|
|
|
March 11.
|
597. WILLIAM STEWART to WALSINGHAM.
'In the meantime of' the lords being here who accompanied the
duke in these parts, I received some writings from Scotland from
his Majesty and others of the Council, whereby I was ordered to
repair to those parts with convenient diligence, his Majesty being
desirous to understand from me some things that passed in the
time of the Earl of Lennox, my old master. Thereunto it has
pleased his Highness and the Prince of Orange to grant me 'conngie'
upon the sight of his Majesty's letter directed to the Prince to that
effect. And being 'deliberat' to take my voyage in 15 or 20 days
at the furthest, I have thought good to advertise you thereof,
together with the continuance of my goodwill and earnest desire
according to my bounden duty ; wishing all things to 'succeed to
those terms' between those two countries that the perfect word
and glory of God may be advanced, and the quietness and good
accord of both entertained, whereunto in duty and truth I will
always employ myself, as I have professed to you and more amply
declared to Master Hoddesdon when he was here ; nor in respect of
his sufficiency is it needful to trouble you with a long letter. I
await when or wherein it may please you to employ me ; either in
taking my journey through England, if it may please her Majesty
or cause any good, vyerwyis (?) to receive your instructions or
advice in what manner I may best govern myself being there.
Antwerp, 11 March 1582.
Add. Endd. : From Colonel Stewart. Scottish. 1 p. [Holl.
and Fl. XV. 55.]
|
|
March 11.
|
598. GILPIN to LEICESTER.
This morning I received the enclosed letters, and for the better
address of them found it needful to trouble you with these few
lines.
Such news as I could learn this week, you will perceive by the
enclosed collection, which notwithstanding I know you will have
larger and better advice from others I would not be in default to
send, because at your departure you commanded that you might
hear from me.Antwerp, 11 March 1581.
|
Enclosed :
599. OCCURRENTS.
On Sunday last the Common Council of this town met at 7 a.m.
and continued together all that forenoon, about the admitting or
rejecting of the 'papish exercise' so earnestly required by his
'Alteze.' For the advancing of it the Prince 'did his uttermost in
the endeavour,' with allegations of the inconvenience that would
ensue if his Highness should depart or leave them ; in which case
he would follow, as one loath to abide to see the ruin of the town,
of which they themselves would be the cause in standing against
his earnest petition. All which petitions notwithstanding, with an
infinity of others like, used by most, and in the name of the
magistrates, the Council would not condescend for that time to
agree, but 'took respect' till the Wednesday following. Meeting
again then, they have agreed that his Highness shall have the
Abbey church where he now lies, and where the French exercise
was before used, for the papists, adding certain limitations, of which
the chief are these :
First, none shall come into that church, but they shall by oath
renounce the King of Spain, and swear to his Highness, as also to
be good and true to these magistrates and the town. Secondly,
none to be suffered to come to mass but such as have dwelt in this
town three years ; continuance to be reckoned from the day 'he
would be admitted' to come thither. Item, none to come thither
with their weapons. Their church to be prepared at their charges,
'without to look or attend' any grant or allowance by virtue of the
church's former 'incomes.' Item, to have no more than five or
six priests, and to look for no more churches than that already
granted, with the two chapels they had before for their marrying
and christening ; but not to use there any masses or other
exercises, and that upon pain of losing all that already granted.
Moreover all such as have heretofore been any ways commanded to
depart the town and have since crept in again, shall be warned to
depart. And all confiscations and alterations passed upon the
Church goods and relics to continue, without any motion or demand
to be made to the contrary.
These and suchlike being declared and written 'forth' were on
Thursday afternoon brought by the magistrates to his Highness,
where they showed how much ado they had, and had greatly
travailed to compass so much, with humble desire that he would in
no wise require or press any further, for the disposition of the
common people was such that if it stood upon gain or loss of the
town and country, they would not pass any further grant. They
confirmed this with earnest and solemn protestations, which his
Highness made show to take in very good part, and promised to
answer in writing.
Yesterday about 11 in the forenoon Monsieur went to the General
States' meeting, and made his proposition ; the order of which as
told me was in sum this :
Himself began certain speeches, with acknowledgement how far
he thought he was bound to them for the infinite honour and
favour received, especially that they 'took' him worthy to be
accepted their governor, etc., giving manifold thanks, with
protestations that he would endeavour by all possible means to
deserve their affection, wherein his care should be the greater for
that he deemed himself to be in many ways bound, and so would
shew himself by effects like a natural-born father to his children,
not doubting but by the good assistance of his brother, and
especially of the Queen of England (the favours received from
whom were such as he would never be able to requite), he would
be enabled not only to withstand the enemy, but to drive him out
of their country, to effect which he would in their cause spend life
and living.
Thus much in substance, though more at large, being delivered,
which I hear he did with great modesty and good grace, to the
liking of all hearers, he added that forasmuch as he had employed
small time or travail in study, and was so unskilful in the
art of oratory, doubting lest he should not utter his mind so
well as were requisite, and he himself desired, he had caused so
much to be set down in writing, which he willed M. 'd'Allegondi'
to read. It contained about two leaves of paper, and was in
substance that which he had spoken, but larger, and in the best
sort. Which done, he again began to say that because his coming
into the country was so lately, and he had not yet seen or
'acquainted' with the state of it, he could not tell what were most
requisite for the redress of all matters, and to establish some
good 'plott' presently to that end. Therefore he desired
the Princes of Orange and Epinoy, who have long had experience
of all that passed in those parts and their causes, to
set down what they found most needful ; which being set down
in writing he caused also to be read. He concluded that having
heard for the present what he had to say and require at their
hands, they would continue their affections towards him, and
forthwith, considering that the time of year, the necessity of their
state and the enemy's forwardness required short and good deliberations
determine about the same. Which, after humble thanks and
many protestations to continue in their duty, they promised with
all conveniency to accomplish ; and the better to do it in every
point, requested copies of his proposition and that set down by the
Princes of Orange and Epinoy ; which he granted and so left them
for that time.
Add. Endd. by L. Tomson. and 2 pp. [Holl. and Fl. XV.
56.]
|
|
March 11.
|
600. GILPIN to [WALSINGHAM].
Having received your letters with the enclosures, I delivered each
of these according to direction. 'M. Bussenvall' and Rossel
having promised to return their answers, which if they send them
before the post departs you shall receive herewith.
I talked with M. 'Alegonde,' showing him how I had proceeded
in the suit, and in what terms it at present stood, resting only upon
the earnest furtherance of some good forward persons to advance
the resolution to her Majesty's contentment. And since you
at his instance, had the more willingly taken upon you to stay
all extremity till further news from him, I doubted not but he
would show such readiness to accomplish his promise as he had
found in you to satisfy what he desired. Whereupon he answered
that no endeavours should be omitted, either to the States for the
yearly interest to come, or the magistrates of this town for the
time past. And after his Highness had made the proposition,
which he determined to do today, and accordingly has done, he
would take the first convenient opportunity to move and deal in
her Majesty's cause and afterwards advertise you of his success.
I have also talked with those of Holland, who told me the money
was ready in Holland. They had not brought it with them for the
dangers in the passage, but taking so much up here, would be there
repaid upon sight.
Those of this town, especially the merchants, travail hard to get
together the money for the year past, and hope to effect it ere long.
To further it, I have used and will use all diligence, as I trust will
appeal mostly. Meanwhile I beseech you to consider my last and
return your favourable answer.
For our news, I cannot but advertise those I hear, and send
withal copies that were delivered me from a good [sic], and request
your care in the use of them ; for it being thought his Highness
will write thereof to his Majesty himself, he might be offended
that others advertised of it, especially if the French ambassador or
others should come to the knowledge that copies were sent.
Last Sunday the Common Council of this town etc. as in
Occurrents, No. 599.
Other certain news of the enemy than as signified in my last, I
heard none this week.Antwerp, 11 March 1581.
P.S.One of this town's burgomasters is a very sincere and
honest gentleman, called Petrus Alostanus, sometime councillor to
the late deceased Palsgrave, and I am of opinion that a letter to
him of 'course' and thanks for his affection to her Majesty, as also
for his forwardness to procure contentment for Pallavicino and
Spinola, would do much diversly, and procure his countenance (?).
He is wise, resolute, and diligent, without pride, glory, or other evil
past, and therefore 'to more praise worthy to be accounted of.'
Mr Paulus Buys of Holland is also in town, and a like letter to
him, with addition to impart and deal frankly with me on any
matter, would do no harm. But I refer one wholly to your pleasure.
I have upon occasion sent report of my news to my Lords of
Leicester and Sussex.
Endd. 4 pp. [Holl. and Fl. XV. 57.]
|
|
March 11.
|
601. JOHN NORRIS to WALSINGHAM.
Monsieur having demanded of the States liberty of religion has
one public church granted him for the mass ; but the citizens
coming thither are so 'soused' with difficulties and hard conditions
that they will not hasten too fast thither. Today he has exhibited
his propositions both for the ordering of the payments and for the
wars. No resolution is as yet made if there be any new English
company set up. I desire you that such may have the preferment
of them who by their long service have well deserved it. Monsieur
has also ended a quarrel between a gentlemen of his Court and me,
and made the 'appointment' so honourable, committing him to his
captain of the guard, that his good affection appeared to those who
serve her Majesty. Our affairs in Guelderland stand as before.
Antwerp, 11 March 1582 [sic].
Add. Endd. p. [Ibid. XV. 58.]
|
|
March 11.
|
602. HERLE to BURGHLEY.
I could do no less, the post coming away, than send you the
enclosed paper, which contains the sum of what was agreed upon
concerning the exercise of the mass in this town. Tomorrow I
am promised to have Monsieur's proposition to the States-General,
which you shall have by the first messenger that comes. I pray
that if my brother Johnson attend upon you about any business of
mine, he may have favourable hearing.11 March 1581.
Add. Endd. p. [Holl. and Fl. XV. 59.]
|
Enclosure in the above :
Terms on which the church of St. Michael is granted to his
Highness for the use of himself and other Catholics. (As given in
Gilpin's to Leicester, Occurrents No. 599.)
Endd. by Burghley's secretary : The consent of the church in
Antwerp for the exercise of the mass. Fr. p. [Ibid. XV. 59a.]
|
|
March 11.
|
603. FREMYN to WALSINGHAM.
I wrote my last to you on the 4th inst. As for what has passed
here, his Highness has obtained the church of St. Michael for the
Roman Catholics, with ten priests to do the service, who will take
the oath of fidelity to him and the Estates, abjuring the King of
Spain ; as also will do all the citizens of Antwerp who come to the
mass, and they must have lived (abistu) three years in the town.
All others, who might come from the neighbouring towns, will be
prohibited. Further, his Highness will hold well done and acceptable
all that has happened in the town since the contract was made
with him ; which he has accorded. Yesterday he took the oath to
the States-General, and made them a proposition for the good of
their state, concerning the choice they had made of his person in
France, his journey into England, and why, etc. I will send you
the articles of it next week.
There has been a quarrel between Mr Norris and Gaunille
(? Gauville), a gentleman of his Highness's, which is settled
(apoincteu) ; wherein his Highness shewed himself in all respects
favourable to Mr Norris. There is also a quarrel between Cols.
Stewart and Preston, which is not yet settled, and one between
'Hyorck' and M. de Thiant. So his Highness is somewhat occupied.
Meanwhile the enemy is undertaking nothing so far ; except that
the report is that he wants to go and besiege Dunkirk or Dixmude.
In short, his Highness is steadily employing himself in
establishing some order in this new state, and in raising an army.
In 10 or 12 days he is to go and take possession of the county of
Flanders, and great preparations are being made at Ghent.
Antwerp, 11 March 1582.
Add. Endd. Fr. 1 p. [Ibid. XV. 60.]
|
|
March 11.
|
604. ROSSEL to WALSINGHAM.
This line is to let you know that I have received yours of the 4th
inst. I am sorry that mine of the 17th ult. was so long delayed,
not so much on my own account as for the inference to be drawn
in respect of others which have heretofore disappeared, and may
again do in the future. Yet ordinarily I have handed them to Mr
Gilpin, by your instructions, and to Mr Thomas Stokes, who has
shown himself very ready to help.
I congratulate you [sic] on the report which the Earl of Leicester
has given you of me. I did him no service worthy of his greatness,
as I should have desired. As he asked me to write to him, I have
congratulated him in the enclosed.
As for the letter from her Majesty for which I asked, I did it
more for her service than for my own advancement. As circumstances
did not allow of my having it in time, kindly postpone it to
a better opportunity. I hope that besides my past good services I
shall yet do her others more acceptable. Meanwhile I shall await,
through your means, and by the favour of the Earl of Leicester,
some honourable promotion, which will give me opportunity for
satisfying you more and more. (Unsigned.)
Endd. by L. Tomson, with date. Fr. p. [Ibid. XV. 61.]
|
|
March
11 & 13.
|
605. STOKES to WALSINGHAM.
My last was the 4th inst. since which time, by means of this
great stormy foul weather, very few speeches have passed here save
the following.
The enemy is making provision of 1000 pioneers, which they
are taking up in the country between St. Omer's and Lille. They
are also making great provision of victuals in all places for their
camp ; so that they have some great enterprise in hand, wherever
it be.
Also there are come to Calais 3000 tuns of French wines from
France, with divers other needful things, which those of Artois
and Hainault have bought for their provision ; which will strengthen
the enemy very much.
This week are come to the enemy's camp, from the land of
Luxembourg, Namur, and those parts, about 1,500 footmen ; so it
is thought that as soon as the foul weather is over the enemy will
show where his enterprise is to be.
The Allmans that lie at Rousselaere are still in mutiny for their
pay. But it is said they will be contented this next month.
M. de Clervant's son, called M. de Vienne, of the age of 24 years,
and colonel to the five companies of Frenchmen that lie in this
town, went about ten days ago from hence to Antwerp, where it has
pleased God to call him to His mercy. His captains and soldiers
mourn greatly for his death, being all of the Religion, and good
Protestants.
Letters are also come from France that it has pleased God to take
M. d'Argenlieu to His mercy ; who died lately at his own house
beside Paris.
All those of the Religion in this province of Flanders greatly 'fear
their welfare,' because 'religions frede' is granted to Antwerp and
Brussels ; 'to say' in each of those two to have a church to use the
Roman religion in. This rejoices the Catholics very much, for they
hope to have the like in this town and in all the capital towns in
Flanders.
Tomorrow the Four Members of Flanders depart from this town
to Ghent, to prepare in good order and readiness for the receiving of
Monsieur, Duke of Brabant. They received letters today from
him, being the first that he has written since his coming over,
wherein he commands them to send 10 companies of French of
M. de la Rochepot's regiment to Dixmude ; where there are 4
companies of Flemings, whom he commands to be sent to Ypres.
In that town are 8 companies of foot and 100 horse, all Flemings.
This bringer is my brother, to whom I have written to give his
dutiful attendance upon you, to solicit my suit for my license of
beer, wherein I humbly beseech you to have me in remembrance.
Bruges, 11 March 1581.
P.S. 1.Kept until this morning, 12 March.'Even presently'
certain news are come to the magistrates of this town that yesterday
morning the enemy departed very suddenly with all his camp
towards Corttrick, and so over the river there ; and because of
victuals, when they were over, they divided themselves into two
parts, one going towards Lille and the other towards Tournay.
But the speech goes they will be together again within these 4 or 5
days ; but where they will be is not yet certainly known.
P.S. 2.This morning, being the 13th, the magistrates of this
town have received certain advice that yesterday evening the enemy
came with all their camp, and have besieged Meenen. The cause
of their going over the river to Corttrick was because the Allmans
were not then set contented for their pay, 'which' now those of
Lille have promised them payment ; at whose earnest suit and
charge they are besieging Meenen. It is feared the town will be
lost for want of aid. There are in it 9 ensigns of Scots foot, and
about 100 horse, all Scots, and 4 ensigns of burgers. The town is
very evil unprovided [sic] of munition and victuals. God send it
to hold out, or the rest will not go well here in Flanders. What
the enemy means to do will be speedily done with main force.
Add. Endd. 2 pp. [Ibid. XV. 62.]
|
|
March 12.
|
606. COBHAM to WALSINGHAM.
You will perceive by the enclosed proclamation which has been
published here the king's open demonstration to impeach any force
from being levied or passing out of France without commission
from him ; so that Monsieur by these outward shows may receive
small hope. His Majesty has also lately sent M. Longle to
Spain to be his agent at the Spanish Court, having recalled M.
de Forquevaux his ambassador ; and as I understand, has written
an assurance to the Spanish king by Longle that he is so far
from liking his brother's enterprises that he will mount on
horseback to 'withstand' that no aid shall pass out of this realm.
His Majesty 'showed to have' little joy of his brother's creation
and acceptation as Duke of Brabant ; but remembered that the
prerogative the King of France pretends in those countries was to
be reserved to the elder brother. He has made an ordinance for
the levy, as I am informed, of 25,000 fighting men to be in
readiness on all occasions. They will be commanded by the Dukes
of Maine and Epernon, and Marshal Biron. There are some
preparations in the arsenal for the carriage of the artillery, and
other show of provision for the camp.
M. de la Neuville has arrived from Monsieur, out of Flanders,
and has brought with him the confirmation and 'enlargement' of
the advertisements concerning Monsieur's reception and the honour
done him. He has had conference with his Majesty and is now to
go to Chenonceaux to the Queen Mother, and thence to his own
house. He is discontented, as I hear, because he received an
assignation from Monsieur for 2,000 crowns to defray his expenses,
which sum a little before he came here was by a letter from his
Highness appointed to his purveyor.
The king has written as I hear to M. de Vray that he will not need
to repair to him any more to confer further on Monsieur's
negotiations ; for he is resolved to take care of his estates, as his
brother seeks advancement of his affairs, which as they are begun,
so they are to proceed, for anything he will meddle in them.
It has likewise been reported that when it was lately signified to the
king that her Majesty accommodated Monsieur with 100,000 crowns
a month, he answered after his manner, that when he understood
in what coin the Queen paid them, he would also contribute. And
as I have thus set down what is come to my knowledge of his 'utter'
shows and speeches to this effect, I think it convenient also to
certify that they assure me he has granted to Monsieur the sum of
400,000 crowns upon the 'imposition and bargain' of salt, which
Rucellai had once compounded for ; which sum is to be paid to his
Highness thus : 100,000 crowns at once, and 15,000 crowns every
year until the whole sum is paid. In this M. de Thou, the king's
Chief President, specially favours Monsieur.
The king has caused two of the Queen Mother's chambers in the
Louvre to be broken down, to make a private gallery from his
cabinet to the Duke of Joyeuse.
Whereas the Count of Retz was put in hope to be created Duke,
and as he thought, peer of France, the king has made a stay of it,
leaving order and a cypher with President de Thou not to proceed
in the marshal's behalf, upon any message that might be brought
from him except he sent the like cypher. So the marshal remains
discontented. Some say this 'overthwart' has happened upon a
quarrel fallen out between the Duke Joyeuse and a 'coapartener,' of
the Count of Retz ; otherwise it is reported that the Marquis of
Elbeuf 'lamented' to the king of the marshal's promotion to that
degree, being of so base a lineage.
The king has sent for Laverdin and Randan because he will not
have 'partaking' or banding in troops within his realm.
It is said the Queen Mother went away discontented and remains
yet at her house of Chenonceaux, intending to visit the Duke of
Montpensier at Champigny.
There was yesterday a solemn procession through this town,
upon the 'Jubele' which the Pope has sent to obtain grace of
succession for their Majesties.
The office of Constable has been brought in question. The competitors
are the Dukes of Guise, Mercour, and Joyeuse.
The Pope's nuncio, 'pretending' only the enlargement of his
master's dignity and devotion, presses by all means to have the
ordinances of the last Council of Trent authorised and exercised
throughout this realm ; but since he has 'found great obstacles to
reform the Temporalty,' he now begins to seek to induce the
clergy to conform. He has dealt with the Franciscan friars 'to be
reduced' to the constitutions and obedience 'ascribed' in that
Council ; to which some of the chief Franciscans have opposed
themselves against the nuncio, and the Court of Parliament has
taken their part, forbidding the nuncio to 'deal' in any manner
of the institutions concerning the Gallican Church, the jurisdiction
whereof has been granted by former Popes to the Kings of France.
Whereupon the nuncio in his choler excommunicated those of the
Court of Parliament, and some Franciscans.
The Queen Mother, as I hear, sent to the King of Navarre to
request him to come to Chenonceaux or Champigny. He answered
that he had great desire to see and serve her ; but he was loth to
pass so far forward as to leave Poitiers on the back or on the side
of him. If she would vouchsafe to repair to Saint-Maixent beside
Saint-Jean-d'Angely, he would wait on her there. The news is
come to Court that she was somewhat indisposed in health, but
amended.
The King of Navarre's sister has returned to Barn.
There have been evil instruments who have sought to raise some
'diffidence' between the King of Navarre and the Prince of Cond,
having whispered in the King of Navarre's ear that the prince
would be content that those of the reformed Churches in France
should 'address their affairs' to him as their chief protector. This
was never propounded by the Churches nor accepted by the prince,
as it has been further 'cleared' by M. de Rohan, who has done
very good offices for the whole body of the reformed Religion, and
particularly in the redress of those suspicions which were cunningly
distilled into the King of Navarre's ears ; whereby the king and
prince are very well together.
The Bishop of Glasgow is to-day returned from Poitou, and
finding that Lord Hamilton is gone, as is reported, to Angers,
seems to be discontented. Some of Lord Hamilton's friends have
assured me that he is gone to Angers to seek some abiding-place
where he and his wife may have the exercise of the Religion.
Our Romanists give out that the Pope has addressed an excommunication
against the Queen and Monsieur, which will be kept
secret 'under benedicite' till some further occasion be offered.
I am informed there is one Mr Fernesley, dwelling in Norfolk,
who maintains a priest in his house. This priest is well-known to
the neighbours, but taken to be Mr. Fernesley's kinsman ; and
because he is lame and aged, he walks with a staff. He is
commonly apparelled in a black coat either of cloth frieze with long
skirts. The chalice with the pax and cope, is kept in a mean
person's house, one of the next neighbours. Fernesley dwells in a
priory, which he holds by lease of Mr. Townsend.
One Sutton, a priest, is lately come from Rheims, resolved to go
to England. He is of tall stature, somewhat redfaced, about 25
years old, newly apparelled at the cost of the Papists in Paris, in a
long black cloak faced with velvet, a black 'rashe' doublet, and pair
of black 'venetians' with black stockings. There is another priest
called Slater, of middle stature, about the age of 28, having a big
nose, a round face, and a reddish beard, apparelled in a long black
cloak faced with velvet, and black fustian doublet, black venetians
and stockings.
They give me also to understand that there is one Bromley of
Clement's Lane, a writer in the 'Common Place,' who has written
letters to divers papists on this side the seas touching the 'certifying
over some matters of the estate.' He is also reported to be a
persuader of divers young gentlemen 'for their departure' from
England. The truth of these things will better appear to you by
the proofs you are said to have there : wherefore I should be
bound to you if you would let me understand whether these
advertisements touching the English papists are 'available' for her
Majesty's service.Paris, 12 March 1581.
Add. Endt. gone. 4 pp. [France VII. 38.]
|
|
March 13
|
607. COBHAM to WALSINGHAM.
It has been signified to me that Monsieur wrote to the Queen of
Navarre that she should give out, and make a show as if she were
very ill-satisfied with him, whereby some opinion might be conceived
that there had happened an alteration of the 'entire intelligence'
that was known to be between them ; so that the king through the
consideration of this should be the rather willing to think well of her
coming to the Court. And Chanvallon is sent hither to be the
trusty instrument for the conveying 'wittely' of these affairs between
her and Monsieur.
The king makes it known that he will not suffer that any of his
courtiers shall 'make the court' in amorous manner to the Queen of
Navarre.
I hear that Lesdiguieres, one of the chief captains in Provence,
has gone to serve Monsieur ; which I take to be done to content the
king.
They inform me that Don Antonio, at his last being secretly in
this town, passed a conveyance wherein he released and 'remised'
all his estate, claim, or interest of Cabo Verde, to the use of the
Crown of France. The framer of this contract for the French King,
with Presidents Brisson and Centbouet (?)
I am told that the Prince of Parma is well advertised of this
Court by Maria Bandini, a Florentine merchant, cousin to the
abbots de Guadagna and del Bene, through whose friendship and
acquaintance this Bandini comes to many secrets which may
prejudice the affairs of the Duke of Brabant. Bandini has a brother
in Rome, placed in the Pope's service through the means of Cardinal
Farnese.
It is advertised here that Cardinal Borromei is 'practising' a
marriage between the Duke of Savoy and the daughter of Mantua,
who is a neutral prince ; whereby the jealousies of France and
Spain might be 'avoided.' Howbeit, the Pope's ministers doubt
the Duke of Savoy, because M. de Cahors (?), his chief favourite,
has been of the Religion.
Lord Percy has been with me, excusing his retired life ; alleging
for Mr Paget that he conforms his course to your direction,
sending and receiving letters often from you by Mr Doyley. Thus
I fear the worst will happen to the young lord.
I send Mr Ashley at Mr Halton's request, having this dispatch
in readiness at Adams's arrival. I hope that this week, at the
king's return, M. Fante, your servant, will likewise be sent.Paris,
13 March.
P.S.Advertisement has been brought that M. de la Noue has
been delivered out of prison by his guards, for reward.
I am informed that the king has appointed Marshal Biron, MM.
de Suze, de Malicorne, and de la Rocheguyon to be dukes ; also
Marshal de Retz and M. de Piennes ; but not peers of France.
Add. Endd. 3 pp. [France VII. 39.]
|
|
March 13.
|
608. F. HOCHTMANS to FREMYN.
I hope that you received by yesterday morning my letter written
last Saturday evening, containing a little discourse of the negotiation
and business done here by M. Theron to set up the mass again ;
wherefore I need say nothing further at present, besides that I
think you will have heard it elsewhere, as from M. de Villiers, to
whom I know it was written truly and fully last Friday, to obviate
the calumnies and false reports that may get about, and be published
there, perhaps even to the ears of his Highness and his Excellency
to render odious those of the Reformed religion in this town of
Brussels, who always deserve and ought rightfully to be reputed
among the most loyal, constant, courageous, and fervent for the
public good, and the preservation of the country, and also among
the best-affected patriots to his Highness in these parts, as on
divers occasions they have effectually shown.
They prefer nevertheless in all things and all places the glory
and service of God, to the best of their power, as is notorious to all
men of good judgement and good conscience, as you may satisfy
yourself if occasion requires.
Wherefore I beseech you that on the first opportunity you have
of speaking to M. Villiers, you will beg him to accept my humble
recommendations and all the service I can do him, and beg him
on the part of the whole Reformed Church of this town that he will,
in God's name, always bear a good hand to its preservation and
increase ; reciting to him as follows, namely that from this beginning
of trouble arisen in this town days [sic] ago today by reason
of the mass which the papists too audaciously and arrogantly wan
to set up again, the magistrates, with those of the Council of War,
were induced last Saturday forenoon to order that all the captains
of the burgers, with their officers, should henceforth each in his own
quarter take heed and watch diligently if meetings are held in any
houses to celebrate the mass, and if they discover any, report to
their colonel to take the appropriate steps. Whereas it may be
hoped that the said papists will no more venture so presumptuously
as they have done to cause mass to be said, and thus those of the
reformed Church will live more peaceably and securely than they
have done in the past.
That is all I have to write you for the present on the occurrences
of this town. Meanwhile I beg you to tell me all that has happened
at Antwerp since last Wednesday, both as to the decision and mode
of satisfying his Highness's demand for a church and the mass, and
under what conditions and restrictions ; as also of the proposition
which it is said here he has made to the States-General.Brussels,
13 Mar. 1582.
P.S.Please do the same or a similar office with M. de Laval,
M. du Pruneaux, and others of the Reformed religion, who are in
credit and authority about his Highness and his Excellency, that
they too may bear a good hand towards the preservation and
increase of the Reformed religion throughout this country.
Add. : M. le Capitaine Georges [sic] Fremin, en la rue de
l'Empereur, La Fortune, en Anvers. Endd. by L. Tomson ; they
of Brussels do greatly mislike of the setting up again of the mass.
Fr. 2 pp. [Holl. and Fl. XV. 63.]
|
