrovetide 1½d., and in butter ½ lb., and 1 lb. of
cheese. |
|
3. He shall deliver oats after 4s. 8d., and beans for 12d. the
quarter, which provision shall be for 500 horses. |
|
4. He shall make a staple of victual to serve 1,500 men
for one year. |
|
5. He shall have 20s. per diem paid by the Treasurer. |
|
6. He shall have a remain of 2,000li sterling to serve for a
stock. |
|
7. He shall have the pastures, &c. |
|
8. At every half year he shall send in his books. |
|
Endd. Enclosure. P2/3. |
| Sept. |
337. Mr. Castelyn's Note for the Taking up of Money. |
|
A strong chest to be provided with three several locks, of
which each [commissioner] shall keep a key, and into this all
treasure to be placed. In case of the chest being full the
rest of the bullion and money is to be packed in barrels and
sealed with their three several seals. None of the treasure
is to be in any wise diminished, except for brokerage, carriage,
and other charges. |
|
Endd. P. ½. |
| Sept. 10. |
338. News from Venice. |
|
Report of the plague being at Milan. Departure of gentlemen from Genoa on account of the public troubles and
negotiations for pacification.—Venice, 10 Sept. |
|
Endd. Ital. P. 1. |
| Sept. 11. |
339. Philip II. to Jeronimo de Rodas. |
|
Directs him to use all means possible to pacify the disputes and dissensions between the members of the Council
and the soldiers, so that they may both unite for the more
effectual suppression of the rebels in the Low Countries.—
Santo Lorenzo [Escurial], 11 Sept. 1575. |
|
Copy. Endd. Span. Pp. 1½. |
| Sept. 12. |
340. Troubles in Genoa. |
|
Appointment of the Cardinal Morone and other persons as
commissioners for the pacifying of the civil commotions that
have arisen in the republic of Genoa.—Given at the Ducal
Palace, 12 Sept. 1575. |
|
Copy. Endd. Ital. Pp. 1¼. |
| Sept. 12. |
341. News from Genoa. |
|
News of the appeasing of the troubles in Genoa to the
great joy of all the citizen.—2 Oct., news from Antwerp of
the coming of 60 ships from Biscay. |
|
Endd. Ital. P. 1. |
| Sept. 12. |
342. Roger Bodenham to Lord Burghley. |
|
Wrote by Mr. Chester, touching Daniel Rogers, nothing but
the mere truth, yet a short time after Rogers showed himself
to bear him no small displeasure. He is therefore constrained
to ask his Lordship's favourable letter to the Governor Boissot.
The Prince [of Orange] is in great danger if he have no
better help than this country can yield him. Since the loss
of Schoonhoven, the enemy made proffer to pass over to the
island over against Dort, but could not have their purpose.
If the enemy had gone straight to Rotterdam, as they might
have done, the town had yielded, but now they make themselves strong, as they do in all other towns of South Holland,
but all is nothing if some other help come not. They be of
so many minds and such rulers as is too bad to see them, and
yet called the States of Holland. As for the Prince he can
command no more than they agree upon, be it well or be it
ill. Thinks that if they come to any great extremity that
the people will deliver the Prince to make their peace, although
their bargain be never so ill. As for these mad heads of
Holland they care not if Holland were lost, and think themselves able to displease all the world.—Middleburg, 12 Sept.,
1575. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 1¼. |
| Sept. 12. |
343. James Harvie, Junior, to Burghley. |
|
Explains the arrangements which he has made for the
receipt and transmission of certain sums of money. There
is no news from the camp in Holland, as most of the King's
men are gone up the Maas to watch the Prince of Condé.
The Earl of Pembroke has gone to Sluys, and he thinks is
departed for England yesterday.—Bruges, 12 Sept. 1575.
Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Pp. 2¼. |
| Sept. 13. |
344. Dr. Dale to [Lord Burghley]. |
|
The King and Queen Mother were in a great agony the
night that Monsieur was absent, and thought he had been
fled. It was said that St. Remy had horses in readiness for
him, and that the King of Navarre would have been gone
also. The determination of this Court is to-day one thing,
to-morrow the direct contrary. All is appeased, at least in
outward appearance. If it may be, these accidents may bring
them sooner to resolve themselves to bestow Monsieur than
they would otherwise have done. The King is persuaded the
Queen helps the Prince of Condé with money; it is said they
have advertisement thereof from Frankfort and other parts of
Germany.—Paris, 13 Sept. 1575. Signed. |
|
Pp. 12/3. |
| Sept. 13. |
345. Dr. Dale's Advertisements from France. |
|
James Fitz Morris sent Henry Omuriall hither [Paris] to
know how his suits went forward, who is sent back again
with answer that La Roche will be in Brittany with him
within 16 days, if his pardon cannot be gotten by that time;
he tarries at St. Malo with his wife, and very few with him.
A Frenchman in England who has been of the religion, called
"le General Portal," has had thanks written with the King's
own hand to him for his advertisements from thence, with promise of recompense. Chastillon, the Admiral's son, is received
in Dauphiny as general of those of the religion in place of
Montbrun. The King is advertised 2,000 reiters are coming
from Worms, and are looked for at Strasbourg about the 6th of
this month, to march with 1,000 Frenchmen towards Montbelliard, which is in the frontiers of the Franche-Comte, from
thence to St. Claude, and so to descend into Dauphiny to take
passage over the Rhone into Languedoc at Pouzin, which was
won by the King at his being at Lyons, and now recovered
again. They of the religion in Dauphiny send 4,000 harquebussiers to meet the reiters on their way for their escort.
The Duke of Guise was appointed to make his camp at
Langres, to attend where he might best stop the passage of
the reiters; but when he came into Champagne he found that
M. de Bussy, father to him that fled for displeasure of the
King of Navarre, a man of great living, had taken arms, and
was accompanied with the most part of the gentlemen of
Champagne, and he himself found very few that would follow
him, so he has sent word to the King that he must have other
forces or else he cannot levy any camp. The Duke of Maine
is departed towards his government in Burgundy, and D'Aumale is to depart thitherward very shortly. Marshal de Retz
goes with his own company without charge. It was reported
the town of Bordeaux had taken arms against the King by
occasion of their new imposition, but it is thought they are
somewhat appeased. The castle of M. de Losse, captain of
the Scottish Guard, one of the strongest places in all Guienne,
is taken by them of the religion, with great provision of
victuals and other "richesses" to the value of 100,000 crowns.
Viscount Touraine has taken another castle thereabout, and
a good town in Limousin, not far from Limoges, called St.
Irie, which is the place where the Duke Deuxponts met
the Admiral. The King has no forces in that country.
Montpensier makes difficulty to levy a camp without great
sums of money. Young Douglas, brother to Robert Douglas
who was slain in May last, was slain within the King's gate
at the Hotel de Guise by one Grillon, a captain that follows
De Gas, and much suit made by the Scottishmen for justice,
but hitherto there is none done. The quarrel was only because
Douglas had stricken a lackey of Grillon's. This Grillon not
past 10 days before made a fray and drew his dagger in the
King's own chamber. All Normandy is in arms under pretence of defence as well against the foreign enemy as for fear
of the gentlemen of the country. Mantes and Melane, in
Normandy, have been almost taken. One St. Remy, a young
gentleman of Champagne, was taken and committed to prison
upon the sudden as he was ready to depart this town; he was
a follower of Monsieur's, and in good favour with him. It
happened the same night that Monsieur was abroad somewhat
late, whereupon the guards were all set and the King and
Queen Mother went not to bed till he came in, yet Monsieur
made the captain of the guard privy to his going. It is
said his study was searched and he straitly examined at his
coming in. He answered very roundly, and so for that time
the matter was passed over, but for a day or two he had
very sour countenance and no one durst speak with him.
The next day Captain St. André, one that was committed
to prison with La Mole and divers others, were sought for, and
one or two taken in the night time out of the chamber of
Monsieur. Soon after Gondy came to him, and the rest of
the Ambassadors that were lodged in the fauxbourgs, saying the
King was careful for their safety, and therefore advised them
to lodge in the town. It is well thought that this was not
so much for any cause of danger as for doubt of intelligence that might be had more in the fauxbourgs than in the
city. Some of the deputies for the treaty of peace are arrived,
but they of Languedoc are not yet come. Captain Landreau has
been encountered by La Noüe, and lost 300 or 400 men at
Ré, by Rochelle. In letters from Poitou it is written that
Count Vantadour and M. de Guerchy, a man of great credit
in that country, are joined with La Noüe and Viscount
Touraine. An edict is set forth to prohibit the alienation of
the land and goods of them that are absent. John Hamilton,
that sued to be reconciled, is dead. |
|
Endd. Pp. 4. |
| Sept. 14. |
346. Daniel Rogers to Lord Burghley. |
|
Concerning the restitution to be made for the ship called
the "Christ," the States show themselves reasonable, for unto
as many as show their bills of lading they make restitution, declaring that they are not wont to do so to any
proving his goods by his proper oath only. They have some
reason to be thus precise, because English merchants have
eftsoons coloured other men's goods, which fraud is often
detected by the bills of lading, for that they have divers
marks by diligent observation of which they have spied out
heretofore the deceit. Finds them most stubborn and in a
manner barbarous in defending most rigorously their placard,
and using those who come for restitution most uncivilly and
extremely. A ship of the staple sailing for Flanders without
a licence was brought into Flushing and the goods confiscated
by sentence of the Admiralty Court, and sold by public
auction, when the party bought his goods again, yet they
persist in demanding 20li overmore for licence to carry them
into Flanders. Rogers has with much ado caused it to be
staid hitherto, but fears that the end will be to pay it. Has
also dealt with them for the "Martin," of Exeter, which was
taken on the coast of England between Rye and Dover.
Their charter party bound them to go to Dover, yet because
there were found three letters in the ship by which it appeared that the goods should afterwards be conveyed into
Flanders, they condemned the goods as good prize, and although he has alleged all the arguments possible for restitution they are minded to stand by the sentence. In July
last a young mariner, an Englishman, was spoiled by a Flushinger sailing from London towards Weymouth, who coming
hither espied one wearing his dagger, and desiring to have it
again was laid in prison for five weeks under a false accusation. The Admiral [of Zealand], receiving advertisement that
the Staplers' fleet was coming towards Flanders under convoy
of the Queen's ship the "Achates," took order that certain ships
should go to intercept the said fleet, and gave express commandment that if the "Achates" defended them they should
do their best to bring her away with them. The enemy has
done nothing since 24th August, though if they had followed
their victory they might have taken Rotterdam. The enemy
have taken a fort commanding the passage of the Lesche [Leck],
and thought to have landed in Swindreghtes Werdte, which is
an island over against Dort, which if he had done the Prince
would have been besieged in Dort; but he, foreseeing their
design, caused 300 horsemen and eight ensigns of foot to come
into the said island, and made a bulwark right over against
them, by which he can hinder their descent from Schoonhoven
into the Maas. M. de Hierges, perceiving he could do no good
in taking of these islands, began to retire towards Woerden,
which he has environed. The Commendator travails by all
means to land men in some of the islands of Zealand to
hinder the traffic between Zealand and Holland, and on
1st inst., having armed his galleys, thought to have landed
men in East Duiveland, where they fought for four or five
hours on the water. It is said that there came the day
following into Antwerp eight waggons laden with wounded
men. The Prince had no damage, but one of his ships blown
up and sunk. The Governor Boissot, understanding that the
Spaniards at low water had sounded the depth, returned to
East Duiveland, where he has made two bulwarks to withstand them. The States of Zealand are minded to assemble
in East Duiveland at Nieuwerkirke to-morrow, where he will
go in order to further the merchants' suits recommended to
him by the Lords of the Council.—Middleburg, 14 Sept.
1575. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Pp. 3½. |
|
347. Draft of the above. |
|
Endd. Pp. 4¾. |
|
348. Copy of the first portion of the above. |
|
Endd. Pp. 2½. |
| [Sept.] |
349. Daniel Rogers' Negotiations. |
|
"Answer to the complaints exhibited by Mr. Daniel Rogers',
commissary to the Queen's Majesty of England, touching
certain English merchants pretending themselves to be endamaged by certain ships of war of his Excellency set forth
by the town of Flushing, according to the contents of a
certain roll written in parchment under the seal of the
Admiralty of England containing 23 leaves, beginning
Edwardus comes, &c., dated the 16 of May, anno 1575, with
two other attestations more under the seal of the foresaid
Admiralty exhibited to his Excellency." Justifies the stay
of the ships and the confiscation of the goods chiefly on the
grounds of the infringement of the Prince of Orange's placard
and of their belonging to the enemy. Two other answers to
similar complaints exhibited by Daniel Rogers on the 12 July
and 27 June respectively. |
|
Endd. Pp. 10. |
| Sept. 14. |
350. The Earl of Huntingdon to Walsingham. |
|
The Lord Governor has dealt so honourably and wisely in
these conferences that he wishes the Queen had sent him
sooner. The Regent takes it very unkindly at his hands
that for his good meaning he should receive so hard answer
from her Majesty, and thinks he was slacker in his information than he should have been. Has desired that the com
mission may be directed to the Lord Governor with whom
Sir H. Gates and Mr. Robert Bowes may be joined, and as a
lawyer may be requisite he recommends Mr. Meares. Purposes to return to York, as he has nothing here to do. The
Lord Governor with this assistance may finish this matter of
execution.—Berwick, 14 September 1575. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. P. 1. |
| Sept. 14. |
351. Lord Hunsdon to [the Earl of Leicester.] |
|
1. The Lord President met the Regent on the 12th and
13th instant, where after some reasoning the Regent in the
end yielded thoroughly to all that they could demand. Finds
more willingness to satisfy the Queen than he looked for.
Where the Queen scant takes in good part the President's
doings she forgets her former letters expressly forbidding
him to accept any offer till he had advertised her. The
Regent demanded sundry times what would satisfy her
Majesty, could have no answer, but was fain to break the
meeting till answer was returned from her Majesty. Where
the Queen looked that the Regent should have done some
execution for this matter of himself, he could not have
executed any man for it with justice or equity, unless he
should have hanged some innocents, for as yet they cannot
certainly find who killed Sir George Heron and the rest.
Have delivered in the names of the takers and hurters of the
gentlemen, being not one of any account or valour, but a sort
of rascals and sheep thieves. The Regent offered of himself
to deliver instead of these rascals eight gentlemen, whereof
four are Douglasses of his own house and the other four
Carmichael's, who shall be delivered into this town to-night
to be used at her Majesty's pleasure, and Sir John Carmichael shall be sent on the 18th or 20th instant to be sent
on to the Lord President. Desires him to let the Queen
understand that as she has required justice for the slaughter
of her subjects by execution, so has she granted the same on
the other side. What honour will the Queen receive to have
a sort of rascals executed on both sides, and perhaps the
apprehending of them will breed more trouble than will be
easily quenched. If they can find out and execute the killer
of Sir George Heron, together with the having Carmichael
and the rest at the Queen's devotion, he trusts she will have
honourable satisfaction. Dares not presume to write thus
much to her Majesty, but wishes his Lordship to let her
understand hereof. The Regent is grieved to the heart, and
unless the Queen countenance him he cannot continue in his
charge, which for her pleasure only he took upon him. Thinks
it better that no marchers be employed on this commission
for trial of the slaughters.—Berwick, 14 Sept. 1575. |
|
2. P.S.—Lord Seton sent word that he would send his
Lordship two casts of falcons, but as yet he hears nothing of
them. The eight gentlemen have just arrived. Signed. |
|
Endd. Pp. 2. |
| Sept. 14. |
352. Lord Hunsdon to Sir Thomas Smith. |
|
To the same effect as his letter to the Earl of Leicester of
this date. The names of the takers of Sir John Forster and
the rest given in were a sort of beggarly "harlatts" and
sheep thieves not worth the hanging.—Berwick, 14 Sept.
1575. |
|
Endd. Copy. Pp. 1¼. |
| Sept. 15. |
353. The Merchant Adventurers to Daniel Rogers. |
|
Have received his of 29 Aug. accepting the election [to the
secretaryship], but cannot perceive any certain disposition
for the accomplishment of the charge thereof. Require him
to let them understand by Michaelmas his intent and meaning
and in what certainty he is prepared to make his repair
hither for their business.—Antwerp, 15 Sept. 1575. Signed:
Thomas Heton, Governor. |
|
Add. Endd. "Received in East Duiveland, 27 Sept."
P. 1. |
