|
| Nov. 1. |
992. Mr. Colshill to Lord Burghley. |
|
Though he has received no letters from his Lordship of late,
yet cannot he but continue his good meaning towards him
by any possible service. Has received letters from Mr. Secretary
in the name of the Council that he should not further deal in
the matter of money without great likelihood of performance,
lest her Majesty's credit might be brought in question. The
deputy governor at Hamburgh has written that there is
offered 100,000 guilders by one Herick Ronsoe after eight or
nine per cent. for two years; and that in January next the
money men of Holstein and others have a meeting, when
there will be great store of money at reasonable interest.
Sends accounts of offers by others, but has found in the best
and most honourable, great untruth. The Emperor is dead,
and the Palsgrave died on 27 October of a disease in his
breast, which choked him, whose death is thought will bring
great change and trouble in the State, there being a discord
between the two brethren Ludovic and Casimir, the one
being a scant Lutheran and the other a secret Calvinist, so
that all the Calvinists desire Casimir for their Lord. Sundry
regiments of reiters are marching hitherwards, which is much
feared. On the 8th instant answer is to be delivered to the
lay Bishop (of Cologne) by the Chapter. The outrage of
Maestricht breeds great speeches here. There were slain more
than 600 of the inhabitants, and the Spaniards have confiscated all their moveables. This cruelty, with the taking
of another town upon the Meuse, has caused the Bishop of
Liege to complain to the Circuit. Here is looked for tomorrow ambassadors from the King of the Romans, the chief
of whom is the old Count of Wenigberge, who are to repair
into the Low Countries to treat a peace between the States
and the Spaniards. For his own cause, through certain
speeches and practices made by an Englishman and other of
the Steelyard being most injurious and false, his matter has
not such speed as hoped for by reason thereof, and the Pope's
Nuncio, who dreads her conscience with marriage of a heretic;
yet the cause is not desperate. Complains of his intolerable
charges, and also that his enemies have spread reports that
he is a person of small account at Court. Trusts in his goodness that he may not be a loser by this journey.—Cologne,
1 Nov. 1576. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Pp. 5. |
| Nov. 2. |
993. Affairs in France. |
|
The Emperor Rudolph II., in an extempore reply to an agent
of one of the Sovereigns of Europe, said that he desired to do
what he could to pleasure the agent's sovereign and the King
of France, but that which is at present at issue between the
King of France and the exiled Princes is not a matter for
himself alone, but one upon which he must communicate with
the Princes of Germany. He never approved the barbarities
in France, but in season and out of season besought the King
to pacify his kingdom; though some think him to have been
an aider and abetter therein, yet had his words been attended
to affairs in France would have been in a far better position,
nor would it be, what he fears it will be, a very difficult task
to quench the flame now that they have so often broke faith
and lost their credit. |
|
Lat. P. 2/3. |
| Nov. 3. |
994. Dr. Wilson to Lord Burghley. |
|
The Commissioners for the States, Marquis Havre, the
Abbot of St. Gelesme, elect Bishop of Arras, M. Likerke, and
M. Meetkerke, are now at Luxemburg, together with Baron de
Ruissinghen, who have a stout message to do, and very hard for
Don John in all points to perform. Has sent the copy of the
instructions in French, whereunto they look to have a resolute
answer by the 12th inst., or else open war is like to ensue.
M. Champagny has discoursed at large upon these troubles
and the causes of them, which he has also sent, and thinks it
very pertinent to consider thereupon, together with the
advices given to Don John how to use himself with the States
and to prosecute his affairs. Sends also copies of Baron
D'Aubigny's instructions and letter to Monsieur and Monsieur's
letter to the States, also King Philip's cipher, whose original
letters he has seen deciphered, and perceives the great love
he bears to the Spaniards and small care he has for this
people in respect to them, and farther the great greed he has
to relieve the English rebels upon Rodas' request. If the
Prince may have Sluys he will come in person, who is the
man that all the country depends upon, and in whom Monsieur
has especial trust, as by his late letter appears. If he does
come bloody war will follow, and Monsieur will not be long
from hence. If peace be not presently made, whosoever wins
this country will be a loser, and come to ruin. Sends the
treaty of accord betwixt the Prince and the States lately
printed in French, together with the instructions given to the
Commissioners sent to Don John. The greatest want here is
present money, for which great means have been made with
him to deal with the Queen, but he has always said that it is
without his commission. M. Rodas has found a fine device
for money, which is that merchants in Antwerp having credit
in Spain may give their bills of exchange to all soldiers who
will lose 30 in the 100.—Brussels, 3 Nov. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. P. 1. |
| Nov. 5. |
995. Christopher Hoddesdon to Walsingham. |
|
Points out how by the exchange of 50,000 French crowns
from Germany to England a profit of 1747li might have been
made. The charges for himself and two servants travelling
to Heidelburg and Frankfort amount to 67li 12s 6d.—5 Nov.
1576. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. P. 2/3. |
| Nov. 6. |
996. The Regent Morton to Walsingham. |
|
Desires that he will procure a passport for John and Davie
Makgill, the sons of Mr. James Makgill, the clerk of the
register, who are desirous of travelling in France and other
parts beyond the sea for attaining to further knowledge in
letters and to visit foreign countries.—Dalkeith, 6 Nov. 1576.
Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. P. 2/3. |
| Nov. 6. |
997. Francisco Giraldi to Walsingham. |
|
Expresses the great comfort which he has received from his
speech of yesterday.—Chertsey, 6 Nov. 1576. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd.: "From Giraldi, touching further punishment to be done upon the Sheriff and Recorder." Ital. P. 1. |
| Nov. 6. |
998. Jeronimo Rodas to Philip II. |
|
Since the retaking of Maestricht the Almains who were
in garrison have mutinied on account of not receiving their
pay. On Sunday, the 28th, the Colonels, Polwiller, Fugger,
and Cornelius van Ende, came to treat with the Spaniards
concerning what they had agreed with the Count [Oberstein],
to the which they also consented willingly. Forwards a copy
of the articles. Entrance of the States' troops by the Burgerhaut gate. Negotiation of the Almain colonels with the
Count, which is so badly received by his soldiers that they
are obliged to take refuge in the citadel. Those in the town,
having begun to dig trenches against the citadel, were fired
on by the artillery, and Captain Cortiz sallied out with 100
soldiers and drove them from a trench by the street of
St. Michael and set fire to a house. Next day they received
notice that those of Alost were on their march to join them,
and on Sunday, the 4th inst., Alonzo de Vargas and Julian
Romero with their men entered the citadel. After the dispositions for the attack were made it was proclaimed that
under pain of death no one should enter any house, commit
pillage, or offer violence to women and children, but solely to
those found in arms. Also that a composition would be levied
on the town which would suffice for the pay of every one.
The Spaniards then sallied forth between 11 and 12 o'clock,
and because the Town Hall and the neighbouring houses
offered a determined resistance they were set on fire and
burnt down. In the end the town was captured, with the
slaughter of more than 8,000 infantry, Almains and Walloons,
and 1,000 horses. The son of the Count Egmont and M. de
Capres were taken prisoners. It is not known what has
become of the Marquis de Havre, M. Champagny, or Count
Oberstein. The town has been sacked contrary to their
orders, and a great part burnt down, and great damage done
to the Town Hall. Sancho d'Avila, Alonzo de Vargas, and
Julian Romero have used great diligence to stop the plundering. They and the other officers have deserved very well of
his Majesty for their services in gaining this great victory. |
|
Copy. Endd.: 6 Nov. 1576. Span. Pp. 2¾. |
| Nov. 6. |
999. M. de Villiers to Walsingham. |
|
As matters were so advanced towards pacification that his
presence was no longer so necessary he had determined to
take his departure; but the defeat of the States army at
Antwerp has thrown everything into such confusion that his
Excellency begged him to stop till they should see what turn
matters would take. As for the affair at Antwerp, nothing
has happened which was not well foreseen, as the enterprise was
conducted without any order. Gives an incorrect list of the
leaders who were slain or taken prisoners. Fears lest Ghent
should be taken in the same way, and M. Champagny and M.
de Havre have set out thither this day. Complains that
certain malicious persons have stirred up questions about the
diversity of religion. Yesterday the Spaniards withdrew into
the citadel and left the town in charge of Fugger's Germans
and some English. One third of the town is burnt, together
with the town hall which was so sumptuous. As for the poor
English merchants, if he had the means of getting any ready
money he might have assisted them, but he cannot obtain
enough for his own ordinary expenses. It is not possible to
restrain the insolence of the Flushingers except by a citadel,
which they would not endure. Trusts that Her Majesty will
not revenge these wrongs by force of arms, but believes that the
best plan would be to send one with her letters and those of
her Council to the Council of State telling them that if the
wrongs done by those of Flushing were not repaired in a given
time she was determined to seek redress by arms, and further,
that the States of the Low Countries should be informed that
she could not consider them real friends whilst they suffered
the Flushingers to perpetrate such wrongs against her.—
Middleburg, 6 Nov. 1576. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Fr. Pp. 3. |
| Nov. 7. |
1000. The Prince of Orange to the Queen. |
|
Begs that she will impute the non-satisfaction of her
commands to their want of power to do so and to an absolute
necessity. Will do all in his power to procure that the loss
which Her Majesty wrote to him about shall not fall on the
merchants.—Middleburg, 7 Nov. 1576. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd., with seal. Fr. P. 1. |
| Nov. 7. |
1001. The Prince of Orange to the Privy Council. |
|
Wishes that the merchants would have had patience to
wait till the accord had been made, as by this means they
would have had freedom of traffic. The Duke of Alva forbade
all traffic with them under pain of death and confiscation of
goods and they were obliged to do the same in self-defence.
Their captains and sailors could therefore always obtain
judgment against any of their prizes, as the owners refused to enter into any composition with them on the plea
that they had no power to do so. Thus they were under the
necessity of either causing a revolt amongst their seamen to
their utter ruin or of letting them keep possession of what
had been adjudged to them according to the proclamation.
Begs them to consider the difficulties in which he is placed
and endeavour to content the Queen. Trusts that peace will
be proclaimed within three days. Middleburg, 7 Nov.; 1576.
Signed. |
|
Add. Endd., with seal. Fr. Pp. 2. |
| Nov. 7. |
1002. Negotiations of M. de Villiers with the Prince of
Orange. |
|
Things to be done by the Prince of Orange for the
satisfaction of Her Majesty. |
|
1. To acknowledge his error in staying the ships of the
Merchant Adventurers and exacting from them a loan. |
|
2. To release such ships and goods as are presently stayed
in Holland and Zealand. |
|
3. To redeliver the contract with the Merchant Adventurers. |
|
4. To promise hereafter to suffer her subjects to pass without interruption. |
|
Things that may be required by the Prince at the Queen's
hands. |
|
1. That he may be restored to her favour and all things
past committed to oblivion. |
|
2. All ships of Holland and Zealand stayed in England to
be released. |
|
3. Also that they may have the same freedom of traffic as
they have in France. |
|
4. That she will be content with his impeaching all trading
into Flanders. |
|
5. That she will take order that her subjects do not colour
any Spaniard's goods. |
|
6. That she will permit her subjects to compound for the
transporting of the King of Spain's subjects' goods from Spain
into Flanders and from Flanders into Spain. |
|
The course to be held by M. Villiers in dealing with the
Prince of Orange:—First. The Lords of the Council who are
made privy unto these requests which it is thought will be
made by the Prince think them very reasonable, but will not
take upon themselves to promise that Her Majesty will allow
of them, so greatly is she incensed against him; therefore it
will be good for him not to put the said Prince in any great
hope nor doubt. The Prince will do well to write letters to
the Lord Treasurer and other Lords of the Council and one of
the Secretaries expressing his sorrow for the evil opinion that
the Queen has conceived of him, and desiring them to be
mediators for the return of her favour, and further explaining
matters and showing the extreme necessity in which he was
placed. These should be sent over with speed; and the two
merchants sent over by the Merchant Adventurers should be released, with whom he should treat touching the forebearing the
traffic and other matters in dispute; and in the mean time do
his utmost to restrain the Flushingers from any further
attempts against the Queen's subjects. |
|
Rough Draft. Endd. Pp. 6. |
|
1003. Copy of the above in French.
Endd. Pp. 2½. |
| Nov. 7. |
1004. Pacification of Ghent. |
|
Pamphlet printed in French containing the articles of the
Pacification of Ghent 24 in number; with the commissions of
the different deputies and the King's privilege for its printing. |
|
Printed in Brussels by Michel de Hamart, 1576. Pp. 20. |
|
1005. Another copy.
Pp. 20. |
| Nov. 9. |
1006. Rowland Johnson to Walsingham. |
|
Desires that order may be taken for the payment of 21li 6 8
due to him by Mr. Sutton for two years' wages for one of his
men employed by him as a gunner, and that the like commandment may come to Mr. Vernon for the hay of 10 acres
of ground which at present he stays from him. Begs that he
will be a means to the Council that he may be paid 195li
spent by him in Her Majesty's service by commandment.—
Berwick 9 Nov. 1576. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. P. 1. |
| [Nov.]. |
1007. Advertisements out of the Low Countries. |
|
On Monday last certain money was sent to Alost to pay
the soldiers who had mutinied there. On Tuesday M. de
Heze with his lieutenant M. de Glymes, accompanied with
their garrison of Walloons which lay at Brussels, came to the
Court, and, entering the Council chamber, apprehended all
those whose names are hereafter specified and set them in the
Bread house which is the same house where Counts Egmont
and Horn were prisoners. The same day were apprehended
divers of the Privy Council, and others that have hidden
sought for earnestly, besides all such as are suspected for spies
or well wishers to the Spaniard are daily taken. President
Viglius is kept in his house. This was consulted and agreed
by the States of Hengowe, Artois, and Brabant, and is daily
thought that those of Flanders will join with them. They
have great companies of foot and horsemen in readiness, which
all march towards Brussels from all quarters, and is said they
will have out the Spaniard and afterwards conclude a peace
amongst themselves. The chief doers herein are the nobles
and gentlemen of all the States, M. de Lalain being a great
doer herein. The Duke of Arschot has openly declared
himself to be innocent in all practices against the country and
is joined with the States, so as it is thought that he shall be
made their chief, and is sworn to them, also his brother Havre
on Thursday. This news greatly perplexed the Spaniards,
who, under show of great courage and bravery, inwardly droop,
The castellano Sancho Davila, with the chief of all the
Spaniards, meet daily in council within the Castle, whither they
are all retired with bag and baggage. They have called together
the Spaniards from all places and mean to encamp themselves
three leagues hence between Lierre and Mechlin and there
abide the coming of such as will charge them. It is thought
the High Dutch and Walloons will hold on their side. The
Spaniards fear that the Walloons will not take part with
them, for that there has been certain injurious grudge between
them. The Count Overstein, colonel of the Dutch in Antwerp,
has sworn to perform his oath to the King and keep the town
against all who would take it. They are printing certain
articles and points whereby shall be known the certainty
why the Council of State were apprehended. Rodas and other
Spaniards have sent to M. Champagny to come and consult
with them, which he has refused to do, which makes them
suspect him. |
|
2. On Friday it was published that every householder should
bring in writing what strangers lay in their houses being no
merchants, which was done to know what number of Spaniards
were here. |
|
3. M. Champagny has sent a kinsman to Brussels, which has
caused suspicion amongst the Spaniards of him. None can
enter or come out of Bruges without license of M. de Heze
except he be a burgess and well known. There are divers
speeches (that the double dealing) by interrupting of certain
posts has moved this sudden rising of the States. It is reported
that Casimir is coming into this country with a power for
the General States, and that the young Count Egmont shall be
leader of 2,000 horse. |
|
4. List of the Council of State, Privy Council, and others
apprehended at Brussels. |
|
Endd. 1576. Pp. 3. |
| Nov. 10. |
1008. Town Council of Bruges to the Queen. |
|
Exonerating Dr. Julio Borgaruci, her physician, from certain
false and lying charges which were made against him to Dr.
Wilson her ambassador.—10 Nov. 1576. SignedPeGroots. |
|
Add. Endd., with seal. Fr. P. 2/3. |
| Nov. 10. |
1009. Thomas Heton to Walsingham. |
|
On the 3rd inst. the States' men entered this town with
consent; and on the morrow, which was Sunday, the Spaniards
with certain Almains out of the Castle entered the town and
drove away the States' power, and they fled as they could, the
town put to sack with a pitiful slaughter and a miserable
spoil. The English house entered by 12 Spanish soldiers, who
put the writer and the rest of the company in great fear.
They were put to ransom at 12,000 crowns, which has grown
to 3,000 more. The Company is spoiled of all that they had
in their own chambers and in the burghers' houses in the
town. There is a letter written by the Company to the
Council humbly beseeching them to be a mean for them to her
Majesty in this case. If they might have had passports when
he first required them of the States and then of M. Champagny
and afterwards of the lords of this town as they had a right
they would have avoided this great peril of life and miserable
spoil. Begs that some one may be sent over for their comfort
that they may be permitted to pass out of this town for they
will lack both victual and fuel and be daily in fear of the
like spoil as they have sustained.—Antwerp, 10 Nov. 1576.
Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. P. 1. |
| Nov. [10.] |
1010. The Merchant Adventurers to the Privy Council. |
|
Seeing the danger in this town of Antwerp such of their
society as are here remaining purposed to have in due time
removed both their persons and their goods, but were not
suffered to pass out of the town, although they sundry times
required to have passport according to the Intercourse and
sale conduct. So as on the 3rd inst. they fell in great peril of
their lives, divers of their company being hurt and some slain,
and by sacking this town (ever since) they are not only
spoiled of their money and goods, but are further forced to
ransom their persons and the goods within the principal
house of their residence there. They have been constrained
to give up all their money and plate, and also bills at one or
two months, so as they have not money to provide for their
needful sustentation. Beg that they will be a means to the
Queen that speedy order be taken for their relief and release
out of this place. Refer the discourse of these tragedies to
be reported by the bearer Mr. Gaston.—Antwerp, Nov. 1576.
Signed: Thomas Heton. |
|
Add. Endd. with seal. P. 1. |
| Nov. 10. |
1011. The Prince of Orange to the States at Brussels. |
|
Assures them of his desire to assist them. Has sent his
companies to Ghent. Is not yet assured of the peace, but when
he is will determine on that which will be most for the public
advantage. Don John being arrived at Luxembourg, and not
knowing what resolution the States may take on his coming,
and also being informed that his intentions are no better than
those of the Duke of Alva, has determined to put himself in
some strong place.—Middleburg, 10 Nov. 1576. |
|
Coph. Endd. Fr. Pp. 12/3. |
| Nov. 12. |
1012. Receipt by Francisco Giraldi. |
|
Acknowledgment of the receipt of her Majesty's commission
subscribed by Walsingham and delivered to him by Dr. Dale. |
|
12 Nov. 1576. Signed. Endd. Ital. P. ⅓. |
| Nov. 13. |
1013. Dr. Wilson to [Walsingham]. |
|
Had audience yesterday before the Duke and three others
only of the Council, when the Duke having caused his letter
of credit to be read he spoke his mind according to his
instructions, demanding the cause of the arrest of counsellors
of the siege of Ghent castle, of the Dukes joining with them
who were principal doers in these late dealings, for the
English merchants' safety to trade, and what assurance
might be made of her Majesty's good inclination to deal for
common quietness if they keeping themselves under the
obedience of their King would devise with her Majesty
herein and give their consents thereunto. Was told that
he should have his answer to day. Surely there is come
some great matter from Don John of Austria which has
troubled them greatly, they being in such heaviness as scant
the Duke could speak. Takes the causes to be that Don John
takes up men at Luxemburg and minds to march forward
and join the Spaniards; the second is the fear of the people,
who are in such rage and hate, the nobility and council. The
Duke would have gone to Don John, but the people will not
suffer him to leave the town. He is very fearful and weak
spirited. He is the more misliked because he was the cause of
the enlargment of Rodas, Julian Romero, and Alonzo de Vargas.
Does not see any nobleman or counsellor in any estimation
or credit in Brabant, Flanders, or elsewhere, only the people
rules and commands and no man dares speak against their
wilfulness. Fears that the people will be caused of their
own destruction. The Prince of Orange is the man they
chiefly trust, yet if he were amongst them he doubts how they
would be ruled by him. On the 11 inst. the castle of Ghent
was given over by composition, 110 soldiers and many women
being within, they all drinking water three days together and
having no powder. They were dismissed with their weapons
to the sea-side to take shipping. Mondragon's wife and
daughter are in the keeping of M. de Havery [Havre] the Duke's
brother, who had the chief charge at Antwerp and fled away
with M. Champagny at the first issuing out of the Spaniards.
Has written to Rodas from Ghent requiring him to have regard
to the safety of the English merchants' lives and goods, and has
desired a safe conduct for himself, not that he fears the
Spaniards so much as the English rebels and fugitives who
are said to have done the greatest murder and most horrible
above all others, and therefore the English are hated for their
sakes and could not be suffered to tarry in any town either in
Zealand or Flanders, but are still banished from place to place
There is a report that he should bring with him 300,000
angels, and is therefore well thought of amongst the people,
but when it is found untrue knows not what account will be
made of him amongst them. Understands that there are
about Mons 4,000 foot and 1000 horse sent by Monsieur in aid of
the States. This matter is of great consequence if it be true,
but he has since heard that it is not so. The arrest of the
Council was done by M. de Heze and some other young noblemen without the knowledge of the States, so that Barliamont,
who is close prisoner, yet calls it boys' play. Trusts that he
will receive his answer either to-day or to-morrow, after
which he will hasten to Antwerp and from thence send a
special post with a full declaration of all things.—Brussels,
13 Nov. 1576. Signed. |
|
Endd. Pp. 3½. |
| Nov. 13. |
1014. Count Lalain to Dr. Wilson. |
|
1. Informs him of the surrender of the citadel of Ghent. |
|
2. Has seen two of his horses, which please him, and as he does
not suppose that he intends carrying them back in to England
asks him to put a price upon them.—Ghent, 13 Nov. 1576.
Signed. |
|
Add. Endd., with seal. Fr. P. 2/3. |
| Nov. 15. |
1015. Jacques Taffin to Walsingham. |
|
After a long communication with the merchants of Ipswich
they have concluded to desire Walsingham to take cognisance
of their business, and if he is unable to do so, that he will
appoint certain of the Merchant Adventurers for that purpose.
—London, 15 Nov. 1576. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd., with seal. Fr. P. ⅓. |
| Nov. 15. |
1016. Sir Amias Paulet to Lord Burghley. |
|
The assembly of the Estates at Blois holds. The King is
already on his way towards Orleans accompanied with his
brother. It is said the King of Navarre will not be entreated,
and that the Queen Mother has returned with the loss of her
labour. The ambassadors are lodged out of the town, and
many reasons used to persuade them to be content; the
plainest and best reason is that they will not want many complaints, many quarrels, many accusations, yea against the
King himself, and the same would be such as the ambassadors
would hear enough of them although they were not lodged
in the town. Monsieur came hither the 9th to assist at the
christening of the son of the Duke of Nevers, when he desired
audience, which was willingly granted. He used him very
courteously, and pretended to be greatly desirous to keep
amity with the Queen and to prescribe this realm in peace.—
Paris, 15 November 1576. Signed. |
|
Add. with seal. Endd. P. 1. |
| Nov. 15. |
1017. Sir Amias Paulet to Walsingham. |
|
Du Pin writes to him how much he is bound to him, and
likewise some councillors confirm the same by their letters,
wherein he sees God's merciful goodness to him in this "little"
and dangerous service. Prays him add something to his
former good opinion of Jacomo in respect of his diligence and
travail in this journey. If half the annuity due to Captain
Thomas when he lived might be added to that already granted
to Jacomo it were well bestowed, indeed every man knows
that a bare annuity of 40l. by the year is a poor living as
the world goes, and especially for one that lives in Courts.
Cannot as yet come to the trial of his best service, every man
being at full liberty to repair to him without any peril, but if
the troubles be renewed again in this realm, it is then they shall
reap the fruit of his service. It may please him to send him
a cipher for the King of Spain, the Queen of Scots, some of
the Princes of Germany, and some of the King's Council here.
Has received very honourable letters from the Earls of Sussex
and Warwick.—Paris, 15 November 1576. Signed. |
|
Add., with seal. Endd. Pp. 1½. |
