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| Nov. 16. |
1018. The Prince of Orange to the Privy Council. |
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Letter of credence for the bearer M. de Villiers who will
inform them of the state of affairs in the Low Countries.—
Middleburg, 16 Nov. 1576. Signed. |
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Add. Endd. Fr. P. ⅓. |
| Nov. 16. |
1019. Count Lalain to the Queen. |
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This bearer, an English gentleman coming from Antwerp
with letters, seeing that there are many English of the Spanish
faction they were moved for their surety to open some of them,
but assures her that they have not done so to any that were
adressedto her officers.—Ghent, 16 Nov. 1576. Signed. |
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Add. Endd., with seal. Fr. P. ⅓. |
| Nov. 19. |
1020. Jacques Taffin to Walsingham. |
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1. Has this day made arrangements for the recompense of the
merchants whose goods were seized, so that all difficulties
are removed which hindered his audience with the Queen.
If he does not hear from him within two or three days he
will come to him. Thinks that he must have heard the news
from Antwerp; the plunder of streets, the dead and slain, the
burgomaster and two pensionaries executed by the sword;
the putting merchants to ransom first for their lives and then
for their goods. Lampinon is made Governor of the town, and
Camargo who was formerly provost marshal Margrave; the
townsmen are beginning to lack victuals. The citadel of
Ghent has surrendered just as they were about to give the
assault, the garrison withdrawing without arms, except the
wife and daughter of Mondragon and two others. |
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2. All the forces in the country are drawing towards Antwerp,
the Prince is allied with the States and all the 17 provinces
are included in the agreement except Groningen, Amsterdam,
and Haarlem. Religion remains in Holland and Zealand as it
was, and elsewhere there is freedom of conscience. They are
all bound to drive out the Spaniards, and afterwards to convoke
the States General to settle other points, amongst others the
payment of the arrears and the debts of the Prince of Orange
incurred on account of this war. There are 3,000 German
horse in France, whom the Estates endeavour to draw to their
service, as also do the Guisards to theirs. MM. Champagny
and Havre have been with his Excellency, who has given
them instructions as to what they are to do. Zericksee and
the islands of Zealand have fallen into the hands of the Prince
again. News from Douay and other places. Bishops of
Cambray and Liege have been forced to fly. Names of
prisoners.—London, 19 Nov. 1576. |
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3. P.S.—News is confirmed that Monsieur has come to Paris
to the King his brother. It seems that he will set out for the
Low Countries with certain forces. Is not sure whether the
King of Spain has promised him his daughter. Has warned
the Governors of Dunkirk and Nieuport to be on their guard.
—Signed. |
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Add. Endd. Fr. Pp. 1½. |
| Nov. 19. |
1021. Dr. Wilson to the Privy Council. |
|
1. On the 12th inst. had audience with the Duke or
Arschot, and three of his associates, Sasbout, Indervelte, and
Scaremberge, unto whom he delivered the great grief that
her Majesty had of the broken state, which would be more
when she should hear of the horrible and unmerciful massacre
done lately in Antwerp, together with the great burning and
intolerable spoil upon all people there as well strangers as
subjects, so she would do what in her lay for the final appeasement of all things, hoping that they would continue good
subjects to the King of Spain. Her Majesty also had given
him in charge to ask the cause of the late arrest of the
greatest number of the Council of State, and of the besieging
of the Castle of Ghent, which was held by Spaniards by the
King's order, and also why the Duke in whom the King had
reposed his chief trust had joined himself to the principal
doers of these enterprises. Further, he desired to know what
security English merchants might have for their persons and
goods in the Low Countries. Having thus declared the sum
of his message, the Duke thanked her Majesty and willed him
to assure her that the cause of these new troubles was the
outrage of the Spaniards at Alost, and if they were out of the
country all things would straight be in quiet, and that they
made no account of any other Prince but the King of Spain.
The Duke asked him for time to answer his other questions,
and on the Wednesday sent him an answer, but no word at
all what liking they had of the Queen's offer. Just before
Wilson's departure for Antwerp at 7 a.m. he saw the Duke,
who told him that he thought it not good to make any more
particular declarations in writing of such demands as were
propounded, but hoped to make that account to the King as
his Majesty should be well satisfied therewith; and for her
Majesty's offer to be a means for a pacification he thought
that Don John of Austria upon his coming would quiet all
things, notwithstanding he thanked her for her princely
offer. |
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2. Took his departure towards Antwerp, having received
from the Duke a passport for himself and company, and a
promise that the merchants should have as large a placard as
they could make for their security. |
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3. Is informed that the arrest of the Council was done upon
a sudden suspicion that they should have intelligence with
the Spaniards to suffer them to enter Brussels and ransom
the town in satisfaction of their pay. M. de Heze and several
other young gentlemen, with M. de Glymes, grand bailiff of
Brabant, a man of 40 years, stout and valiant, brake down
with iron bars and hatchets two or three doors of the King's
house before they could get into the Council, whom they took
by their bosoms in furious manner and carried to prison with
the great good liking of the people, who now seem to rule,
making little of the Duke or Council. None of the states of
other provinces were acquainted with this arrest, nor have
they agreed thereunto. None of the nobility allowed of this
arrest, or were doers therein, except it were covertly. The
cause of the arrest was the suspicion above mentioned. Every
one of estimation has misliked it, and even the young gentlemen have repented that they brake into the King's house
and seized upon the Council, as they were consulting on
matters of state. The Prince of Orange has utterly condemned their folly, and imputed the mishaps which have
fallen out since to their rashness. The Ambassador of France
was no dealer in this action, but he is thought to be a dealer
with the States for a power of Frenchmen to come to their
aid, and Monsieur has lately sent two of his gentlemen to
deal with the Prince of Orange. Thinks he will not yield
that to Monsieur that he has in his power, being in better
case than ever, having gained Zericksee, Haarlem, and Tergoes.
The Spaniards have only Antwerp, Lierre, Dermonde, and
Maestricht in their power. The States as far as he can
understand have no other intention but that the Spaniards
may be sent out of the country, and then offer to live in all
obedience to their King and sovereign. The Spaniards will
not depart without the King's express command, and in the
mean season mind nothing but spoil and "ravin." Does not
see any meaning of the States to alter their government, except
necessity force them, for rather than the Spaniards should make
a conquest of them, as they fear they will, they care not who
has the country from them rather than live in continual
slavery. They desire chiefly the Prince of Orange to take the
whole upon him, who is a man not only of the greatest credit
but also of the greatest value; and now that the peace is
concluded betwixt him and the States it was thought that he
would have taken the charge upon him; but now that Don
John has come to Luxembourg he has changed his mind,
and although Don John has large authority to compound all
matter, and to send away the Spaniards, yet some think that
the Prince will not trust him, much less yield, to him as may
appear by his letter to the States at Brussels, which suspicion
rises upon certain letters from the King to Rodas intercepted
by him, copies whereof Wilson is promised. None of the
nobility take part with the Spaniards, saving those who are
prisoners. The forces of the States were great before they
were broken at Antwerp, but now they begin to reinforce
themselves, being in league with the Prince and having all the
country in their power. Gives the numbers and disposition
of the Spanish garrisons, their total is thought to be 3,000
foot and 3,000 horsemen; there are besides four regiments of
Almains for the Spaniards, whose commanders' names he
gives, besides M. de Roveler alias Belie has 13 ensigns of
Almains in Groningen, and they look for aid from the Archbishop of Cologne and the Dukes of Bavaria, Brunswick, and
Holstein. Believes that the Spaniards would gladly be gone
if it were the King's pleasure, and trusts that Don John will
make an end of all things, or else this country will be utterly
undone, as the Prince of Orange will not yield, being fully
resolved not to trust any Spaniard's promise. The King has
signed whatever the States have asked without making any
of his Council privy thereto. On the 17th inst. he spoke with
Rodas at Antwerp, acquainting him with all that he did at
Brussels, and that his coming was for the King's benefit and
honour, assuring him that if either the States would alienate
this country to any foreign prince, or convert it to themselves
in prejudice of the King, her Majesty would employ all her
force to withstand such attempts. These speeches he liked very
well, and declared at large the whole doings at Brussels; the
mutinies made by the Spaniards after their victory at
Zericksee, and blamed greatly the young heads at Brussels,
and the fury of the people to use the King's Council and to
break the doors of his palace in such sort as they did.
"Well (quoth I) you are well revenged on the people by
your late victory here in Antwerp, which has been very
bloody. Can you blame us (quoth he), is it not natural to
withstand force with force, and to kill rather than to be
killed, and not to lose the King's piece committed to our
charge? All this I granted, and praised the Spaniards for their
valiant courage, that being so few could with policy and manhood overcome so many. But now (quoth I) I pray you, sir,
give me leave to speak a little. After you were lords of the
town, which you got wholly and quietly within two hours of
your issuing forth, what did you mean to continue killing
without mercy people of all sorts who did bear no armour at
all, and to murder them in their houses, to fire the chiefest
and fairest part of the city after you were in full and quiet
possession of all, and not contented to spoil the whole town,
but to ransom those that were spoiled, and to spare no nation,
although they did bear no armour at all, nor yet were dealers
in any practice at all against the King's ministers or the
Spaniards? His answer was that the fury of the soldiers
could not be stayed, and that it grieved him much when the
city was on fire, and no sparing to kill when all were conquered. The soldiers of Alost were adventurers, had no
captains, desperate persons, and would not be ruled by any
proclamation or commandment that could be given or made.
Well (quoth I) if the fury could not be stayed, yet the ran
soming might be forbidden, which is an act against the law
of all nations, and therefore I required him in the name of
the Queen's Majesty to command restitution to be made to
the English nation." Rodas answered that he would be glad
to do so, but that he thought it would be hard, but that
which was to be paid upon bills, which for the company
amounts to 5,000 crowns should be discharged, and the bonds
cancelled, and promised a safe conduct for all English merchants with their remaining goods to go whithersoever they
would. Encloses Rodas' answer to his note. Understands
that a packet from Don John to Rodas and the Castellan has
been intercepted near Diest. The master of the posts in
Augsburg has written to Alexander Gonzaga that the new
Emperor has promised to send aid to the Spaniards, and that
the Duke of Brunswick has promised to provide 4,000 horse
for their help.—19 Nov. 1576. Signed. |
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Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 6½. |
| Nov. 14. |
1022. Reply to the Answer of the Duke of Arschot to Dr.
Wilson.
—Signed by Wilson. |
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Endd. Enclosure. Span. P. 1. |
| Nov. 19. |
1023. Negotiations with Rodas. |
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Requests made by Dr. Wilson to Rodas, Nov. 17th, with
his reply dated 19th Nov.—Signed by Wilson and Rodas. |
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Enclosure. Lat. Pp. 1½. |
| Nov. 20. |
1024. Sir John Smith's Embassy into Spain. |
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List of certain instructions to be procured from Walsingham that may serve to answer all objections of unkindness,
that thereby the King of Spain may assure himself of her
Majesty's sincere and sisterly dealing in the matters of greatest
importance which he is sent unto him for, relating to the
negotiations that have taken place in former times, and to
the Queen's dealings with France and Scotland. Also certain
causes that may induce the King of Spain to pardon his
subjects in the Low Countries and accept their obedience, and
recall the Spanish soldiers, viz., that it may seem more
honourable for him to do so at the Queen's request than
at the suit of his subjects, and also will save the great
charges that he is at, and be able to employ his power
against the Turk. Also the uncertainty of victory if his
subjects should become unanimous and be driven to desperation. The increase of goodwill between the Crowns of
England and Spain that would be brought about by the
King's accepting her Majesty's sisterly mediation, that upon
the King's refusal to accept her offers she may be forced to
consider her own profit and security by satisfying her own
people who find themselves greatly hindered by the lack of
intercourse between the two nations, and are spoiled on the
seas by the pirates of all nations, whom the Zealanders and
Hollanders have been forced to call in for their own defence
for fear of being put to the sword by the Spaniards, Almains,
and other strange nations. |
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Endd., 20 Nov. 1576. P. 2½. |
| Nov. 20. |
1025. Rowland Johnson to the Privy Council. |
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Declaring how chargeable and how weak John Fleming's
plot for the wall for the haven at Berwick is in comparison
with his own.—Berwick, 20 Nov. 1576. Signed. |
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Add. Endd. Pp. 3. |
| Nov. 21. |
1026. Edict by Philip II. |
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Ordinance for the collection of a tax of 100 on all goods
moveable and immoveable granted by the States.—Brussels,
21 Nov. 1576. |
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Printed pamphlet. Endd. Fr. Pp. 6. |
| Nov. 23. |
1027. Protest of the States General. |
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Having received his letters, and heard the reports of various
noblemen, the States have resolved to agree to Don John's
request to abstain from hostilities for a fortnight, providing
the Spaniards and their adherents do the like, and abstain
from all exactions and pillages. They also name several commissioners who are to proceed to treat with Don John and
point out to him that the only way of restoring tranquillity is
by withdrawing the Spaniards from the country, which should
be done as speedily as possible, and are further to consider
the means whereby they should be withdrawn, even if it
should be necessary that Don John should be obliged to
join with the States in driving them out by force. They
further beg that if his Highness should need guards that he
will be contented with the same that his Majesty had on the
occasion of the "Joyous Entry," consisting of four or five
bands of Ordonnance, in order to remove all mistrusts. The
States on their side have determined to discharge all foreign
soldiers on account of their want of fidelity and misconduct
in various places. The deputies are to use every possible
means to make him understand and agree to the requisition
of the States, which is so necessary for the preservation of
the Roman Catholic religion, the service of his Majesty, and
the repose of the country, which is the mark they shoot it.—
Brussels, 23 Nov. 1576. |
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Endd. Fr. Pp. 1½. |
|
1028. Translation of the above.
Endd. Pp. 2. |
| Nov. 25. |
1029. The States of the Low Countries to the Duke of
Alençon. |
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Having sent their deputies to Don John of Austria for the
purpose of arranging for the withdrawal of the Spanish troops
from the Low Countries, they beg that he will postpone
sending the assistance which he promised for a fortnight until
they may understand Don John's resolution.—Brussels, 25 Nov.
1576. |
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Copy. Endd. Fr. P. 1. |
| Nov. 25. |
1030. Instructions for M. D'Aubigny. |
|
He is to go with all speed to the Duke of Alençon, and to
thank him in the name of the States for his goodwill towards
them, and inform him of the sudden arrival of Don John at
Luxembourg; Also that they have sent deputies to Don John
to arrange for the withdrawal of the Spaniards without
further effusion of blood within 15 days. He is, therefore, to
humbly beg his Highness to hold his forces in readness to
assist them in case Don John will not agree to their requests. |
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Endd., 25 Nov. 1576. Fr. P. 1. |
| [Nov. 26.] |
1031. Don John of Austria. |
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Advice of the Prince of Orange concerning the arrival of
Don John in the Low Countries:— |
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First, that he shall withdraw all the Spaniards, and not
recall them without the general consent of all the towns and
states of the Low Countries; that he will raze the citadels;
that he will confirm the privileges and grant to all the
provinces the same clause that those of Brabant had at the
"Joyous Entry," namely, that in case of the violation of any
of their privileges they shall not be bound to render any
service or obedience until they shall be satisfied. That he
shall only admit natives of the country to his Council, and
that all affairs shall be discussed openly by those whom the
States shall appoint to assist him in council. That he will
appoint no governor to any province without the agreement of
the States of the same. That he will not put garrisons in any
town against their consent. That he will not have any
foreign guards. That he will not make war at home or
abroad without the consent of the States. That he will observe
the ancient customs of each province in appointing officers
and magistrates. That in all the above points there shall
be no difference made in any of the 17 provinces, their several
particular rights and privileges being reserved. |
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Endorsed incorrectly "1583." Fr. P. 1. |
| Nov. 27. |
1032. The Duke of Alençon to the States of the Low
Countries. |
|
Has been advertised that Don John is endeavouring to
induce them to lay down their arms without fighting, saying
that there is great division in France, and that the King's
and Duke's party is the smallest; and further, that many
noblemen are going to send large forces to assist the
Spaniards. Assures them that there is no truth in this.
Begs them not to allow the artifices of Don John to sow
dissension between them and the Prince of Orange, as in
their union consists their safety.—Blois, 27 Nov. 1576. |
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Copy. Endd. Fr. P. 1. |
| Nov. 27. |
1033. The Duke of Alençon to the Citizens of Brussels. |
|
Assures them of his willingness to assist them in expelling
the Spaniards, and of his readiness to employ all the means
in his power for that purpose, and desires them to credit the
bearer, M. Beauvais.—Blois, 27 Nov. 1576. Signed. |
|
Copy. Endd. Fr. P. 1. |
| Nov. 30. |
1034. The Prince of Orange to the Estates of Flanders. |
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1. They may perceive by two former writings, which he has
sent to them, what his opinion is touching the negotiations
with Don John, and as they might imagine that it proceeded
from some private interest, he calls God to witness that his
only object is to see the country governed by the States
General, consisting of the three estates of the clergy, nobles,
and towns, under the lawful obedience of their natural Prince.
They should, therefore, in their assembly, take steps for the
restitution of their legitimate authority, according to their
ancient privileges, thereby putting a stop to all inconveniences,
oppressions, and tyrannies, and restoring the country to peace
and tranquillity, as they have already commenced, whereby
his Majesty may perceive that the assembly of the States,
which they have always humbly desired, is the sole means
to re-establish affairs. Seeing, however, that they are lending their ears to the fine words and proposals of Don John,
he cannot conceal his fear lest they should fall into the
designs of their sworn enemies the Spaniards, who have
always laboured to prevent the assembly of the States
General. |
|
2. Those lords and councillors of the Low Countries whom
Don John has been recommended to take into his council
will only serve for a colour to his actions, as all his determinations will be taken after consultation with some of his
favourites, as was always done by the Duchess of Parma. If
his instructions and demands are carefully examined, it will
be seen that his intention is to assume the sovereign government, and utterly extinguish them and their authority; cannot, therefore, forbear from warning them to be careful how
they proceed in this negotiation, considering how they hold
the lives and liberties of so many of their fellow countrymen in their hands. Doubts not but that they will have
many allurements offered to desist from this sacred enterprise, but the more they resist, the greater will be the honour
due to them, and the obligation of posterity to their memory.
His advice, therefore, is that they should not enter into any
negotiations with Don John until all the Spaniards and other
foreigners are withdrawn, and they have distinctly declared
their opposition to the former government; and that they will
not suffer any forces to be levied from those over whom they
have power, for this would be to put a knife in his hands
to cut their own throats. This advice agrees entirely with
their ancient privileges, as he proves by quoting examples,
and therefore they need not use long discussions in treating
with Don John, which may prove their ruin, and all they
need do is to send a list of their complaints and a copy
of their privileges and require him to govern the country
according to them, and in case of refusal, to protest that they
are not to be accounted rebels if they endeavour to maintain
their rights with all their power. By speaking thus openly
they will the sooner obtain a decided answer, which will be
more profitable than by protracting discussion without providing for their affairs and giving him time to set his own
in order. This plain manner of speaking was the sole cause
that induced the King formerly to promise to withdraw
the Spaniards. In addition, it is to be considered that he
who comes as Governor comes armed, and wishes to have
the assurance of the States in the first instance, which is
against the custom of princes who have always come unarmed and given their oath to the States before taking
theirs. Besides, they ought to consider what will be their
reputation with other nations if they are seen to be so ready to
satisfy Don John, looking at the violence perpetrated on those
of Maestricht and on Antwerp, formerly so powerful and
flourishing, but now the most desolate town in Christendom,
and that by those who wish to be considered subjects of
the country equally with those who are native born.
Besides, what an example this will be to all the other towns
who will have cause to blame them for not demolishing the
citadels, from whose building have proceeded most of their
calamities. They are not to imagine that the King will
hold for a slight offence the expulsion of his Spanish soldiers
from the said citadels, for princes only forget such things
whilst they lack the means of vengeance, dissimulating in the
meanwhile until they find their opportunity, as is shown by
the recent example of the slaughter of Counts Egmont and
Horn, and many other gentlemen and good citizens, notwithstanding the fine words given to them, and there is scarcely
any doubt but that the same fate menaces themselves. |
|
3. It is a trick which nature herself teaches those who
cannot attain their ends by force to endeavour to do so by
cunning, as little children pipe to birds in order to catch
them, whilst even the brute beasts use stratagems to capture
their prey; in like manner the Spaniards will spare no
manner of subtlety to cause them to fall into their nets.
Any person of discernment must know how heart-breaking
it must be to a prince wishing to rule absolutely to see
his commands without authority, and his impotency towards
his subjects exposed to all the world, and that his thoughts
day and night will be turned towards the recovery of his
power, for it is in the nature of sovereign power not to
suffer any contradiction. Any promise to withdraw the
Spaniards will be as little kept as that of the King, who
at his departure said they should retire within three months,
and yet they stayed about a year and a half, and would never
have gone had it not been for the overthrow at Gerbes.
In conclusion, he prays them to understand that this matter
is no play, but that they have irritated to the last extremity a mighty enemy, and that there is no middle course
in this business, but that they must either surrender or else
heroically use those means that God has given them for
their preservation. If by necessity Don John goes so far as
to agree to the withdrawal of the Spaniards and the recognition of their privileges, they must insist in addition
that the States should provide his council both of state
and finance, and to have liberty assemble two or three
times in the course of the year to advise on the administration of affairs, and take such order therein as may seem convenient; also that all the citadels shall be demolished, and no
troops raised without the consent of the States General, who
should also have the placing of all the garrisons. If they
negotiate on any other terms than these, in hopes of pleasing
Don John and restoring tranquillity to the country, he fears
that they will be deceived, and fall into greater division than
ever, for there are many who will never trust the promises
of the King or Don John. Esteems this matter of such
great weight and consequence that he writes again to them
more at large his opinion, which he hopes they will take in
good part, as that of one who will risk everything he has, to
the last drop of his blood for the safety and repose of their
common country.—Middleburg, 30 Nov. 1576. Signed. |
|
Copy. Endd. by Burghley. Fr. Pp. 5¼. |
| [Nov.] |
1035. Instructions for Dr. Wilson. |
|
Understanding of the coming of Don John to Louvain, her
Majesty directs Dr. Wilson to repair thither to congratulate the
peace, exhorting him to have a care to continue the same as
a matter most profitable for the King and honourable for
himself. Nevertheless beholding his actions at his first
entrance into the government of those countries, she finds
small occasion of joy and as little reason of congratulation.
She complains of the entertaining of her rebels contrary to
ancient treaties, and the excluding of her servant Horsey
from the treaty of the peace at Hoye to her great dishonour,
when the ministers of other princes of less quality were
admitted. If a just account were made of the friendly
offices performed by her for the preservation of the Low
Countries under the King's subjection it may seem to the
world that he has (as it were) held them at her hands, and
if he go on to recompense her with such an unfriendly and
strange manner of proceedings she may justly be moved
to take some other way of counsel. After these compliments
done with Don John he is to let such of the States as he
knows to be well affected to their country understand that
though her Majesty is glad of the peace lately concluded, she
cannot but advise them to be wary and circumspect, and to
look well to themselves, as there is no worse kind of treason
than that which lies under the show of friendship. They
should specially be on their guard until they see their country
clean voided of the Spaniards, and also have a good eye on
Don John's preparations, and not overslack such provisions
as shall be necessary for themselves. He may further show
them that she finds it strange that the peace should be published before advertisement received from the Prince of
Orange of his allowance of the same, considering their own
resolution not to conclude before his opinion was known,
and also the great hazard he had been in for the defence of
their country and liberties. |
|
Rough draft. Endd. Pp. 2¼. |
| Nov. |
1036. Instructions for M. D'Aubigny. |
|
M. le Baron D'Aubigny being sent by the States of the
Low Countries to the Queen of England, to explain their
reasons for taking up arms against the Spaniards, the following is the cause of their so doing; that is the continual
massacres, spoilings, and cruelties, for which they have been
unable to obtain any redress from the King. They have
been obliged to take up arms for their own defence, and
beg that the Queen of England will send some one to the
King to show him the oppressions and cruelties that they
have suffered, and to desire him to withdraw the Spaniards
and to restore their ancient privileges. |
|
Endd.: Nov. 1576. Fr. Pp. 2. |
| Nov. |
1037. Negotiations with Don John. |
|
Manner in which the States should act towards Don
John. |
|
They should speak plainly and without fear so far as
saying that the King had acted so tyrannically that he ought
to be deposed and the matter judged by the chamber of the
Empire, still considering all these things have happened
rather through bad counsel they may be put straight by an
accord by the following means:— |
|
1. That the Spaniards should be at once sent away after
giving up all their plunder and releasing their prisoners. |
|
2. That Rodas, Vargas, D'Avila, Romero, and other authors
of these troubles should be punished with death. |
|
3. That all castles not serving as fortresses against the
foreign enemy shall be demolished or placed in the hands of
the States. |
|
4. That all acts done by the States for their defence shall
be held to be lawful. |
|
5. That their privileges shall be confirmed and amplified
so as to exclude for the future any chance of tyranny. |
|
6. That the Estates may assemble at their own pleasure. |
|
7. That the King and his successors will never employ
Spaniards in the government of the Low Countries. |
|
8. That the Council of State shall be abolished and another
nominated by the Estates of the land, who shall be all nations
and of different ranks. |
|
9. In case the King or his successors should contravene any
of the said privileges they shall by that fact lose the sovereignty, and the people be at liberty to govern themselves by
a republic or any other form they think best for their tranquillity, or to choose another prince. |
|
Note in Burghley's writing. Fr. Pp. 1½. |
| Nov. |
1038. Remonstrance of M. Champagny. |
|
Complains of the mischievous effects of favouritism in
the appointment of officers and commanders, the want of
concert shown in their enterprises, and also that no real
assistance is to be expected from France. Warns the States
not to put any trust in the promises of the Spaniards, as
exemplified by the past actions of Alva, Requescens, and now
by Jeronimo Rodas, as shown by his intercepted letters. If
Don John intends to proceed sincerely with them he should
be first required to dismiss all Spaniards and foreigners without exception, and to inflict exemplary justice on those who
have misbehaved, and intrust the management of the affairs
of the Low Countries to those who are native born; and also
punish the four Almain colonels as they deserve, and disband
their regiments. The people of the Low Countries do not
wish to do anything against the authority of the King unless
they are compelled to do so through tyranny. By this open
speech his Highness will see that they do not desire anything which is inconsistent with justice, but that this must
be done without delays in order that they may know that
they are not being deceived as formerly. In the meanwhile
whilst these matters are being deliberated, the States should
spare no means to put themselves in a position of defence. |
|
Endd. Fr. Pp. 5¼. |
| Nov. |
1039. Sir John Smith's embassy into Spain. |
|
Sir John Smith's receipt for certain writings delivered to
him at his despatch into Spain, consisting chiefly of documents relating to the detention of English subjects and ships by
the Inquisition and copies of Cobham, Davison's and other
ambassadors' instructions. Signed. |
|
Endd. Pp. 1¼. |
| Nov. |
1040. George Southwick to Walsingham. |
|
Has delivered the Council's letters to the Prince of Orange's
deputies to satisfy him of the 1,800li, which those of Zealand
had of him, but can come to no order with them. Has
devised a means which would yearly yield a great sum to
those of Zealand and Holland, and also assure the safety of
her Majesty's subjects on the seas from the spoil of those of
Zealand. |
|
P. 1. |
|
1041. Memorial. |
|
Plan referred to above whereby through paying five or six
per cent. to the Estates of Holland and Zealand the English
merchants may be insured by them against any spoil of their
merchandise upon the seas. The States will not only raise
by this means large sums of money without any discommodity to the English merchant, who will recover his insurance
money upon the sale of his commodities, but the Queen's
customs will also benefit by the improved traffic which will
arise through the increased security. Signed: "George
Southaicke." |
|
Endd. Enclosure. Pp. 2½. |
| [Nov.] |
1042. "How the matter may be compounded between Her
Majesty and the Prince of Orange." |
|
The satisfaction that may breed contentment rests upon
three points:— |
|
1. The Prince to acknowledge his error in arresting her
ajesty's subjects. |
|
2. To restore to liberty her subjects now stayed in
Zealand. |
|
3. To suffer her subjects to traffic freely unspoiled. |
|
The favour to be shown by her Majesty rests on these
points:— |
|
1. In remitting that which is past. |
|
2. In releasing the ships stayed. |
|
3. In not urging her subjects' traffic into the Low Countries. |
|
4. In suffering them to have the use of her ports to be
relieved there of victuals for their money. |
|
Endd. Pp. 1¼. |
| Nov. |
1043. Requests of M. Taffin to the Privy Council. |
|
1. That all ships with their mariners belonging to Holland
and Zealand that have been arrested may be set at liberty. |
|
2. That the persons who arrested the four ships at Falmouth
may be held responsible for all loss and damage that they may
have sustained thereby. |
|
3. That commissioners may be appointed to settle all
grievances between the Queen's subjects and those of Holland
and Zealand. |
|
4. Answer of the Privy Council in the margin to the
effect that the first article shall be referred to the judge of
the Admiralty, who will cause justice to be done, and the
second and third articles shall be referred to commissioners to
be chosen on both sides. |
|
Endd. Fr. P. 1. |
|
1044. Translation of the above with copy of letter of credence in
French for the bearer who has been chosen by the Queen to
accompany him. |
|
Endd. Pp. 1½. |
| Nov. |
1045. Petition of the Merchants of Ipswich. |
|
Desires that Mons. Taffin may not depart the realm until
all things be performed according to the order taken by certain
merchants in London between them and the said Taffin for
their goods taken by the Flushingers. |
|
Endd. P. 1. |
| [Nov.] |
1046. M. Taffin to the Lords of the Council. |
|
Made no difficulty in agreeing with the merchants of
Ipswich to remain in England until the first third of the
recompense for the seizure of their goods was paid. Since then,
however, the cloth belonging to them has been sold, and the
loan of 25,000 florins promised by the Merchant Adventurers
refused, and besides very great expenses incurred by the siege
of the citadel of Ghent. As his presence is very necessary
for the Estates and the Prince of Orange, he begs that he may
have license to depart. |
|
Copy. Endd. Fr. P. 1. |
| [Nov.] |
1047. Memorial for Walsingham. |
|
Desiring that the Council will write to the Prince of Orange
in behalf of certain English merchants whose goods have been
seized at sea on the passage to England by the Flushingers,
and though they proved that the merchandise belonged
actually to them, yet the Admiralty of Zealand declared it
good prize because they had not struck their sails to the
Prince's ship in accordance with an ordnance of the late
Emperor Charles. |
|
Copy. Endd. Fr. P. 1. |
| Nov. |
1048. [Privy Council] to the Prince of Orange. |
|
He has been informed since the beginning what was the
will of her Majesty touching the affair of the merchants of
Ipswich, namely, to restore their cloths taken by those of
Flushing. For by the arrest of a number of English vessels,
even of those of the Merchant Adventurers going and returning
from Antwerp, the contract and agreement made with the
said merchants was entirely broken. Besides those of Ipswich
understanding that her Majesty had a promise that her subjects should not be molested, had no hesitation in taking
their goods into Flanders, notwithstanding which they were
captured by some vessels of war of Zealand. The Queen
would have been justified in giving them letters of marque,
but Jacques Taffin has remonstrated with her and assured her
that the merchants shall receive full satisfaction. Cannot
allow that the four ships stayed at Falmouth should be
assigned to them in compensation. Trusts that the Prince
will do all he can to restrain those of Zealand, and they for
their parts will use all endeavours to preserve him in the good
graces of the Queen. |
|
Copy. Endd., 1576. Fr. Pp. 1¼. |
