Elizabeth: June 1588 | British History Online

Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 21, Part 1, 1586-1588. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1927.

Citation:

'Elizabeth: June 1588', in Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 21, Part 1, 1586-1588, ed. Sophie Crawford Lomas( London, 1927), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/foreign/vol21/no1/pp637-653 [accessed 25 November 2024].

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June 1588



June 2.	Stafford to Walsingham.
	The Spanish ambassador gives out that their army is "parted," and has been to all the churches of this town "to have it prayed for the good success." Certainly a courier came yesterday, whom he sent with all speed into Flanders, and who, he says, brought the news.
	M. de Villeroy is not yet gone. They still hope for peace, but I do not think those here desire it, "for they ask every day new things and add unreasonable petitions.
	"I have sent you the articles that M. Miron carried yesterday to the King . . . This day I hear they add by word of mouth the payment of all their debts and the government of Normandy, . . . so that I think that they mean to hold fast this town, and fear in the end some great mischief to fall upon it.
	"The gentlemen and the peasants of Picardy are risen, and have united themselves to leave no company in all Picardy without it be by the King's express commandment." They have followed Balagny's companies quite out of Picardy, to within twelve leagues of this town, and there left them; for they let nobody come into their province, nor will themselves stir out of it, unless by the King's commandment.
	News came yesterday (but not yet assured), that M. Gourdan has put 300 men into Boulogne and that Monsieur d'Aumale is killed.
	"They have come today from Melun, which they had besieged, but they have found it so well defended for the King that they have given it over."—Paris, 2 June, 1588.
	Holograph. Add. Endd. 1 p. [France XVIII. 111.]
June 2.	Another copy of the above.
	On the same sheet as that of May 29.
	Endd. ½ p. [Newsletters IX. 42.]
June 4.	M. de la Noue to Walsingham.
	Wrote to his honour ten days ago, but knows not whether he will have received the letter, for on all hands writing is dangerous; yet there was never a time when it was more needful to consult together. Has been almost three weeks with Duke Casimir, whom he has found very well inclined, and quite aware of the danger, believing that unless much is sown much will not be reaped, and that great things can only be done by great means.
	Has not yet seen the Landgrave, but hears that he is quite of opinion that the public evil is increasing and must be well looked to, but his bodily indisposition, and his nearness to the victors, whom he dreads, prevents him from doing more than talking.
	Knows not the other princes, or what they will do or say, but it is time they were persuaded that the evil threatens themselves, and that, after God, the common welfare lies in union. It is thought here that if the King [of Navarre] would have them sounded, it might have a good result, for men are more easily moved by royal crowns than by crowns of thorns. His honour will debate, on his side, what means will be best for this.
	Deplores one evil which is amongst them. They are fighting for a just cause, and yet they are not united, and have not that love for each other which would make them strong; on the contrary, everywhere are piques and hatred.
	Their adversaries do not act thus, as he knows from having been amongst them. From the delay, this year will be useless, in the which, when they ought to march, the first crown will not yet have reached Germany.
	His honour complains, and with reason, that those previously furnished [by England] have served but to advance the League, and to give it boldness to perform what it has done. This is true; there is therefore need to consult what must be done in a matter so important. It would take too long to write what might be said on this point. Demosthenes told the Athenians that they were talking while Philip was acting; and so it is with themselves; at least where he now is. Must do his honour the justice to say that he has worked well. Prays him to induce others to imitate him.
	If Sedan and Jametz are lost for want of aid, Metz will follow the same road, and thence will result a re-establishment of the kingdom of Austrasia. Bonne will also be lost unless aided; and all these will be fetters for Germany. But France is in a still more piteous state. If the King is resolute, he will save her: and if timidity overcomes him, he will soon receive his wages.
	The common report is that England will make peace with the Spaniard, but the wisest think not. Will only say, may God strengthen you, who has raised up against France the great ones of the earth, to prove her. If they are found weak in faith, they will be scattered, but if they hold firm and trust to the providence of God, they will have cause to chant songs of praise. This is an excellent maxim of state which he has experienced, both in public and private. Are they not already on the borders of the deserts of Egypt? Have they not fought against the Canaanites and Amorites? . . .
	Truly their past actions must now be crowned with fidelity and constancy towards God and man. Would that all who make profession of the Religion were endowed with both as much as is his honour. They would be in a much better state!—Heidelberg, 4 June.
	Holograph. Add. Endd. with year date. French, 3 pp. [France XVIII. 112.]
June 4/14.	Advertisements from France.
	1. The King is removed to 'Rohan' [Rouen], (fn. 1) accompanied with the Dukes de Longueville and d'Espernon and others; where Longueville and the rest declared that they would depart from him unless d'Espernon were removed from him; "whereupon d'Espernon was presently sent away into Gascony."
	2. The day before, eleven or twelve bodies, very well appareled were found near 'Rohan,' their heads being cut off; "no man knowing the cause, manner or deeds thereof."
	3. The Parisians had seized on such goods as d'Espernon had left in Paris, and stayed 21 'muletts' laden with gold, silver, plate, jewels etc., "being covered all with black, that they might be thought to have been the Queen Mother's."
	June 15, stilo novo. 4. There had been a skirmish between some of the King's party and the Count de Brissac, who is of the League, and the Count holds Mount St. Katherine, near 'Rohan.'
	5. The King has made Montpensier governor of Normandy, and the Count de Brienne governor of Dauphiny.
	6. The King and the Duke of Guise "gather forces on both sides."
	7. The Parisians give out that they will hold the Bastille and Arsenal in their hands.
	1 p. [Newsletters IX. 43.]
June 6.	Stafford to Walsingham.
	Upon the assurance of the King's going to Rouen, there has followed a sudden dispatch of M. Villeroy from hence yesterday. I can tell you nothing more than was in the articles I sent you, save that they have moderated themselves and their demands, but not the chief points, and have added one more, to beseech the King to make an act that no heretic or favourer of heretics shall succeed him. And today, they have sent deputies from the clergy to pray him to grant those articles, "and if that he do, they have a request to make to him to promise it likewise unto them, but as you may judge, they do that for a cunning, which I think the King will find out well enough."
	Whether he will grant their demands is yet doubted, here, but I think he will accord them anything that is not extremely unreasonable, though he be now at Rouen, where he is greatly welcomed, and where some think he will take another resolution. They here are greatly perplexed at his going thither, and have used all possible arts to divert him from it.
	I think he will refuse hardly any of this town's demands, notwithstanding all these treaties. He has sent the Advocate de Pesse and the Counsellor Gillot to Italy, both to the Pope and the rest of the Princes, to declare to them this accident.
	"They of Rouen will, as I am advertised, do what they can to make the King have a delight to dwell among them, they of this town fearing it are mad at it, and a great many of them find a bone in their conscience.
	"There hath been a great battery at Melun. They of the league sent companies thither that had intelligence with some of the town, but those that were within it for the King have made succour to enter into it, and have beaten the others well favouredly, and they be retired, and three great boat fulls of hurt men of theirs brought to this town."
	The Spanish army is certainly out, though no further news has come. It is thought that none may pass save the King's couriers, but merchants have had letters "of it of certain," and amongst the rest "one de Bordeaux", whom you know, has assured me of it.
	"The Spanish ambassador doth nothing but trot up and down from church to church to pray for the good success of this army, and assureth that before October, his master will make mass to be publicly said in Paul's; and I tell them . . . that if he come there himself, it is ten to one that he shall be hanged at Tyburn afore that time."
	"I send your honour the vilest book that ever I saw written. Though it be for Monsieur d'Epernon, whom they do desire to offend, the drift of it indeed is against the King directly, and to serve a knavish purpose at this time that the King presseth to have the States kept."
	Lord Paget, Charles Paget and Morgan took leave of the Duke of Guise yesterday, "to embark for England with the army as they say. Great company of gentlemen of quality pass this way out of Italy in post, to go to Flanders to embark, being assured of the enterprise of England. Within these four days passed here one of the house of Gonzague for that purpose."—Paris, 6 June, 1588.
	Postscript. One has just been with me who thinks, by merchants' letters which he has seen, that it is only some part of the [Spanish] army that has gone out, to meet the fleet of the Indias; and that they do not think the rest will come out "for all their braggs." He is a man of good experience in Spanish affairs, but I only send it "to let you know it, to judge of it."
	Add. Endd. 2½ pp. [France XVIII. 113.]
June 8.	Stafford to Walsingham.
	I have been asked to write to you on behalf of poor John le Roye, against whom one Jennings has exhibited a bill of complaint in the Exchequer, for transporting worsted stockings into these parts without paying custom; demanding "to have him condemned in three hundred and thirty pounds for the forfeiture of the same."
	I could not refuse, both because I think his trouble grows rather of malice and to draw money from him than upon any just ground; and also "that I see how painfully and chargeably both he and the rest [of the messengers] serve here, which they were not able to bear, if both I were not good unto them, and also, by some little traffic they got not something to bear their charges." I beseech you to favour him, for else the poor man may be undone, and yet perchance hath no way offended.— Paris, 8 June, 1588.
	Postscript. Whether the army be out or no is doubted, for they that speak privately with the Spanish Ambassador do not assure it.
	Further postscript. The ambassador etc. marvel not to hear from their agent in Spain, but think the passages are stopped. "He steadfastly affirmeth that the first of this month they set sail, and that the 2nd they were in the main sea." A merchant sent me word this morning that two ships, come from Lisbon to Newhaven, affirm this.
	"There is nothing yet come hither from the King, nor whether he will accord or not accord that which Villeroy carried," but Villeroy is expected here today or tomorrow.
	Six cannons and culverins went out of this town yesterday, but the Queen Mother was in such a choler when she knew it, that the Duke of Guise sent for them back. They were going to batter Melun, which still holds out. The Duke's troops, have, by intelligence with those of the town, part of it; but Monsieur Rostin and divers gentlemen that be in it for the King, and Monsieur Rubempre, who has entered it with a regiment of Lavardin's, have cut off the better and strongest part of it, which commands the channel of the river [Seine], and defend it bravely. "Yesterday, the King sent M. Dampierre to encourage them, and that if they need, he will come and succour them at their first sending for him."
	I send you "the publication of the States, which was in this town yesterday published with a great discontentment of this people, especially that he did it afore he sent word of his agreement or not agreement of that Mr. Villeroy carried, and think there is some indirect meaning in it."
	One who came yesterday from Rouen says the King means to go from thence to Newhaven and so to Dieppe and towards Beauvoys, and then into Picardy, but this I cannot assure you.
	The first part only signed; the second postscript holograph. Add. Endd. 2 pp. [France XVIII. 114.]
June 8/18.	Advertisements out of France.
	An accord between the King and the League is greatly hastened, especially by the King, "but the other draw somewhat back, the rather to obtain certain articles for their particular, which they earnestly press by word of mouth and not by writing as the other articles, lest the people should discover their doings; whom they still feed with an opinion that all is done for their public profit and maintenance of religion.
	"Those of the League have put forth sundry writings in Paris to their own advantage; falsifying the same under the name of Rouen, as though they came from the King and their party.
	"They insist marvellously upon the breach of league with her Majesty; at the least, if not the old league, yet that made at Bloys; but the King doth yet refuse the same.
	"The artillery lately sent from hence from [qy. for] the battery of 'Mellun' is not yet come thither, neither dare they go forward for fear of losing it, by reason that those of the League have been often assailed by those in the town, who are very strong and many valiant gentlemen.
	"It is lately advertised hither that M. d'Espernon hath surprised the Castle of Amboyse, which those of the League are grieved at." The towns of Newhaven, Kilbeufe [Quillebeuf] and other places on the river of 'Roan' have declared for the League. The Duke of Guise has sent soldiers to Hu [Eu] in Picardy and other places near to levy more, and provide all necessaries for them till they have further direction from him.
	Endd. 1 p. [Newsletters IX. 44.]
June 9/19.	M. de Mauvisiere to Burghley.
	Although he has not often written to his lordship, he does not forget his friendship for himself, or his services in maintaining a good understanding between their two countries and princes. He himself has done the like, and thanks God that their Majesties remain on friendly terms. Knows that his lordship will find a remedy for any new accidents which might disturb the quiet of her Majesty's State, to whom he heartily offers his service on this occasion of the imaginary conquest which the Spaniards think to make of England and Ireland; using the aid of the King of Scotland and his subjects, who would have a very small share if it did happen; a thing which will be found easy to prevent or remedy, both as regards the sea army or a descent on land, which would be difficult for them to accomplish, and against which England herself has means sufficient, without seeking them from others.
	Concerning which, some months ago, he wrote a short memoire, and gave it to John Fourrier, for delivery to his lordship or Mr. Walsingham, who now being come with M. Laiton, says they received it kindly.
	His long experience of the affairs of their country, together with the birth of his children there, and the honour he received, particularly from his lordship, urged him to omit no service that he could render, as he prays may be testified to her Majesty, and that he may be preserved in her and his lordship's good graces. Sends compliments to Madame and his children.— Rouen, 19 June, 1588.
	Holograph. Signed De Castelnau. Add. Endd. French. 1½ pp. [France XVIII. 115.]
June 9/19.	"The substance of the King's answer unto me" [i.e. Leighton.]
	"First he said he could not express how greatly he thought himself beholding unto her Majesty, his good sister, for her so great and continual care of him, so would he remain ever most devoted unto her, and whereas her Majesty wished another manner of proceeding than hath been holden by him in [those his] late actions, he said—and gave her Majesty hearty thanks for her good advice,—that each prince best [knew] the estate of things in his own country, and that howsoever men judged of his actions and proceedings, in the end it should appear that not without good reason he hath proceeded as he hath, and that he will make manifest to the world that he will not put up the wrongs hath been offered, neither do anything 'unworth' of the rank he holdeth; and assureth her Majesty that no persuasion shall cause him to leave so well and experienced amity as that of his good sister the Queen of England, whose kind correspondence was unto him a singular comfort amidst his griefs; thanking her Majesty both for this and her former sending and that her sending unto him counsellors was very pleasing unto him, and that he would presently go write unto her Majesty, praying me to kiss for him the hands of his good sister.
	"And that for the Pope's nuncio, he may say what pleases him, but there is not any such matter as he brags of. True it is that sometimes he acquaints the Queen his mother and some other with his matters of trust, which if they reveal, their fault is great."
	Draft in Leighton's hand. Endd. 1 p. [France XVIII. 116.]
June 11.	Robert Hampson to Mr. Manning.
	We left Harwich on the 2nd instant, and arrived here on the 7th, being put in with a great gale of wind.
	Coming before the Swing, we found seven or eight Hamburg men of war, the Admiral being a great ship whom the Hamburghers name Stere Stood, and they of Stoad call Undohambrowe. Our men of war came to an anchor, "the two Admirals, to say Mr. Saltonstall's ship and one Tucker of Hull" one on each side, and the rest within the sands.
	We believe their meaning was "to have had all our goods to Hambrough, to have made us to pay such toll as they thought good, and as they did the George; [but] fearing we were too strong for them, the captains spoke us fair. The like ours did, as they were willed at Harwich. . . . This day half our ships or more is discharged . . . Hitherto, they have not offered us any violence, not of good will, as we think, but of fear. . . ."
	Yesterday, John Schult and another came to the deputy with a notary; as I guess to seek advantages, as will appear by the Company's letter. "The fox is smelled; the Hamburghers be stark mad, as they which come from hence say. They would fain have us again, and would be content to make a hundred lies to have it performed. They read one part of her Majesty's letter . . . they that understood the Latin tongue said they read it false." We had a copy and knew they said what was not true, in order to have us. "I perceive that Mr. Governor and the Doctor saw what they were . . . John Schult held Mr. Deputy with his own speech (none else that spoke) one whole hour long . . . but to take advantage of us."
	Mr. Deputy is wary, and so our answer . . . is but as was delivered us, sealed with the Company's seal; made in Latin. Which is, to give them that belongs to them by right of the Empire. The Bishop of Breame [Bremen] or some for him, meaneth with the Hamburghers and some of this town to meet at Itzehowe the 21 of this month, there to talk. What their end will be, the Lord knoweth.
	Postscript. "Surely, let us take heed for seeking or to be persuaded to Hambrough. If we should forsake this town and go thither again, they would use us most vilely. I perceive they are perilous people, full of trouble, and cavilers. And now, if the Bishop of Breame should, at the meeting, take against them of Hambrough, he may make a castle between this town and Hambrough, where the channel cometh very nigh Breamerland shore, that no ship shall pass." I am told that the sands "grows very sore" between here and Hamburg, and it is to be feared the river will be nought. I think it good "to linger the Hamburghers in their show in having us again till the meeting be past and till we hear what the Bishop will do. He is mighty, and hath good and mighty friends. My conclusion is this town to be better than Hambrough . . . It standeth better for us, lesser adventure, and this town can rule their people. Hambrough, when it serveth their turn they can, and otherwise they cannot; a dangerous place for merchants." But they will surely "seek extraordinary suits to have us again to the highest powers, and will flatter us, I think, to that end. They keep their forces where they were still, and if they were of power, they would triumph over us."—Stoad, 11 June, 1588.
	Endd. 1¾ pp. close writing. [Hamburg and Hanse Towns III. 5.]
June 11/21.	Proposals of peace propounded on 21 June, 1588 in the city of 'Boxtehudans,' to the legates of the cities of Hamburg and Stade by the commissioners of the Archbishop Of Bremen, in the matter of the residence of the Merchants Adventurers of England.
	1. That in compensation for the expences which will be incurred by the men of Hamburg in the river Elbe for their use, 'tunnen and bakoen,' the Adventurers will pay 'tunnen and bakoen geldt' (as it is called) for their ships, so long as they have residence in Stade, on condition that it be first specified how much should be paid for each ship, and where.
	2. If the above seems inconvenient to either party, that the ten years agreed upon between the Adventurers and the men of Stade shall be reduced to six or eight, during which the English merchants may reside there without hindrance.
	Or, 3, that the Adventurers should be divided, half remaining at Stade and half removing to Hamburg and residing there.
	If all the above proposals are unacceptable to either party, that those of Hamburg should pay a fixed sum to the men of Stade in consideration of their damages and expences by reason of the said residence, and that afterwards, those of Stade should dismiss the said English, but not until the contract between them be voluntarily dissolved.
	Meanwhile, both parties should observe the rights of neighbours, live peaceably, make no attacks upon each other, content themselves with the ordinary course of law, and maintain free trading.
	The legates of Hamburg and Stade have received the above proposals, which they are to convey to their superiors, whose decision is to be notified to the Archbishop of Bremen within two months.
	Latin, 1 p. [Hamburg and Hanse Towns III. 6.]
June 13.	Commission from the Queen to Daniel Rogers, to go as envoy to the King of Denmark.—Greenwich, 13 June, 1588.
	Copy. Endd. Latin. 1¾ pp. [Denmark I. 108.]
June 21./July 1.	Decree of the Emperor, Rudolph the Second, addressed to the Boroughmasters and Senate of Hamburgh.
	The Borrowmasters and Senate of Stoad have presented a petition in the Imperial Chamber, "that notwithstanding in the common written law of the Holy Empire's constitution . . . it was ordained that none should hinder the free passage of goods and traffic of another; also that no new tolls on goods were to be erected or augmented, with or without the towns, by water or by land, or customs augmented; and although Stoad, as an ancient Hanse town—according to their privileges for more than a hundred years, and far passing the memory of man— "not only have enjoyed a freedom of staples, but also a right of toll upon the river of Elbe before the Swing, being in their possessions, or else peaceably and without any trouble (the action following excepted) in such manner that all and every trading ship and merchant using the sea . . . coming from whence they will . . . may pass up the river of Elbe to and from the town of Stoad freely, assuredly, without question or hindrance" and there may trade and frequent: . . . yet they of Hamburg have, to the breach of the country peace, set out ships in warlike order, with soldiers and furniture of war; and placed them between Stoad and 'Freburch,' (fn. 2) five miles below Hamburg, "being the free Elbe stream a common river, and that place a royalty appertaining to the Bishop of Breame," not only to hinder the passage of ships to Stoad, but also (without consent of himself or the Empire) exacting a new toll, and compelling ships to go not to Stoad but to Hamburg to discharge; as on the 17 of May last they did with one Boyer; and also three of their men of war fell upon an English ship named the George Bonaventure, anchoring "upon the stream of the town of Stoad called the Swinge" [Schwinge], to discharge goods consigned to the Englishmen resident in Stoad; and forced the sailors to promise to discharge the said wares at Hamburg. [Further instances of illegal action, as in regard to three Holland ships (Masters, Dirick Petersen, Cornellis Gellisen and John Symondexe) on May 30, and an English merchantman, the Steven Hudson on June 1.] Also on June 4, they caused another very great ship of war to be placed before the Swinge, still further to stop the trade of Stoad.
	Seeing therefore, that such dealings are not only against them of Stoad, but contrary to the laws of the Holy Empire, and as an order of the Imperial Chamber plainly shows that all causes which in themselves of right and custom are forbidden, are to be held punishable and unjust, therefore the mandate prayed for by those of Stoad cannot be denied, and has accordingly been granted to them this day.
	And hereupon those of Hamburg are straitly commanded that on delivery of these his letters, they shall wholly remove their foresaid ships of war and also revoke the new-erected toll, together with whatsoever else is established or appointed contrary to ancient custom; shall restore whatsoever they have injuriously taken away, and that the plaintiffs from henceforth, peaceably and unmolested be suffered to enjoy their privileges, freedoms and jurisdictions; and especially their free passage and traffic, as of old time.
	And in virtue of his imperial authority, he cites those of Hamburg, by themselves or their attorney, to appear in his Imperial Chamber on the 30th of the next month, to make manifest that this his said mandate is dutifully performed, or, if not, to hear the penalty pronounced against them; or signify just cause (if they have any) why it should not be imposed.— Spires, July 1, 1588.
	Endd. English translation. 3 pp. closely written. Hamburg and Hanse Towns III. 7.]
June 24.	George John, Palatine of the Rhine and Duke of Bavaria to the Queen.
	Since your Majesty has desired me to advertise you of such affairs here as concern and touch yourself, I have not, as your very affectionate cousin, wished to fail to make known to you what has happened, concerning the dangerous poisoning of your Majesty. As I am informed, there were two appointed to do it, each of them receiving five thousand crowns for the poisoning, which they had undertaken to carry out upon the chief gates and doors of your gardens and fountains of your court, not being able to find means to touch your Majesty's person. It were a great disaster, chiefly if committed against yourself, but also as against the trusty and principal members of your household.
	One of these men is an apothocary of Metz, the other a priest of St. Mennehou [Menehould], who, having executed their enterprise (which God forbid) were to withdraw into Scotland, to a gentleman named M. de Corchelle [i.e. Courcelles], there to receive the rest of their promised reward. I leave it to your Majesty to imagine from whom this arises.
	I send my man to advertise you of this with all diligence, that your Majesty may take means to prevent it; for as you are the chief pillar of the church of God, we must all desire to preserve you.—Lutzelstein, June 24, 1588.
	Signed. Add. Endd. "24 June, 1588. From the Duke of Petite Pierre." French. 2 pp. [German States V. 79.]
June 19 and 28.	William Harborne to [Walsingham.]
	In my last of the 20th past, I certified to have exhibited to the Grand Signor a petition touching the Ragusians' assistance of the King of Spain. Six days ago the Vicerey certified their ambassador that the Grand Signor was much displeased therewith, and ordered them not only to cease their said aid but to call home their subjects, that her Majesty might have no further occasion to complain, which if she did, it should be to their great harms. These speeches I received of their ambassador, Orsato da Cervi, who came to me in great haste, declaring that the Signoria had not entered any league with him or given him any succour. And as for the few people and ships found in his dominions, they were forcibly arrested. I replied that her Majesty did not certify the Grand Signor any such matter, but I myself thought it expedient to do so, and urged them to forbear any future harms. "As for her Majesty, such were, God be praised, her invincible forces so well by sea as by land, that she little weighed the greatest enemy," and much less any aiding him. [Gives his further speech at great length.] In the end the ambassador promised, in the name of the Signoria, to recall their people and ships with all possible speed, and to do nothing in future "which might carry the least suspicion of prejudice to her Majesty."
	The French consul of Alexandria, Christopher Vento, has apprehended Paul Mariani in the chief justice house and carried him before the Vicerey, who regarding neither my suit for his delivery or any promise that he should be presented in open court of justice, "gave him prisoner at his contrary's requests into the hands of a Chaous, that privately put him in irons, and the said Vento, with his adherents, gave it out that the same night he should be secretly drowned." But the Beglerbey, at my earnest entreaty in her Majesty's name, not only freed him from his bonds, but "hath cleared him of all such criminal causes" as Vento objected against him; a deed never before seen in this court, to the great grief of the Vicerey and the French ambassador, who now threatens himself to kill Mariani. But as threatened men live long, these speeches are little feared.
	Affairs in Persia (after the common report) do so prosper that these hope to reap an entire victory this present year. But the like 'fame' has been spread before in vain, and I credit it not; "notwithstanding, by some quarrels of late picked to the Venetians and Transilvanians . . . touching divers places upon their confines appertaining to the Grand Signor (as his say) and by them of long time usurped, it should seem some new matter is breeding; which if it be once begun, will cause a sudden end with the Persian, who hath both tired and beggared them; and so much the rather is it likely for that Ibrahim, the Admiral, hath now renounced his office to Hassan Bassa, sent for from Tunis in haste . . . who, born a Venetian, assuredly (after the manner of these devilish renegades) conceiving most deadly hatred towards their native country, will speedily practise against it . . . to the uttermost of his malice, as he himself at our last meeting affirmed to me and I verily credit, knowing him to be of most mischievous, crafty, subtle and unquiet spirit . . . and wholly bent to work evil against all Christians . . .
	"Here hath been this week a great hurly-burly in the city, for that the Grand Signor minding to call in all false and light money and give out a new coin of good silver, imposed a tribute of ten in the hundred upon all goods moveable; five upon those imoveable and a ducat upon every head, Jew and Christian, not otherwise to be taxed, throughout all his kingdom . . . which would have amounted to sixteen millions of gold. But for that those Turks which receive his pay began to rebel openly in the city and brake up the chief Commissioner's house, after twenty-two of the chiefest were by martial law executed, with sundry cruel deaths, the residue, promised their pardon, surceased," and the Grand Signor fearing the dangerous issue, exempted all in his pay of that burden, though all others must pay it. It seems that his treasure is utterly exhausted in these Persian wars, as partly appears in that he was wont to give me and the ambassadors of Germany and France good money for part of our diet; now paid in such ill coin as it is not current for anything.
	"Here is certain advice out of Poland that the difference between the King and Maximilian is ended by the Pope's leaguer and the ambassadors of Spain and Denmark . . . for confirmation of which amity the said Maximilian shall marry the King's only sister." These will tomorrow dispatch in post Mustapha, a chaous, as I take it to forbid this amity. I hope in my next to send a copy of such letters as he carries.
	By my friend Mr. John Wrothe's last advice from Venice I hear that Jeffrey Luther, fearing the malice of the French and Spanish secretaries in Ragusa, dared not come that way with her Majesty's letters, but waited for passage in a ship of that place. It is doubted that he will be long upon his voyage, which will give occasion to the French and others to confirm their false surmises against me, and to me of grief for the great expense of horses etc. for my journey, which I hoped would have been begun last month.—Rapamet, 19 June, 1588.
	Postscript. I yesterday received her Majesty's long looked for letters to the Grand Signor, with your honour's advices touching the same, which shall be duly observed and diligently accomplished, as I will certify you before my departure, which I suppose will be the fifth of July at the earliest.
	It is said that 500 janissaries and spahis of Feratt, general in Persia's army, are sent "in Caron's ferry boat for Limbo lake," through a quarrel between themselves. New forces are daily sent by the Grand Signor, in hope of a speedy conquest. Inclosed is the copy of the Grand Signor's letters sent by Mustapha Chaous to Poland, whence is now returned ambassador John Zamoskie, sent four months since. He brought me the King's passport for safe entrance in and out of that kingdom, strongly guarded for fear of enemies, especially the Tartar, whom the Grand Signor, as his vassal against them highly favours.— Rapomet, 28 June, 1588. [Turkey I. 48.]
June 26.	Copy, on the same sheet.
	The Grand Signor to the King of Poland.
	Certain letters have been brought to our Porte from Peter, Palatine of Moldavia, certifying that the ambassador of the Christian princes had been with your Majesty, entreating a peace between you and the King of Vienna "and that the matter was brought to pass that to Maximilian, remaining in your captivity— his noblemen being set free and a firm peace and parentage established between you and the King of Vienna—you agreed to give your sister for wife;" wherefore it is expedient that incontinently calling your counsellors and nobles together, you take such order "that there be no conjunction of affinity between our and your enemy, the King of Vienna, neither that Maximilian be set free from your captivity nor your sister given him for wife, for we can by no means think well of it." Consider what Maximilian would have done with you, had you fallen into his hands, and deal accordingly with him. "We have appointed that your sister be given for wife to the worthy prince Sigismund, Palatine of Transilvania . . . Seeing the King of Vienna and his brother have been so hardly dealt withal by you . . . do you think they will ever be your friends? Verily never . . . but so soon as they shall find opportunity will revenge them. There is no cause why you should fear the threatenings and boastings of the King of Vienna, for God is wont to confound the proud and insolent. Moreover, the Prince of the Tartars doth complain that the Cossacks do not cease their injuries upon him, and being pursued of his, by flight do succour themselves in the Polish castles, Bar, Vintis, Braslow, Nestbosa and Camanests, and do there hide the prey they get of the said Tartars, which also hath often been proved; for the Cossacks taken and brought from those parts unto our Porte do affirm the same. It is convenient therefore . . . if you will provide for the safety of your kingdom, that you restrain the Cossacks"; for if there come any complaints against them to our Porte, no excuse of yours shall prevail, "but your kingdom shall be vanquished and your subjects a prey unto our soldiers."—Constantinople, 26 June, year of Christ, 1588; of Mahumed, 996.
	Add. Endd. 5¼ pp. in all. [Turkey I. 48a.]
June 28.	Stafford to Walsingham.
	For two days we have been in fear of a broil, for they have displaced the captains who were placed here, and put in new, "chosen by them that are here affected according to the time; but the captains have stood in it, and upon that great ado hath like to have been here, and the gates where those captains commanded (that they would have changed) have been kept continually shut, the old captains keeping the keys, and the new being at the gates, armed with good troops to take the possession of it; but this afternoon removed; and yet nothing altered. What will come of it, God knoweth.
	"The people in this town groweth very insolent. The day before yesterday, as the counsellors and the Presidents went to sit in the court of Parliament, there came above five hundred armed, that came to demand of them to do presently justice upon du Belloy, he that made the Apologie Catholique, who is prisoner in the Conciergerie. The Presidents having answered that the King had interdicted them, and had taken knowledge in the Grand Council of the matter, and therefore they could not do withal, they told them that if they did not presently justice of it, or did not deliver him into their hands to do it, they would take the fault upon them and they should answer it themselves, and so went their ways, giving them delay but till the next day. Since, they have not yet stirred again, and if God of his mercy do not provide for it, I see all things disposed here to have some great mischief to happen in this town.
	"I had news yesterday from Rouen that M. de Vileroy was to depart with all things for the conclusion of the Peace, . . . the Duke of Guise to have Orleans and Bourges for their surety, and not only to keep the governors that are in it still, but also that if these governors should die, that they may put in new governors at their disposition. That Dourlans and Montrell [Montreuil] shall remain in the state that they are in; that they shall presently raise the siege from 'Boullen' and pretend nothing in it; that the articles demanded for the breach of the leagues with strange princes; that for the Cardinal of Bourbon's declaring first prince of the blood; that of the Council of Trent; that of Monsier d'Epernon; [are] to remain in all points undecided and untouched till the assembly of the States; that if it pleased the King to make his entry into Paris, they should make him as "magnifick" an entry as ever was to King; if not to give him 200,000 crowns; that the King shall give the Duke of Guise and his followers 800,000 crowns to pay their debts; all at the Duke of Guise's disposition. That as for union of the towns, all to unite themselves to the King only, as to the head of the Catholicks, and they to give over their pretension to have Newhaven at their disposition. And the Duke of Guise to go to the King to declare his own cause to him, and to make it good, and to seek to reconcile and unite himself to his favour, to the contentment of the people.
	"This is, in short, that which I have sent me. . . though even now as I am writing this, I received letters from Rouen that Monsieur Villeroy was parted yesterday and was sent for back again; that Grillon and they were returned from Newhaven; that for all the fair speeches of the League, the governor had not given the King that contentment that was fit, and that thereupon the King, who had seized of Montevillier before, had sent at the same time to Harfleur and Honfleur both, to put in forces into them, and sware that he would rendre le gouverneur du Havre miserable, as he may do easily, having those places, and by his good friends being helped by sea, that nothing may come into it; yet for all that, it is hoped that Monsieur Villeroy will be here tomorrow, and conceived very certainly that he will make a peace; and that is resolved upon, and that the King speaketh nothing else but of making peace with any conditions, and so do I think it will be done certainly for my part, though not to believe everything in France that is spoken of till it be done, be no obstinate heresy."
	It is written from Rouen, and very common here, "that the Spanish army was returned, greatly tormented with the plague, and some here have added that some of our ships had followed it, and driven it with loss into a harbour and beaten it, and taken a great gallion called the Matthias, which is but news, and there is nothing at all come out of Spain, and which being so good, I dare not believe it, no more than I will believe another which the Spanish faction hath made today run to disgrace that; that they be landed in Scotland, and that the King of Scots is joined with them; which partly may come of Courcelle's speeches, who is returned two days agone out of Scotland; who giveth out very impudently that as much as you writ to me of the King of Scots is true; but that it is all but dissimulation, and that the King of Scots and Spain have great intelligence together, and that the destruction of England is most assured."
	There is news that the King of Navarre has taken Marans again: that Pont St. Esprit is in great hazard to be gone, and that M. de la Valette, 'Edigueres' and 'Memorancy' have made an union together. How true it is, I dare not say.
	Count Soissons is said to be looked for at Rouen, "and here they begin to speak shrewdly and commonly of a counter league of the Catholic princes of the blood; and that Epernon joineth with them. I am afraid you shall see the effects of the year 1588 (so long spoken of in France) to make a show this year. I pray God preserve the rest of Christendom, for I see no remedy in this realm; and that the four verses in the beginning of July in Bylly's almanac (fn. 3) that I sent you will fall out true. God preserve us all! . . . "—Paris, 28 June, 1588.
	Holograph. Add. Endd. 3 pp. Seal. [France XVIII. 117.]
June 28./July 8.	Consuls and senators of Hamburg to Robert Peacock ('Pectkhoff') governor of the Society of Adventurers.
	They believe he is aware of their late negotiations, through their ambassadors, with his predecessor, Nicholas Biersing and his fellow counsellors, as to the exemption of English merchandise and the prejudice which would arise therefrom to his city; and also for giving the English nation a residence in their city.
	From the report of their ambassadors, they flattered themselves that the clouds of enmity would be removed and that the goodwill which formerly existed between England and their city would be restored. To this end they have undertaken, and still do undertake to employ all their zeal and industry.
	But a grave report has just arrived which greatly militates against their happy expectations: viz.: that the seamen of some English merchants who had lately put into the Elbe had used provoking language to D. Fox, ambassador of the King of Navarre and his sailors, as he sailed by the guard-ship; as well as to the master of a ship coming from Pheru [?Faroe], an island of the King of Denmark; an insult the more serious as, by violating an ambassador, they violated the law of nations and made light of the majesty of the Emperor (who has committed to themselves the guardianship of the Elbe) and also offended against the privileges of their city, and the immunities which it has hitherto defended on the river.
	Their ancestors used to punish such audacities with the severity they deserve; but they would rather admonish his countrymen to a greater regard for the peace than make trial to the full extent of their rights.
	Pray him to consider the circumstances of this insult to their people, to make a searching enquiry for the authors, and to see to it that the English seamen never provoke or discomfort any sailors going into or out of this port.—8 July, 1588.
	Endd. Latin. 1 p. close writing. Hamburg and Hanse Towns III. 8.]
June or later.	Notes by Burghley of "The charges of the last year's levy in Almaine."
	For 8000 reiters and 4000 lanz knechts:—
	Her Majesty, 155000 florins.
	The King of Navarre, 38000 ditto.
	The Duke of Bouillon, 16000 ditto.
	The Duke Casimir "pretendeth to have been at charge, with ordnance etc.," 110000 ditto. Total 319000 florins.
	For levying of 16000 Swissers, M. Chevrault brought from the Church of France, to levy the Swiss, 40000 florins.
	For the Second Levy.
	The Princes protestant offer 130,000 florins; with 28000 from the King of Denmark.
	From Languedoc, by La Noue, 40000 ditto.
	The Queen, more, 40000 ditto. Total, 210000 florins.
	Undated. [But after La Noue brought the money from Languedoc in May 1588.] ¾ p. German States V. 30.
	The following letters, formerly included in S.P. France vols. XVI.-XVIII., were, in or about 1866, removed, and placed with the Addenda, Domestic, of the reign of Elizabeth, and are calendared in the volume of Addenda for 1580–1625.