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Nov. 11.
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365. P. BEUTTERICH to D. ROGERS.
On his return from the Queen of England, Junius brought a long
story of her singular love and kindness towards my Prince, but of
an alienation of her Council and herself in regard to me. The
former was pleasant ; it would have been more so if he had brought
any present aid in our straits ; the latter I bore as became me. For
though he showed a copy of a letter from her Majesty, stating that
she would let the States have 8,000 on condition they were spent
on Casimir's reiters, yet since she did not signify the same to
Casimir, nor you to me, it was easy for me, in spite of Junius's
contrary view, to conjecture that the resulting event would be what
it was. So Junius did no good by going to England, or to Antwerp ;
and I think that if my advice, against the journey to England, had
been listened to, our affairs would have stood on a better, or at least
on no less even, a footing ; for they could not have been in a worse
place. Who is responsible for our being thrown into these straits
and calamities, you know better than anyone. I had a foreboding
that things would turn out so. It is certain that my chief was
impelled by the authority of the Queen and hers only ; the fact of
my not disagreeing confirmed him. I certainly did not advise
it ; I thought it dangerous to face the uncertain event of this
war. Hence I never had any dealings with the States, and
I declined to lay the Queen's wishes before my chief. So far is it
from being the case that, as Burghley and Wilson write, it was
negotiated with me in England, and that I held out hopes that my
chief would come if 20,000 were paid up. So you need not wonder
if I was somewhat put out by their letters, containing statements
never approved by me. I am every day expecting my memorandum
of my mission to England ; when I get it I will show clearly
that an injustice is done both to my chief and to me. Nor would it
be a bad thing, my dear Rogers, for these things to come out, since
my silence does much harm to my chief. You have seen a copy of
my letter of Sep. 6 to the Queen ; Casimir saw it before it was
sealed, and did not disapprove. Since the Queen found fault with
its plainspeaking () many Frenchmen have seen it and
not disapproved ; nor have I seen anyone, not being English, who
has disapproved it, though many have read it. If the writing was
not very elegant nor the paper very fine, that was because I wrote
it in my tent with my knees for table ; and before I had
finished some soldiers came into my tent demanding their pay, in
such a hurry that I cut short my letter in abrupt style
to do business with them. I know it is not my place to
anticipate the Queen's opinion of my letters by my own opinion or
that of others, or to measure propriety by my own standard ; but
seeing that there was not a word in it stronger than necessity
required, and the event has shown that I was a true prophet, its
frankness, devoid of scurrility, ought to have earned thanks. I
admit that I wrote frankly what I thought to Junius ; but he had
to be warned not to come back empty-handed ; yet though warned
he held out to us a vain hope. But who can justly blame me for
managing my master's affairs circumspectly, and soliciting his envoys
to look rather at things than at words, at effects than at a show of
goodwill ? I willingly acknowledge my temerity, and myself deplore
how little experience I have of great matters ; meanwhile I devote
myself to my chief's affairs as faithfully, industriously, and circumspectly
as my capacity permits. I think it equally grievous to
deceive and to be deceived, and detest both. I make all England the
judge whether my chief was not enticed into this difficult way by a
show of liberality and great promises and then openly deserted.
What I am now at work upon will prove how uncandidly I have been
dealt with, in having everything that has fallen out amiss imputed
to me alone. Hence our reiters make me out the author
of the expedition, and the English Councillors make out
that I approved it even when only 20,000 had been paid,
when neither is true. If I erred, I erred in not dissuading.
When my chief asked my advice in the garden at Lautern, I
answered that in a matter of such moment, the issue of which
might equally be harmful and helpful, and which whether done or
undone would be variously judged, I could not advise ; I begged
him again and again not to take it amiss. I would expound as a
faithful servant might do, the advantages and disadvantages of
undertaking or declining the expedition, but it behoved him to be
his own counsellor. He must consider whether his courage was
equal to the task ; he must consult his conscience ; he must weigh
the cause. His Highness himself has always testified that my
judgement was right as to aid from England, as to the Prince of
Orange, as to the event of the war, and as to the States. But I may
break off this talk, for that by the apology I am preparing all doubt
will be removed from you and all fair men. For the thing has gone
so far that what was written to save the honour of my chief
must be published ; and I wish I had you, power and your leisure.
Indeed Davison's negotiation alone forces my chief to it even
against his will ; for the calumnies formerly spread on uncertain
authority, when backed by that of the Queen will get the authority
of truth if they be not promptly met. So far I have persuaded my
chief and have been persuaded myself that that message did not come
from the Queen ; for I do not think that her Majesty, who blamed my
frankness, would tolerate abuse of my chief on the part of her envoy.
Nor is Davison content with mixing himself up in the business,
for he makes out that Walsingham was the author of the message.
I send you a copy of my master's letter to the Queen. If an answer
does not come shortly, my little work will come out. My master is
writing to you ; I beg you will do the office of solicitor on his behalf.
The affair in Burgundy was started fruitlessly ; and it is, as you
write, an artifice to foster private ambition. Whatever has been done
has been with a view to increasing Alenon's credit, which however
has been rather diminished by beginning the thing and not going
through with it. The Burgundians themselves are now laughing at
his vain efforts. But when I consider what Davison laid before my
master, I wonder that you are so solicitous for Alenon, arguing as
you do that our coming to Ghent will give him ground for fresh
irritation, and intimating that the agreement entered into between
him and the States must be strictly observed. I am the more
surprised because I saw your envoys, and her Majesty herself in a
letter, complaining that there had been any treaty with Alenon.
Thus forsooth it is held in some quarters that Casimir did not come
under the Queen's auspices ; and elsewhere that he was invited
to this war by her. You know how things are. I do not deem it
safe to write what we think about Alenon, and Orange, and the
state of the cause ; we might be mistaken and get more out of
favour. We know for certain that the stay in the meeting of the
two princes has not been through us ; we have constantly urged it
by message and letter. But Orange had reasons of policy which
prevented him from gratifying this friend and such a friend who has
so often come to his aid. Now they want Casimir to go to Antwerp,
and the Archduke has sent hither to that effect. I do not know how
it will be ; he is not inclined to go. We shall have no objection to
Dendermonde.
Languet, summoned by Casimir, arrived yesterday. The chief has
decided to avail himself of his riper counsels, and remove the opinion
very common throughout Germany, France, and the Netherlands,
that everything is governed by the advice of Beutterich only.
Though I have alone accompanied my master in this country, and
he has had no one but me to confide in, it does not therefore follow
that everything has taken place by my advice. I have no experience
in great matters. My advice would often be out of place ; and
fortunately so. Farewell. I am writing to Burghley and Wilson,
and you will no doubt see the letter.Ghent, 11 Nov. 1578.
Add. Endd. by Rogers : Reddit 25 Novemb. 1578. Latin.
3 pp. [Holl. and Fl. XI. 22.]
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Nov. 11.
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366. DUKE CASIMIR to WALSINGHAM.
I shall not make a long discourse on the cause, only too great,
which I have for writing to her Majesty, knowing that you will see
everything. Only kindly see that I have an early reply. Mr Davison
had no letter of credence nor anything from her Majesty to me, yet
the gravity of what he said to me, derogatory to my honour, called
for something of the kind. Now he says, as I understand, to clear
himself, that he said nothing to me but by your express injunction,
and he has shown your letter on the subject to the Vidame. I do
not think I ever gave you cause to hold such an opinion of me ; I
have always borne a good affection to you for the opinion there is of
your virtue and zeal for the religion. If you wrote these things by
command of her Majesty, please make it known to me ; for I do not
wish to leave my honour damaged as it is by what Davison has
written.Ghent, 11 Nov. 1578.
Apparently holograph. Add. Endd. Fr. p. [Ibid. X. 22 bis.]
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Nov. 11.
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367. JEROME DE MONCHEAUX to FRAN;OIS DE MONCHEAUX.
The miraculous victory of Arras has done good to all the towns
in the neighbourhood. News of it having reached our Court we had
letters ; first congratulatory ; presently severe, as if they had been
in too great haste to do justice ; afterwards thanks from the Duke of
Alenon and exhortations to prosecute the conspirators.
Our Walloons continue to push their affairs forward. They are
recovering from the Flemings the honour they had lost by fighting
against the Spaniards. The said Flemings would willingly make
peace, but the Walloons will not hear of it unless they repair the
churches that they have ruined and restore the clergy to their
houses with the secure and peaceable enjoyment of their goods, of
which there is no appearance. The worst thing that could befall us
would be a peace with them ; at any rate there is always hope
of the same game being played at Ghent as at Arras, so soon as the
revolted lower classes have spent all their plunder.
Your packet has been distributed as addressed. Herein I have
been much helped by M. de Blingelval [Blangerval], alias La
Bourse, who undertook the matter in his own name. He addressed
himself at once to our M. de Capres, to whom he showed the copies,
much to his satisfaction, with a letter. He was rejoiced to hear your
offer to go ; and was dissatisfied only at your not writing to him, and
at not being referred to. He said he had already done many good
offices, especially at St. Omer, with no other end in view than a
reconciliation. It is well that the magistrates are in this humour ;
and you will do well to write to him as soon as you can, and induce
the ambassador to do so and the gentlemen in your district, and
promise him all favour and kindness from our Prince. In short he
desires nothing else, and has long been waiting to be employed. You
can tell him also of the journey.
M. de Blingleval went back to his lodgings with a copy of your
letter to publish where he thinks it desirable. He will go by Douay,
where he will be sure to do good work. The lord there will do well
to write to the governor, who is said to be very well affected to him.
Nothing remains but to treat with our Catholic lords, whose only
aim is to gain credit in some town, to secure themselves, and as
a means to making their peace with the King. My lord of Arras
would do well to come back, with some small preamble. Many
people are expecting him every day, with the result that bets are
often laid about the day of his return. Being here, as he is, in
authority he could do many good offices ; in this business we have
plenty of occasion for such. Above all then make haste to send
good letters to the noblemen and governors, not forgetting Doberbien
[qy. d'Auberlieu], or de Hasty, who is well disposed, and is being
pressed to receive a company of the wrong sort, when he has purged
his own.
Your letter was laid before the magistrates, and the governor was
called in to the reading of it. I cannot learn if this was well received
or not, but it may be presumed it was, since he is carrying on the
affair in silence, and since they have returned us your letter to the
Tournay people which was enclosed, to deliver to those to whom it
pertained.
I can send you no news of your best friends but that they are
well ; nor do the negotiations going on here permit more. Please
forgive the limited information herein given. It is written from
hour to hour as the news comes in. They are still enquiring every
day into the conspiracies. At noon last Friday [Nov. 7] was
hanged one Pierre Lefebvre, tailor ; and they say that all those
convicted of having broken into the guard-house are in danger of
the like. M. Morin Fourques is imprisoned in his own house, and
cannot manage to get out though he has three or four cousins in
the law and has sent in several petitions.
If you are sent here, remember to ask for good security.
All this week the States of Artois are meeting at Arras. A commissioner
from Hainault is asking to join with them against the
Flemings, which will probably take place. Those of Hainault have
separated from the States General and recalled their deputies there.
As it was they who began that union, they want to meet their fault
by beginning the disruption.From your house. Martinmas.
Copy, apparently made for Poulet. Endd. (?) by one of his clerks :
A Franois de Moncheaux de la part de Jrome de Moncheaux : and
dated by L. Tomson, by whom there are marginal notes. Walsingham's
mark. Fr. 2 pp. [Holl. and Fl. X. 23.]
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Nov. 12.
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368. PARDIEU DE LA MOTTE to the GOVERNOR, etc., of DUNKIRK.
Seeing the near approach of circumstances tending, as I think, to
your disadvantage, I would not omit to write and offer you what is
in my power, if you have need of it. You may assure yourselves
that you shall be aided and accommodated whenever you require it,
provided that I maintain my obligations, to wit, my faith toward the
Roman Catholic Church, my allegiance to my natural prince, and all
privileges. I am furnished not only with plenty of men and
munitions, but also with a good sum of money which his Majesty
has sent me to succour those who need it. As neighbours, you know
how I have behaved, notwithstanding the small reason that has been
given me in the various calumnies and attacks that have been made
on me. Yet for the desire I had to justify my actions, I have endured
all patiently, in the hope that the truth would in course of time
bring a change of opinion. And I can assure you that I have
several times been requested and solicited to take another line than
I have done ; to all which I have not chosen to listen, nor will I, if
you desire it. I shall be very glad to show you the good will I have
to do you faithful service ; hoping that by this bearer I may hear
what you intend.12 Nov. 1578.
Note in Davison's hand, in French : The like of this was written to
Borborch, St. Winocsberg, and other neighbouring towns.
Copy. Endd. Fr. p. [Holl. and Fl. X. 24.]
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Nov. 12.
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369. WALSINGHAM to DAVISON.
As I was closing my other letter, I received your packet sent by
your servant Burnet. I hoped it would have been dated from
Ghent, whereby her Majesty might have received some satisfaction
of the mislike she has conceived of your long deferring to repair
thither. I will do what I may to salve the matter.
Touching the letters you thought should be sent to Casimir and
the 'Gantoyse,' I forbore to move her Majesty, for I fear she would
have caused them to be written in so hard and sharp terms as would
rather breed contempt than redress. I hope the good counsel that
both he and they will receive from you in her name will take good
effect ; you may deliver it either in sharp or in sweet terms as you
may see meet. 'Butrecke' should be roundly dealt with ; he will
be the ruin of that gentleman his master, who otherwise might
prove an instrument of good in God's Church. By the said
Beutrich's lewd advice there is a practice entertained with
Chtillon in Languedoc to divide the Churches in that province
from the rest of the Churches in France, and to draw them to put
themselves under Duke Casimir's protection, dissuading them from
relying on the King of Navarre as a light and inconstant man.
This good fellow with these villanous practices will prove a very
firebrand of contention ; you will do well to lay him open to the
honest and righteous sort of the Gantois. If they would be
persuaded to lay him up with the rest of the prisoners, they would
profit themselves, the cause, and his master. I suppose that if some
of the burghers of Ghent were well dealt with they might be drawn
to attempt the matter.
If you do not find Duke Casimir conformable to do what may be
for the common good, and consequently to her Majesty's satisfaction,
you need not press the States to pay him the 60,000 guilders ; for I
assure you that seeing the course he takes, she is sorry that she ever
brought him into the country. To remove the opinion that she
favours his disorderly proceedings, you can give out copies of such
speeches as you make to him and to the Gantois in her name ; which
you may have translated into Flemish that they may be dispersed
among the vulgar people. You will do well in them to lay the fault
on Beutrich and excuse the Duke ; and touching the Gantois,
charge the chiefs and excuse the people. It is hard to prescribe here
what should be done there, or to set down a form of speech, or who
are to be dealt with ; for new accidents require new counsels. I
doubt not of your sufficiency, or care to do what may be best for her
Majesty's service and the good of those countries in their perplexed
state ; which I fear will make us grow cold in assisting them, from
despair of their well-doing. I doubt their request for a bond for 30,000
guilders will not take effect as I wish, unless there fall out some
repair of their broken state. And so I commit you to God, being at
present greatly cumbered with the affairs of Ireland, in seeking to
make it less chargeable to this Crown.Richmond, 12 Nov. 1578.
Holograph. Add. Endd. 3 pp. [Holl. and Fl. IX. 25.]
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Nov. 12.
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370. WALTER TRAVERS to DAVISON.
I will acknowledge that for your favour to me I owe you all good
wishes and offices. The service in respect to letters, concerning
which you gave me order when you were going I have by no means
neglected. In your private affairs nothing new has happened since
your departure, for God is guarding your whole household with His
wonted goodness. From the army come rumours of an action
between some of our men and the enemy's light horse, but so
various that I do not dare to write them ; especially as I expect your
clerk Raymond has written a full account in the letter which goes
with these to you.
Everyone here is looking for news of affairs at Ghent, the right
management or otherwise of which many declare is of the greatest
import to this State. I see that many, not of the commons only,
but men of great authority, approve the settlement of the matter by
legal conditions, and do not object even to the restoration of Popery
so that civil war be avoided. They contend that the less of two
evils should be chosen, and that the most unjust peace is better than
the most just war. They add all the arguments possible usual to
adduce for this kind of opinion, about the benefits of peace,
especially the repulse of the common enemy and the propagation of
religion throughout the provinces, as well as about the wretched consequences
of civil war, fire and sword, brothers armed for mutual
slaughter and so forth. But good men and prudent as these are,
and haters of Popery, others differ from them. They have no less
abhorrence of civil war and its calamities nor are they less prepared
to embrace the sweet name of peace, to greet whatever may
reconcile citizens to citizens, and spread God's gospel and kingdom. If
their duty, their faith, their religion allowed they would refuse no
reasoning which pertained to peace. But if anything is to be done
contrary to the sanctity of religion or honesty of living, one need
not indeed wage war against those who order it, but one must obey
God rather than men. For the argument of the others about an
unjust peace and the avoiding of the greater evil confirms this
opinion ; seeing that the word was 'unjust,' i.e. based on inconvenient
and unfair reasons, not 'dishonourable' ; and no evil can be
greater than sin.
This reasoning being so honest that no man who would even
pretend piety can disagree with it, they devise another, saying that
the Gantois will not only do nothing wrong if they re-admit Popery,
but will even commit a breach of duty if they do not ; for religion is
a matter of persuasion, not compulsion. Besides, the magistrates
were simply subordinates. By way of answer the other side point
out that magistrates have been commanded not to suffer their
citizens to pollute themselves with idolatry and profane the worship
of God with superstitions ; and so not to permit anything
to be done that is forbidden in God's law, or to
be left undone that is enjoined therein. That relying on
this command those heroes of old, Hezekiah, Josiah, Asa,
Jehoshaphat, and many others, purged their kingdoms of all such
foulness ; Asa even making it a capital crime if anyone obstinately
abhorred the true worship of God. The same has in our own time
been done, to their great praise, by the pious princes of England,
Germany, and other countries ; and that by the same arguments and
examples that we have mentioned above, and under a persuasion of
the certain peril of an overthrow to true religion if any freedom
were allowed to error and superstition, until they could by friendly
persuasion and advice be drawn from impure dogmas and ceremonies.
For thus they foresaw that a flood of Arians, Anabaptists, and other
heretics would invade the Church and put it in certain hazard, as
has been the case where such counsels have been followed.
The other point was that of the authority of subordinate magistrates ;
which they meet by saying that in a state the administration
of the whole is common to the inferior magistrates with the highest ;
so that if a city commit any crime by command of the chief magistrates
not only they will bear the guilt of it, but also those who hold
any subordinate authority in the towns or in the state. As for
example, if those in supreme power were to order any town to
establish public brothels, or to commit acts of violence against
innocent persons or robbery against their neighbours, they say
that it would not be lawful for the local authorities to permit
those of their city to obey such wicked orders unless they wanted to
bind themselves to fellowship in such crimes ; but their duty as
honest men would be to point out that their faith was pledged to
their fellow-citizens by their oath and by virtue of the office imposed
on them by God, and that they could not bear to render themselves
and their whole city obnoxious to such a crime. If they were
attacked on that account, they might justly defend themselves by
arms. They conclude therefore that the right to do so is far greater
in the case of idolatry, that foul spiritual fornication and outrage ;
adducing the case of Libnah, which is recorded in Holy Writ to have
revolted from Joram because he would establish idolatry in his
kingdom.
These are the arguments on either sidenot to mention those
used by the more politic sort, that it is the prudent course to anticipate
by gifts certain attack from the Romans and the likeand
from them it is clear what is the honourable and therefore the
expedient course of action ; unless indeed we are of those who think
the expedient is ever the dishonourable. I have put them together
in order not to fail in my duty if my labours could be of any service
to your negotiations. I would wish and hope, as I love and respect
you, that your task may be not in healing the wounds of that beast
from the sea, of whom John writes in the Apocalypse, but in probing
and irritating them ; and in those things only which are honourable
and illustrious.
Our little Church is as you left it. The great penury and the
number of our poor calls for a deacon. We think that my guest
would be a fit person ; please let us know your opinion, and if you
are likely to be long away. You heard the day before you went
what kind of answer I got from our merchants. That I may not
seem to acquiesce in it, I must explain my views at the next meeting
of the court. I wish the day had fallen at some other time that I
might have had the benefit of your authority and advice ; now I
shall have to argue one against many.
If your kinsman has not gone greet him from me.12 Nov. 1578.
P.S. (autograph). Your wife opened Q.'s letter. She hopes you are
as well as she and the children are. Strangers are being diligently
looked up, street by street and house to house ; the reason is said to be
that treasonable plots are suspected on the part of the Papists, the
Walloons and the enemy, leagued against good citizens and the
religion. May God protect His Church ; as He will do if we are
constant to her.
Add. Endd. Latin. 1 pp. [Holl. and Fl. X. 26.]
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Nov. 13.
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371. WILSON to DAVISON.
God grant your going to Ghent may do good to those uncertain
people, who run headlong to their own ruin, and need no other
adversaries than themselves to overthrow country, state, and all.
Thus it is ever, when people command that should be commanded ;
who for reason follow will, and instead of law use their own lust.
This extends to people unbridled, of what religion and profession
soever they be ; so that the Walloons and all disordered and wilful
creatures come within my meaning. I foresee a disjunction of that
country, which eschewing foreign government by one nation, would
fall into the hands of another strange people, worse than the first,
and more able to do them harm and bring them into thraldom, than
any other. This alteration ought to be foreseen by us, whom it may
hereafter touch very near, and perhaps bring us into greater danger
than were fit for us to abide. I am sorry to hear of parts taken by
great men, which will bring confusion ; and I fear the Prince of
Orange will be in some hazard before long, if he look not well to
himself. Meantime the enemy gains much by these divisions and
would be glad to see them nourished, that finding opportunity he
may take his advantage ; which he will not lose when he once has it.
Thus you see how my pen ranges, carried with a zeal to do them
good that are no friends to themselves. God grant your service may
be to the welfare of our country and to your own comfort where you
are, which I think you wish were with speed.Richmond, 13 Nov.
1578.
Add. Endd. 1 p. [Holl. and Fl. X. 27.]
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Nov. 13.
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372. WALSINGHAM to DAVISON.
The Prince of Parma has lately written to her Majesty,
signifying the death of Don John, and that he had cast upon him
the general charge of the army, which was confirmed by the consent
of all the captains and principal persons in the army ; so that he
was pressed to accept it, though much against his will, till the King
should appoint some other. He therefore prayed her Majesty to
hold such good correspondence with him as might tend to the
advancement of the King's affairs in that country. With which
kind of dealing her Majesty is so well satisfied that she has written
the enclosed letter of thanks to him for his courteous and friendly
offices ; desiring that immediately on the receipt thereof you request
a trumpet from the States, and send by him to the Prince that
letter, and two enclosed from the Spanish ambassador.
The Spanish ambassador tells us that when news came to the
King that Don John was departed this life, the prince of Spain lay
dying ; and since then we hear from France that he is dead.
Her Majesty understanding that it is 10 or 11 days since you
went to Ghent marvels that she has not heard from you. You will
do well hereafter to use more diligence in advertising.
We hear that those of Hainault and Artois have been suitors to
the Pope that they may have Monsieur for their Governor ; but that
he would not 'condescend' thereto. Notwithstanding, Monsieur is
in good hope that those two provinces being divided from the rest in
religion, he may be chosen to be their protector. By the enclosed
extract from the ambassador's letter, you may see what a jealousy
Monsieur has conceived against the Prince of Orange.Richmond,
13 Nov. 1578.
Add. Endd. 1 pp. [Ibid. X. 28.]
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Nov. 13.
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373. M. DE GROBBENDONCK to WALSINGHAM.
You will be informed how things are going on here ; as to which
I will only say that I do not like so many digressions from the road
which leads to repose and tranquillity. The people of Ghent were
the first to show discontent and the Walloon soldiers next. They
have received so much reinforcement on either side that they are a
great hindrance to us. Mr Davison's going to Ghent will I hope
do some good, especially in the matter of the prisoners, who wish
to be placed under the protection of the Queen. If Davison can
obtain this, I look upon the matter as half settled. Duke Casimir
is there too, as you know, which causes great jealousy to the Duke
of Alenon, with the result that the States are much pressed by him
to fulfil their promises, or at least to come to some decision as to
the satisfaction they propose to give him ; which they have found a
considerable hindrance. I pray that God may inspire them with
good counsel. I have managed to get the Antwerp people to give
their bond for 45,000 which the Queen demanded ; and I hope
there will be no difficulty with the other town. It is hoped that she
will be content, and will be all the freer with regard to the other
obligations (in which please bear a hand) ; and especially that the
30,000 florins lent by Baptista Spinola to redeem the jewels may
be furnished, so that we may settle with him, which he will not do
unless he is furnished with what is owing on those obligations.
Antwerp, 13 Nov. 1578. (Signed) Gaspar Schetz.
Add. Endd. by L. Tomson : Prisoners received into her Majesty's
protection the appointment will be easily made, etc. Fr. 1 pp.
[Holl. and Fl. X. 29.]
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Nov. 13.
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374. F. DE MONCHEAUX to M. DE VAUX.
I have no news from Arras yet, but am hourly expecting it, as to
what has happened there since the last execution, and since the
receipt of his Excellency's letter which I sent. A boy who came
thence two or three days ago told me that some one had lately come
from the Prince of Orange to require the magistrates not to proceed
with the execution of such prisoners as they have, but that this
person was himself made prisoner, and that since his coming four
had been tortured, and it was expected they would soon be hanged.
He says that this commissioner was nephew to the late M. d'Arras
[Bishop of A.], but I cannot believe that it was the councillor
Richardot, though he was employed on a like commission to
Valenciennes. I hear this morning that various harteurs
[qy. gallows birds] and other fugitives from that town have withdrawn
to this.
I cannot believe, for fear it may not be true, what a courier from
Namur told us yesterday. He said that that town [Arras] had sent
to his Excellency at Namur to tell him that the citizens had never
had any intention to withdraw from his Majesty's obedience, and
that as they had always been his faithful subjects and vassals, such
they desired to continue, and to be recognised as such. If it were
so, our cause would be gained ; and I doubt not but that it will
happen shortly, if it has not happened already.
Affairs at Douay are not going so badly just now. The Jesuit
fathers and all the others who were so suddenly turned out a little
while ago are being recalled by a solemn edict. I understand that
they have returned, all save a few who were scattered, as far as this
town, and some even further. The gentlemen who were turned out
do not wish to return, notably MM. de Dion and du Breuck, who
have since settled at Bthune in houses which I hear cost them a
good deal. The trouble at Douay arose from a rumour which was
spread, on unknown authority, that Tournay had surrendered to the
French. This seemed to the seditious lot at Arras a very good
invention to rouse their town also, as they did, to their own hurt ;
thereby giving us an almost certain argument of the small favour in
which these new guests are. They may there assert what we find
confirmed elsewhere that we may strip ourselves of any fear which
we had conceived of a prolongation of that duke's stay in those parts.
The people of Artois in the correspondence they have had with those
of Hainault wish him to be sent away absolutely and to have nothing
to do with this alliance of theirs, which is not concluded with the
exception of this point ; those of Hainault not thinking it proper to get
rid of him save with all honours and compliments. This we are
assured by M. de Wanctin of Cambray, who came here two days ago.
He says further that at Antwerp the Catholics, Martinists, and
Anabaptists have joined against the Calvinists, who finding themselves
weak, are packing up and leaving the town every day. They say
the Prince of Orange wanted to do the same, but had been hindered
by the people, who said that as he had brewed the stuff, it was fair
that he should drink his share. All the gentlemen who used to be
with him, and nearly all the Council of State, have left him.
M. Arcanti tells us that Duke Casimir has been proclaimed schelm
in Antwerp. Those of Brussels have also got back quits, and have
turned all the preachers and their supporters out of the town.
They have had no garrison for some time. M. de Wanctin assured
us also that the other members of Flanders, especially the town and
liberties of Bruges, would join the Catholics against the Gantois.
I have seen a letter from Tournay saying that M. de Montigny has
taken from the Gantois the town of Deynse adjoining Lettenghen
[qy. Peteghem], whence our Walloons make hourly excursions as
far as the gates of Ghent.
Since then, some who have come from Douay assure us that the
reiters who were at Courtray have pillaged the town and departed,
and the Walloons having approached, have entered it by composition.
I received yesterday a letter from [symbol] 7 [symbol] [symbol] [qy. Lile. Poulet
notes in margin : c'est la lettre escrite en Latin ; i.e. No. 339]
of which I send you a copy, not only for the news contained in it,
which is important and deserves to be seen as it was written to me,
but also for the special reference in it to some favour which the
writer wishes to obtain of you by my recommendation. He well
deserves, for the good offices that he has done and is ready to do,
not to be refused (tre conduit de) a request so unimportant and at
the same time involving so great a kindness, as the exemption from
billeting of the house of his aunt, an ancient widow living at
Louvain, in narrow quarters, Catherine Vander Borch by name ; to
whom a letter goes with this, which I beg you will forward.
While I was writing, came in two men from Arras to see me.
They left it last Monday, one being the son-in-law of Nicholas
Lefebvre, alderman. I talked long to them on the state of their
affairs, and on the opportunity of settling them easily by accepting
his Majesty's paternal offers, but I found a good deal of Judaism
and incredulity still in them. Still they admit their mistake and
wish they had not put themselves so forward. They have
promised to take and deliver safely in that town the duplicate of
his Excellency's letters, which, with others, M. de Hauron left here
with me. I hope to talk more fully with them to-morrow, having
asked them to dinner for that purpose. I learnt no other news
from them, save that Alferan the Duke of Anjou's secretary arrived
lately in that town on behalf of his master to clear the magistrates
of the calumny fixed upon them by the seditious party of intending
to surrender the town to the Duke. He spoke in the market hall
when the people were assembled.
I have thought it well to put with the duplicate another letter of
mine addressed to the new attorney-general of the town, because
they would not otherwise undertake to carry the duplicate, if not
done up with other letters. I have added also that to the Estates
of Artois, to be handed to Me Jean le Merche, a deputy to those
Estates and a new alderman. I send you a copy of mine to the
attorney-general. If your master thinks I had better not go on
writing to them as occasion serves and according to such opening
as they may give me, I beg him to let me know by letter what
orders he thinks should be sent them according as things fall out.
At our talk they did not know of anyone having come from the
Prince of Orange, as stated above. The trials of the prisoners were
going on, though since old Gosson's execution no one had been put
to death save Pierre Lefebvre, tailor. The bench has been reconstituted
much to my satisfaction, seeing the good opinion I have of
all those who have come into it. Seven are quite new, to wit, Louis
Lergant, Pierre de St. Vaast, Nicholas Burgeois, Robert Boucquel,
Simon Carbonel, Me Jean le Mercer, Jean Widebien. The eighth
who has re-entered is Me Jacques d'Oresimeux. The four who
remain from last year are Pisson, Lepipre, de Glen, Duval. May
God inspire them with well-doing, that the town may be preserved
and soon restored to the king's obedience.
Mme de Liques sends me a letter which is with these for the
Baron her son, telling me at the same time of her husband's grave
indisposition, an attack of continued fever resulting from a pleurisy.
But as this letter has been long on the road, I heard before it
reached me that he was well, with no mention of that malady ; my
informant being an Italian, my cousin-in-law, sent by M. de Liques
in post to the ambassador here. So the Baron need be under no
apprehension as to what his letter may contain, however it may
agree, as I suppose it does, with what his mother has written to me,
under date of the 1st inst. This Italian told me that the news was
very good, and further that it was held for certain that M. de
Montigny's Walloons were thoroughly practised, and at the king's
devotion ; and that there was in hand another notable enterprise
capable of speedy execution. Fearing to do wrong he did not think
well to tell me what it was, nor would I press him. I have some
little reason to think that it is upon [name in cipher : might be
Dunquerque].Paris, 13 Nov. 1578.
Copy, sent by Poulet. Marginal notes by L. Tomson, with [Walsingham's mark]
mark. Fr. 4 pp. [Holl. and Fl. X. 30.]
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Nov. 14.
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375. DUKE CASIMIR to LEICESTER.
Having always, since I was first happy enough to correspond
with you, esteemed you desirous of my reputation, I have ever looked
on you with affection. I wished to write to you now, that I might
beseech you to bear a hand in getting me a speedy answer to my
letter to her Majesty, of which I enclose a copy. You will learn
from it that Mr Davison under the cloak and pretext of order from
the Queen has attacked my honour in such a way, calling me
debaucher of the camp and alleging several things derogatory to
me, that I cannot leave things so, without replying and showing
how far I am from these calumnies. I have all the greater cause to
do so, that the said Davison's negotiation got abroad before he had
treated with me ; in such wise that having prejudicial charges
brought against me under her Majesty's authority (by order,
Davison says, of Sir F. Walsingham) and my calumniators and
ill-wishers increasing their slander, I am compelled to clear myself
by a published document. I should be grieved that her Majesty
should be offended by him, and so I entreat all I can to see that I
have an answer as soon as possible.Ghent, 14th Nov. 1578.
Holograph. Add. Endd. by L. Tomson. Fr. 1 p. [Holl.
and Fl. X. 31.]
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376. Copy of above. Endd. by L. Tomson. p. [Ibid. X. 31a.]
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Nov. 14.
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377. DUKE CASIMIR to the QUEEN.
Your ambassador Mr Davison has handed to me a writing signed
by himself, in your Majesty's name, of such a nature that I cannot
believe it was ordered by you. My past behaviour has not merited
such a judgement from you, and I know how careful you are of the
reputation of those princes who honour you as I have always done
and will do. And inasmuch as it imports greatly to my honour to
purge myself of the things undeservedly imputed to me therein I
have thought good to send it to you, beseeching you to enlighten me
as to your wishes in the matter. For to allow such things, prejudicial
to my honour and yet disseminated everywhere on the
authority of your Majesty, to pass in silence, would be too damaging
to my reputation. I shall take different measures, according as it
proceeds from your order, or it is a collection of calumnities about
me spread about by some hotheads ; and I should be sorry for your
authority to be involved therein. I beg your Majesty to be assured
that I shall never do anything unworthy of a Christian prince and
of the place whence I come.Ghent, 14 Nov. 1578.
Add. Endd. by L. Tomson. Fr. 1 pp. [Holl. and Fl. X. 31 bis.]
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Nov. 15.
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378. The VIDAME OF CHARTRES to DAVISON.
I heard too late of your departure, which was why I could not
salute you as I desired before you went. I arrived when your291
carriage cannot have been a hundred paces away from your lodging.
I am sending this bearer to remind you of the affair about which I
spoke to you. I cannot wait here beyond Tuesday, on account of
pressing business, inter alia, the hurry that Dr. Simon Simonis is in
to get to some pressing business of his. Please employ vigorously
your credit, which is greater than the requirements of my need. I
will send you the procuration, which I have shown and dispatched to
Frankfort, and which was sent to England. But this will be in
course of time : if you will send someone to this town to fetch my
obligation. Having deserved nothing in respect of you, I am loth
to employ the credit of the Prince of Orange, and I venture to
assure you that I will get you the thanks of his Excellency, and I
think that the Queen will be pleased with what you have done.
You could not do it on an occasion of greater necessity for me or
importance for any affairs generally. I shall be obliged to you, and
will endeavour to do my best that you may receive satisfaction in
proportion to as great a pleasure as you have ever done to a private
person.Ghent, 15 Nov. (Signed) Ferrires.
Add. Fr. 1 p. [Holl. and Fl. X. 32.]
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