|
|
Beginning
of Feb.
(Recd. Feb. 5.)
K. d. L. x.
264.
|
620. ADVERTISEMENTS from ANTWERP.
On Wednesday, 29 January, 800 Albanese horse for Don John
entered Namur, and the next day 8,000 Spaniards, footmen. On
Friday, the 31st, they were in arms at daybreak ; about eight
o'clock they set upon the Frenchmen and overthrew them, and
immediately pursued the Scots, to whom Colonel 'Baffourde' sent
certain forlorn hope, which the bands of 'lances of ordinance'
for the States drove back again to their 'battle.' Whereupon the
Spaniards charged, with only 500 horse and 2,000 foot, and our
lances, seeing that, ran quite through the Scots and overthrew
them (where Colonel 'Bafford' was most cruelly slain), and fled
incontinently, except one band, that presently went over to the
enemy.
The 'Rutters' were charged, who were nearly 400, with a company
of Scots on horseback. Some say that they slew at least 200
of them ; others that they hardly awaited the charge, but fled
at once. The main battle, which was the regiment of Count
Bossu and M. 'Le' Champagny, seeing this, began to break.
It is said that four or five ensigns of the regiment of Freese,
which had been before Mondragon's regiment, turned to the
enemy, so that in like sort they were mostly put to the sword.
Meantime the regiments of Count La Marche and M. de
Montigny, who had the vanguard, passed a wood and marched
toward Geblours, where, being beside the town, the enemy came
to charge them. Seeing that they had got into an orchard, where
they meant to defend themselves, he divided his force into two,
in order to cut them off from the town ; whereupon M. de Montigny,
being on horseback, fled into the town, where M. 'Le Gonaye'
also was. Those of the town shut the gates and would not allow
the soldiers to come in, and the enemy slew many. Whereupon
the ensigns and leaders went to the other gate, hoping to get in
there, but were also refused. The captains desired that they would
cast a line over the wall and by that means save their ensigns and
let themselves be put to the sword ; whereupon the enemy came
in on every side and used their accustomed cruelty.
Endd. by Burghley's Secretary. 1 p. [Ibid. V. 33.]
|
|
Feb. 1.
|
620 bis. HODDESDON to BURGHLEY.
In my letter dated the 23rd ult. I sent both the articles of the
new league between the great Turk and the King of Poland and
those of the peace between the King and the town of Dantzic.
As I think he will bend all his force, with the aid of the King
of 'Crymonya' and the King of 'the Swethens,' against the
Muscovite ; the 'platt' whereof, as it seems to me, somewhat
shows itself in the articles between the Turk and the King of
Poland.
I also sent occurrents as I had from Rome and Venice ;
[summary follows, including 'that a nobleman in Turkey is
revolted, and joined in force with the Sophia'].
Since then I have received other occurrents, both from Rome
and Venice, with which I make bold to trouble you.—Hamburg,
1 Feb. 1577.
Occurrents—From Rome, 14 Dec. 1577.
The Pope has lately resolved to assist Don John with money
according to the ability of the Romish Church. As the Spaniards
here give out, the Duchess of Parma settles herself daily to the
journey and has received 100,000 crowns for the charges of herself
and the prince, her son. He will present to the Low Countries
the sword, the Duchess the olive, one or other of which the
said land has to choose, and with due consideration to take
what may most tend to the benefit of land and people.
From Spain comes confirmation of the 'party' concluded with
the Genoese for five millions, a good sum of which is already
made by exchange into Italy, and so into the Low Countries ;
also that four galleys, with 700,000 crowns from Spain to be
used against the Low Countries, are waiting at Genoa. To the
same use is appointed no small sum from the kingdom of Naples,
besides 1,500 Spaniards in readiness. So that although little
credit has hitherto been given to such speeches, the Low Countries
will have enough to do, and 'behove' to look well about them.
The Pope has sent the Count of Pepoli as ambassador to Spain.
He, with his folks, 'were [sic] well embarked by Barcelona,' but
there has been no news of him for a long time ; which makes
the Pope and his Court to be much in doubt that he is either
drowned or fallen into the hands of Turkish corsairs, and therefore
very pensive and sorrowful.
There has been for some time an English gentleman here who
gives himself out to be a duke banished by the Queen. He is
determined presently to embark with 600 well-furnished soldiers
in a Spanish 'galliantyno,' for Civita Vecchia, and so from thence
at his own adventure to fall upon England and there to make
an 'uproar' ; and 'by such pretence' it appears he has some
understanding of that country.
—From Venice, 20 Dec.
Count Honorio Scoti is here, who it is said will follow the Prince
of Parma with many soldiers from Italy.
This evening, about 7 o'clock, a terrible fire began here in the
Duke's Palace, which has, so far as is yet known, wholly consumed
many goodly buildings, costly painted work, the Duke's tribunal,
and more else.
Add. Endd. 2 pp. [Hanse Towns I. 28.]
|
Feb. 1.
K. d. L. x.
266.
|
621. DAVISON to WALSINGHAM.
That which I most feared is now come to pass, namely, a defeat
of the States' camp ; which happened yesterday, as they were
retiring towards Geblours. The manner I send you herewith, as
I receive it from divers of the soldiers escaped, especially from
one Sutton, that I kept there, who has set it down at some length.
We here are not a little distracted with this chance, and the
Prince himself not yet resolved what to do ; but outwardly they
seem to have good courage. It is no time now to dally, if their
friends mean to do anything for them.—Brussels, 1 Feb. 1577.
Draft. Endd. 12 lines. [Ibid. V. 34.]
|
|
Feb. 2.
|
622. LAURENCE TOMSON to DAVISON.
My master has been very ill at ease all to-day, and wishes me,
by reason of his indisposition, to acquaint you with the present
state of things. He chooses this way rather than any express
courier, in order that the States should not expect better things
at your hands than these days will yield. You need not tell them
that you have received anything but from a private friend of
yours.
So it is, that of late such as incline more to the faction of Spain
than to her Majesty's safety and the quiet estate of the realm, have
persuaded her that she cannot in honour do anything to help the
States, either with men or money, till she hear some answers from
the King and Don John ; notwithstanding her promise to the
Marquis and to them. This has wrought such a coldness in her to
their demand, that she can hardly be moved from that Spanish
persuasion. It is true that letters for the musters are already
sent out a fortnight ago to all the shires that lie furthest off, so
that the men are in good forwardness to be ready to march at an
hour's warning ; only the shot that are to be levied round London
are not yet provided for, but that is quickly dispatched.
M. de Famars was sent for after his first audience, and asked
two questions, one touching a landing-place, the other as to the
entertainment of our soldiers ; for the sole purpose of delay. Her
Majesty does not, however, mean to abandon them, though all
this is wrought by such as would the contrary faction should
prevail more than is for the good of this state. She foresees this
sufficiently, and would most gladly take the course most to her
honour.
Mr. Wilkes's letters from Spain arrived yesterday, and he says
that there was never fairer weather made to the English nation in
Spain than there is at present ; yet all the mouths of Spain are
full of the aid which the Queen of England is sending to the Low
Countries against Don John. Some think the Spaniard does it
for fear ; 'I think otherwise, and we had never more need to take
heed, tum enim maxime fallunt cum id agunt ut viri boni esse
videantur. It is not possible he can soundly mind me good that
is persuaded I go about to do him harm ; but such is the simplicity
of merchants' wit, and seeing they will not learn the art of the
fowler, if they fall into the pit together, it makes no matter.'
The poor man Southacke, whose matter has been recommended
to you by some of my Lords, again begs you to remember him.
His loss has been great, and has brought him so low that in baser
state he can hardly be. It would serve the attaining of his
demands if his case could be joined with the companies'. I
beseech you let him taste of your favour herein.—Hampton Court,
2 Feb. 1577.
Add. 1¼ pp. [Ibid. V. 35.]
|
Feb. 3.
K. d. L. x.
269.
|
623. DAVISON to the SECRETARIES.
The news of the defeat of the States camp have not continued
with the vehemence they were first reported ; for though their
whole forces were broken and dispersed, the number of slain is
estimated under 2,000. The Scots and French sustained the
greatest fury of the enemy, behaving so valiantly that if they had
not been put out of order by the States' own horsemen, who, in
flying, broke in pele-mele among them, it is thought the enemy
would have bought the victory more dearly than he did.
The fight began with the French between eight and nine a.m.,
whom the Scots succouring maintained the skirmish a long while ;
but both were defeated, and the enemy followed the chase up to
the walls of Geblours, where Gognies, Montigny and others having
entered with 16 or 17 companies of the main battle, the rest that
came after them and could not get in were charged by the enemy,
and great part of them put to the sword. Their ordnance and
munitions were, for the most part, safe in the town, which the
enemy environed that day, and next day assaulted with some loss ;
but the town being hardly defensible, and their men not likely
to hold it long, they look every hour for ill news. Besides the
ordnance and munitions from the camp, there are in the town
200,000 florins, sent a night or two before to pay their army, the
loss of which they think more important than of the town itself.
Without this let, it is thought he had presented himself next day
before the walls of Brussels ; where the astonishment was so great
that if the Prince had not been there and shown much wisdom,
there had fallen out some notable alteration. But sending immediately
to Ghent for 10 ensigns, and to Venlo to Count 'Holloque'
to come with his regiments, and also causing all the companies
that lay dispersed in the country with those that remained of the
camp, to repair to Brussels, he has so provided that the enemy,
with the forces he has, can do little to it. The fortifications are
in a manner finished, and outside they have made a great trench,
to be made by such forces as they have over and above the 4,000
[In draft : the charge of whom with the town is committed
to Count Bossu, the only man of the nobility capable thereof]
under Count Bossu, who, with the burgesses, are to defend the
town, where they are now resolute to spend the last drop of their
blood in defence of their cause. After this victory we expect the
revolt of Louvain, Tillemont, and other indefensible towns, though
the States have garrisons in them. Mechlin, which has refused
to receive a garrison at the appointment of the States, is much
doubted. All this would have been prevented if the States
had followed the advice of the Prince in time. He never hoped
for better fruit of the ill-government of their camp and confusion
in their other affairs ; but now they have found their faults, it is
hoped they will reform.
The Prince, who is still at Brussels, is looked for here every
day, together with the Governor and States, who have determined
to reside here. Meanwhile the people are very 'jealous' of the
Prince's stay here, as the man upon whom, under God, they have
reposed their hope, and who will give the enemy his hands full ;
the rather if her Majesty will carry out her promise to assist them,
which should be done with speed, if at all.—Antwerp, 3 Feb. 1577.
P.S.—Even now we have news of the yielding of Geblours by
the States' men, their leaders remaining prisoners, themselves to
depart unarmed, taking oath not to serve against the King ; and
those that will serve Don John to have entertainment.
Add. Endd. 1¼ pp. [Ibid. V. 36.]
|
|
624. Draft of the above. 1½ pp. [Ibid. V. 36A.]
|
|
Feb. 3.
|
625. NEWS of the BATTLE OF GEMBLOURS.
On Tuesday morning, the 3rd of February [sic : but it was the
4th], Captain Leighton arrived at the Court at Hampton Court,
and early the same morning, at three a.m., came Edward Whitchurch
in post, with news of the overthrow of the States' whole
camp by Namur, by Don John's forces. In the afternoon Mr.
Secretary Walsingham was sent to London by her Majesty, to
assemble as many of her Council as were there at the Lord Keeper's
house next morning. But next morning early a countermand was
sent, that they should repair hither to Court ; and so on Wednesday
there arrived the Lord Keeper, the Lord Treasurer, the Lord
Admiral, Sir Walter Mildmay, and Sir Francis Walsingham, and
met in Council about four in the afternoon. Nothing was resolved
but to dispatch Mr. Leighton again to inform himself of the state
of things there since the overthrow, and such other circumstances
as appear from his instructions. Captain Leighton came from
the States Jan. 29th, and the overthrow was given the 30th. In
company with him came Mr. Beale, returning from his ambassage
out of Germany, where he has not fruitlessly laboured in her
Majesty's name, as may appear from the letters of Dathenus and
Languet, and others. Mr. Daniel Rogers also returned from
thence not four days before, and with him Dr. Beutrich, counsellor
to Duke Casimir.
Note in the writing of L. Tomson. ¾ p. [For. E.B. Misc. II.]
|
|
Feb. 3.
|
626. DAVISON to BURGHLEY.
I left to the report of Whitchurch as much as I could at his
departure write about the defeat of the States' camp, the news of
which has not been followed with the same vehemence as it was
first reported. Remainder identical with No. 620.
Add. Endd. (4 Feb.). 1½ pp. [Holl. and Fland. V. 37.]
|
Feb. 3.
K. d. L. x.
270.
|
627. DAVISON to WALSINGHAM.
The Scots and French, with certain companies of Walloons,
under Montigny, brother to Count Lalaing, sustained the
greatest fury of the enemy, being the rearguard ; of whom,
save the French, the greatest part are escaped, and Balfour
himself, with others, come to Brussels. Of the vanguard,
16 or 17 ensigns entered Geblour with M. de Goignies,
Marshal of the camp, who is blamed for the mishap ; and Montigny,
a young gentleman of great expectation. They have munitions
and victuals enough to hold out for 40 or 50 days, and so long
they reckon to defend it, though it will be hard for the States to
raise the siege if the enemy collect all his forces, being so strong
as he is in cavalry. It is the opinion of sundry of good judgement
that if he had pursued his fortune and appeared next day before
Brussels, as he might, with his horsemen, have occupied the
passages above the town, he had put matters in great hazard.
Now, however, they have recovered courage and time to prepare
for the worst. The Prince, who will be there two or three days
more, showed wonderful resolution, riding up and down to survey
every corner, and to provide where there was need. Without his
stay, I doubt things would have grown to a marvellous confusion.
There arrived four companies of Gauntoys on Sunday night, to
be followed by four or six more to-morrow, besides Count
Holloque's regiment that was before Ruremonde ; with others.
But nothing gives them greater courage than the hope of the
speedy arrival of our succours.
Count Bossu, with his forces, remains at Brussels ; a man much
fitter to take charge than Count Lalaing, who is sent to his
government.—Antwerp, 3 Feb. 1577.
Draft. Endd. 1 p. [Ibid. V. 38.]
|
Feb. 4.
K. d. L. x.
272.
|
628. DAVISON to LEICESTER.
[Same information as in above letter.]
Draft. Endd. 1¼ pp. [Ibid. V. 39.]
|
|
Feb. 4.
|
629. POULET to WALSINGHAM.
Please permit this bearer to be the next messenger to me, if
you conveniently can, because I cannot well spare him from service
here. If you have promised another, I have desired him to return
by Rye. As you have now a companion in your charge, I do not
know if you will think good that I should from time to time send
you copies of my letters to the Queen. I ask your instructions.
Please promise the allowance of this bill enclosed.—Paris, 4 Feb.
1577.
Add. Endd. ⅓ p. [France II. 10.]
|
|
Feb. 4.
|
630. POULET to the SECRETARIES.
You will hear of my late conferences with the King, Queen
Mother, and the Lords of the Council, from my letters to her
Majesty, sent herewith. These few lines are only to let you know
that the party mentioned in my last as bringing letters to me from
Duke Casimir and Mr. Rogers is a very dangerous and pernicious
fellow ; and it is much misliked of men of good judgement that
he has so much credit with Duke Casimir.
Nothing is omitted here to content those of the religion, men
of credit being sent into the provinces to settle all things according
to the Edict, and the messengers sent lately from Bordeaux to
request permission for their brotherhoods, associations, and such
like, are dispatched with a flat answer that the King has no doubt
of the due obedience of those of the religion, and will look to be
no less obeyed of the Catholics, and therefore has commanded
them to leave those confederacies and to live together as becomes
countrymen and subjects of one prince. I thank God that we
Englishmen cannot dissemble so cunningly.
It is said that the King of Spain has sent sundry messengers to
the Turk, and is in good hope to make peace with him ; and that
he has lately embarked many companies of foot at Barcelona, to
supply the place of those at Naples and Milan, who are being sent
into the Low Countries. It is also said that he is preparing a great
number of ships and galleys, which will not be ready till next
spring. It is confirmed that Thomas Stukeley has gone to sea,
with 900 men ; but it is said that he is gone for some exploit in
some part of Italy, in the service of the King of Spain.—Paris,
4 Feb. 1577.
Add. Endd. twice. 1 p. [Ibid. II. 11.]
|
|
Feb. 5.
|
631. The EMPEROR to the ESTATES of the LOW COUNTRIES.
Your letter of January 8 reached us at the beginning of this
present month, in which you profess the same devotion to the King
of Spain as in your former letters. We have always expected
of you that you would never be of any other mind than that the
Catholic religion and the authority of the King should be maintained
in the provinces. We are all the more pleased by your
declaration, as we have less doubt that you will not recede from
that intention. We are above all desirous to soften the King's
heart and reconcile him to you, to which end we are writing to
our Ambassador residing with him by a nobleman of our Court,
who we have dispatched on a far journey to Spain, bidding him
use all his efforts in that matter ; laying your letter before the
King, and praying him to agree to setting on foot further friendly
negotiations. And whereas, knowing the evils of war, and that
safety is in peace, and you seem to await such negotiations, we will
promote the matter to the best of our power. To this end we
propose to appoint as our Commissioners those whom we named
in our former letter. Gerard Bishop of Liége, William Duke of
Juliers, Philip Baron of Wynenberg, President of our Council,
and Otto Henry Count of Schwarzenberg, Marshal of our Court,
who is already with you. But whereas your letters testify that
those persons who, with the exception of Count Schwarzenberg,
negotiated the former peace (which, to our great regret, did not
endure), acted with all honesty, and we were persuaded that it
would be agreeable to you if they officiated again, so we feel sure
you will provide that those Commissioners shall be able in all
security to attend to the negotiation in question, and that when
the negotiations take place you will carry into action the same
desire for peace and the same affection towards the King and the
Catholic religion which you now profess, and show that you lack
nothing to bring it to good effect. That you will do this is our
often-repeated paternal exhortation and request, for thus will you
do the best for your wives, your children, and your country, and
give us least cause to repent of the care we have taken for your
safety, for the public tranquillity, and for the performance of our
own Imperial duty.
As concerns the military tribunes, or colonels, who were imprisoned,
we are glad to learn that George Frinsberg has been
set at liberty ; but seeing that anything which Charles Fugger
has done contrary to your expectation he must be considered as
having done in pursuance of his oath to the King whose pay he
took, we request that you will be pleased to deal leniently with
him, being also a vassal of the Empire, and release him from the
bonds in which he has now lain so long, that even if there may
have been reasons for his imprisonment, the duration of it should
be considered. We trust to your fairness and to your regard for
us and the Holy Empire, to do this, and, moreover, we hear that
the King is much offended at the detention of the Colonels, and
their release will be good evidence of the respect you profess to
him.—Vienna, 5 Feb. 1578. (Received Feb. 27.)
Copy. Endd. by Davison and Wilson. Latin. 3 pp. [Holl.
and Fland. V. 40.]
|
|
Feb. 5.
|
632. DECLARATION by the ARCHDUKE and the ESTATES.
His Highness and the Council, together with the Estates-General,
having heard the report of the conference with the Baron de
Selles who has come from the King, declare : that in the long
absence of his Majesty his subjects in these countries have endured
great insolence and oppression from the Spaniards, and yet have
up to now remained loyal, and have refused all aid from foreign
princes. Nor would they now desire it, were they not constrained
by an unnecessary war arbitrarily forced upon them by Don John ;
whom, if his Majesty persist in supporting, as so far he appears
to do, the Estates will be grieved to the heart at being oppressed
by his Majesty, whom they desire to serve in all fidelity, and will
be forced to pray God and any friends they may find in the world
to stand by them. If he will recall Don John and put an end to
the war, they will uphold his lawful authority and the Catholic
religion, according to the terms of the Pacification of Ghent, notwithstanding
the calumnies of Don John's adherents, who are the
cause of all disorders past and future. They pray the Baron de
Selles to advertise the King of their good affection, and of what
has passed at the conference, promising that he may, if he pleases,
go to Don John without hindrance to perform the charge he has
from his Majesty. And his Highness on his part declares that
he is come with no other intention than in all sincerity to serve
his Majesty, to maintain the subjects in their ancient privileges,
and to preserve the country to his Majesty, his posterity, and the
house of Austria.
Copy. Endd. by Wilson : The Estates' declaration of their
fidelity upon Baron de Selles coming to them, 5 Feb. 1577. Fr.
1 p. [Ibid. V. 41.]
|
|
633. Another copy. 1½ pp. [Ibid. V. 41A.]
|
Feb. 6.
K. d. L. x.
274.
|
634. CAPTAIN LEIGHTON'S INSTRUCTIONS.
A memorial for Thomas Leighton, Esquire, presently sent to the
States and to the Prince of Orange.
After delivering your letters of credence, you shall let them
understand that her Majesty learning the late overthrow of their
camp, for which she is heartily sorry, thought it meet to send you
to ascertain their present state, and to confer with them what way
is to be taken ; assuring them that if her Majesty see some better
likelihood of good agreement among them, she will not abandon
them, having forces now ready for their assistance. The only
cause that has made her delay sending those forces was the knowledge
she received from thence of the mislike of them conceived
by Count Lalaing and others, and also of the misliking that she
heard to be between Count Lalaing and the States, whereof she
saw that mischief like to follow which has happened. Another
cause of delay, you may say, was the advertisements her Majesty
received from Germany, that some of the States had combined with
the French, while others had secret intelligence with Don John,
and that no levy of reiters was being made for the States ; which
kind of dealing being not so sincere as she looked for, gave her
cause for some deliberation.
You shall ascertain the cause of this last overthrow of their
camp, what practices were used to the defeat of it, in whom there
was any treason toward the States, and what corruption by money
or promises has been devised to the division of the camp, by any
of the contrary part ; what persons of quality are slain, who
remain, and how they are at present.
Also the state of the country, how the people are affected, what
preparations are on foot to repair the losses, what towns are best
to be trusted, and whether any are revolted or 'in doubt to revolt.'
In what state Don John's camp is after this victory, where he
is, who of the country resort to him ; who of the nobility are suspected ;
if any have gone from the States to him of late ; what
strangers are come to him since this last defeat ; what power of
resistance the States will have hereafter. And, in case there be
any dealing by the States or Prince by way of speech for men and
money, what assurance the Queen is to have for her people to be
well used if they are sent over, and what caution she may have
for the money lent by credit, considering the weak state in which
it is supposed they now stand ; what support they now demand,
and when and where they think her Majesty's forces shall best
have their resting, upon any retiring for their safety, if any power
be sent over :
What power of Frenchmen are with the enemy, and what aid
he has from other countries, and from whom.
For other particulars her Majesty is pleased you shall use your
own judgement.
Draft. Endd. by L. Tomson. 2½ pp. [Ibid. V. 42.]
|
|
635. Another copy of the same. Note : Mr. Leighton was
dispatched the 7th February. [For. E.B. Misc. II.]
|
Feb. 6.
K. d. L. x.
276.
|
636. DAVISON to WALSINGHAM.
The surrender of Geblours is, as I feared in my last, followed
by the revolt of Louvain, which the enemy entered yesterday
morning, certain companies of Scots, who had retired thither
after the defeat, being constrained to abandon the town. Mechlin
has now received 700 or 800 burghers sent last night from
this town, and Lyon 300 or 400, who will be reinforced with
all expedition. At Villevorde, on the road between Brussels and
this town, there entered yesterday a garrison of 400, and the like
at Dendermonde on the 'Schielde.' Here we look every hour
for Count Hollocque and his companies from Ruremonde. So the
Prince, to whom the States have now in a manner given the
charge of dictator, forgets nothing that a wise captain should
look to in such extremity.
The thing that now most troubles them here is the uncertainty
of our succours ; wherein of her Majesty should now disappoint
them it would, in the judgement of the wisest, cause some dangerous
alteration.
They are gathering part of their forces around Brussels, where
they are now out of fear, and meanwhile levy new forces in
Flanders, Artois, Hainault, and elsewhere. New forces are said
to be marching to the enemy from France.—Antwerp, 6 Feb.
1577.
P.S.—The Governor and the Prince arrived here last night.
To-day we expect the States-General ; and this morning there is
news that Amsterdam has surrendered to the Prince, whose presence
so comforts the people that they seem out of all doubt so
long as he is well.
Draft. Endd. 1 p. [Holl. and Fland. V. 43.]
|
Feb. 7.
K. d. L. x.
276.
|
637. DAVISON to WALSINGHAM.
Since the taking of Geblours and revolt of Louvain we hear
of nothing of importance attempted by the enemy, except that he
marched towards Philippeville and Bovines in the county of
Namur, where the States have garrisons, both hardly defensible
against such a force as he has. It is thought he will attempt
then, leaving the siege of Brussels or any other place of special
importance, not being in case to assail any great town till all
his forces come together. Meantime they provide so that he shall
find no want of difficulties. At Brussels there are about 4,000
soldiers besides the burgesses, with great store of munitions,
powder, victuals, and all other necessaries. At Mechlin they have
received two ensigns of Scots, besides the burghers sent from this
town, who, on the entry of other companies, are to return hither.
At Lyre the Prince has placed one Cromwell, an English captain,
with two companies, and sends others from Count Holloque's
men. To make head against the enemy in the field they have
sent for the 5,000 reiters so long since resolved on, with 3,000
more ; for whose 'waregelt' and pay they are making all the
money they can. The four members of Flanders, besides their
quota of the 600,000 florins per month to be levied on the whole
country, offer to fill up the garrison of Termonde and maintain
30 ensigns of foot and 500 horse. Those of Artois make as frank
an offer, and generally the whole country is determined to do
what the Prince and Estates think necessary for the success of
their cause ; so that the defeat seems to have done more good
than hurt. They refer to the Prince in all things, shaking off
the diffidence and jealousy which were wont to cumber their
affairs. It was thought that the defeat would have been followed
by the revolt of some of the chief men ; but they never showed
greater appearance of unity than now. If it continue their
enemy will find his enterprise more difficult than his victory over
the Turk. The money which was thought to be in Geblour was
by good hap on the way there, and is brought back to Brussels.
About that town they have burnt the "fauburgs" and trees in
a certain compass, and the like at Mechlin. The Prince has
begun a fort at Villebrook.
Draft. Endd : 3 February [but not before 6th], to Mr. Secre,
Walsingham, 1 p. [Ibid. V. 44.]
|
638. A. MOLKEMAN to DAVISON.
Though I have nothing of importance to write to you, I thought
I would send a line to let you know that I have heard from Mre
Cornille van der Straeten and others that there is here an English
or Scotch prisoner, named, as I hear, John Hamilton ; who once
wanted to betray the Queen of England. You have certainly
heard speak of him. There is nothing else here, save that the
burghers are in good heart, and working hard to finish the fortifications.
—Brussels, 9 Jan. 1578.
Add. Fr. ½ p. [The writer appears to have been one of
Davison's clerks ; the handwriting being the same as that of the
copies of French documents sent over by him.] [Ibid. V. 45.]
|
|
Feb. 10.
|
639. M. BERNY to POULET.
I was glad to hear from M. du Mesnil that you remember me.
With regard to his communication to me, I wish to inform you
that at Brest and Concarneau biscuits and provisions are being
made for some great embarkation ; we judged that it was for
Rochelle, though a report is spread that it is for the Indies. But
I have received information that it is for an attempt on Ireland,
at the solicitation of one called Bernaldin [sic] and of a bishop, who
have been about Spain and other countries with a papal Bull
defamatory of the Queen of England, of which I send you a copy.
In Spain they freighted a vessel belonging to le Croisic, putting
on board munitions of war, with artillery and fifty soldiers. On
the way they took and pillaged an English ship and imprisoned
the men ; and attacked another, but did not take it, because it was
French ; which was the reason that the pilots put into a Spanish
harbour, and were therefore accused by the said Bernaldin of
Lutheranism, and put into the Inquisition, whence they escaped
at night, and went on board their ship and sailed for France.
Bernaldin and the bishop [marginal note : Fitz. arrived at Croisic]
came to le Croisic to get a mitre or a cross or some other precious
things, and have gone to France ; it is thought that they are
promoting the enterprise and have intelligences in Ireland.
The Marquis [interlined in Poulet's hand : de la Roche] is
coming, with 12 ensigns and 10 or 12 guns, which he puts on the
Loire at Orleans. It is said that Crillon's and Larchant's regiments
are about starting, and that Langeray and Landrereau are
also levying in Poitou.
This is what he who was curé of Saint-André at Crevèze has
heard, and wishes to write to you, for the service he owes you and
Mr. Leighton, now in Flanders, as I hear to-day from the curé
of St. Pierre du Bois, just arrived.—From 'your' house in Britanny,
10 Feb. 1578. (Signed) : le jadis curé de St. André, celui que
connaissez. P.S.—If you have to do with the curé, do not spare
him. I think you know where he is.
Add. Endd. by Poulet : From Monsr. Berny. Fr. 1 p.
[France II. 12.]
|
