Elizabeth: July 1585, 26-31 | British History Online

Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 19, August 1584-August 1585. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1916.

Citation:

'Elizabeth: July 1585, 26-31', in Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 19, August 1584-August 1585, ed. Sophie Crawford Lomas( London, 1916), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/foreign/vol19/pp631-643 [accessed 25 November 2024].

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July 1585, 26–31



July 27.	Bodley to Walsingham.
	[Not altogether trusting the safety of his last, he first shortly recapitulates the contents.]
	I was put in hope that Andreas Pauli had bought an answer from the Electors, but I have talked with him and “had his letter to Sir Philip, which I think doth insinuate some part of his opinion.”
	It is now said that the Duke will be at Wolfenbüttel to-morrow. To-day the Circle of Lower Saxony begins at Halberstadt, where I hope he will take order that her Majesty's advices shall be publicly proposed. I have dealt with some of the deputies of chief authority, and if anything will ever be obtained, “this new conjunction now in France is a great provocation.”
	I hear that the King of Denmark is come to Mecklenburg and means to meet with some of these princes. Though these affairs be not handled among them, I learn of something else which touches them very near, and is a special occasion of their meeting.
	If I see any slackness when I come to the Duke, I will spare no importunity, and, if time and place be convenient, will write to Kaas or Ramelius, to put the King in remembrance.
	The Sunday before Michaelmas, the marriage between the Bishop of Halberstadt and the Duke of Saxony's daughter is [to be] solemnized at Wolfenbüttel, with more expense to the Duke of Brunswick than can easily be believed.
	The Emperor has committed all matters between the two brethren of East Friesland to the arbitration of the Dukes of Saxony, Brunswick and Holst, “and an end to be made before they part from the marriage.” Joannes, third son of the Duke of Holst, aged twelve years and brought up with his uncle, the Landgrave of Hesse, is chosen Bishop of Bremen. About five weeks since, the Duchess of Prussia was delivered of a son.— Brunswick, 27 July, 1585.
	Postscript.—Zachery Marshal, dwelling by Cripplegate, now passes through Brunswick and will take charge of this letter.
	Add. Endd. 2 pp. [Germany, States, III. 79.]
July 28.	Reports of shipping at Dieppe and Newhaven [Havre de Grace].
	John Wood, of Leith in Scotland.—Came from Dieppe on Saturday. Seven ships going from Newhaven to Peru; the Grand Laurence, of 200 tons, the Admiral. 2,000 men in them, bound for Peru. From Dieppe, four ships of 80 or 100 tons going to Cape Verde; three for Spain, one for Brazil. On Tuesday sen'night it was given out that the protestants in Dieppe had been murdered.
	Nicolas Marout, Frenchman, master of the bark.—M. de la Charteis of Provence, governor of Dieppe. Two ships from Dieppe bound for Guinea; three to Cape Verde, two to Brazil.
	Pierre de Fever, Frenchman.—The Duke of Guise's army is dispersed through France. Some of the Religion gone to the King of Navarre, others elsewhere.
	Giles Rivalli of St. Gilles (Giles), who came from Boulogne. Thirty galleys of the King at Marseilles. No news at Boulogne but that the protestants are so persecuted at Rouen, Dieppe and the sea coasts that they resolve to sell their goods, abandon their country and seek some other place of refuge.
	Endd. 1 p. [France XIV. 58.]
July 28. Aug. 7.	William de Maulde to Davison.
	The bearer, M. Bellechiere, of the provincial Council of Flanders, having with his household withdrawn into England and hearing of my old friendship with your honour, has asked me to write a word to you in his favour; which I could not refuse, for he has long been the companion of my exile, and I know him to be an honourable man, religious, and as good a patriot as any here, having often risked his life in the service of our country, endured threats and even imprisonment in the town of Ghent, for his support of the good cause during the revolt of Hembise. He is also well versed in law and knows three or four languages which he speaks fluently. In a word he is a man who merits employment in public affairs more than many who are employed therein, and as I know you are a lover of honest and virtuous men I pray you to favour him if any opportunity arises for him to do her Majesty service, either in England or here.—Sluvs, 7 August, 1585.
	Add. Fr. 1 p. [Holland II. 70.]
July 28./Aug. 7.	William de Maulde to Davison.
	I wrote to you two months ago, when at Delft and gave the letters to M. Bellechiere. but he did not go to England till six weeks later, and I hear from him that the letters being of so old a date he has not delivered them.
	Now I write again to offer you such humble service as can be given by a poor gentleman, exiled for eighteen years from his country, and at present as it were banished to this desert place for lack of employment from those for whom he has risked his property and sometimes his life and that of four sons who are in their service and have shed their blood therein.
	It is reported that her Majesty has accepted the rule of this country, and we hope, like another Judith, she will crush the fury of the Ne[bucho] donosors and Holofernes who are banded together against God's church. Since the treaty has been going on, the enemy has been very uneasy (a bien martel en tête) and not long ago there was sent hither a trumpet from Bruges with letters from one Espallart, formerly greffier of our finances, who remained with the enemy at the surrender of Brussels. This greffier wrote to my cousin, the governor here, for a passport, having something to say to him on behalf of the Sieur de Melroy his great friend, which would give him satisfaction. My cousin showed me the letter, but we both understood the voice of this syren, for this Sieur de Melroy is he who about a year ago was sent from the Electors of Treves and Cologne to our Estates to propose peace, and therefore no answer was given to Espallart. Some days later he wrote to me, praying me to persuade my cousin to what he had asked, but I sent him word that it was vain for him to pursue the matter further, as I knew his intent and that the state of our affairs did not permit it.
	From Antwerp, by way of Middelburg, we have divers news. It is said that the enemy has intercepted one of the letters from the Queen and that the other had arrived there, they having made a signal by fire on the tower of Nôtre Dame. Others say that eight or ten days ago there was a great uproar, and all the people in arms, one against the other, to wit, the papists and the Martinists against those of our religion, so that there wanted little to bring about a grand massacre, it only being a question who would fire the first shot; but God kept them from going so far. But it is a bad beginning, and makes us afraid that they will the more quickly come to terms, if not speedily succoured. For to expect them to wait for an extreme dearth of victuals is, as I wrote to you before, simply to deceive ourselves. The most common opinion is that the twenty-two deputies sent to the Prince of Parma have returned without doing anything; but we have nothing certain.
	From France, we learn that La Rochelle is besieged both by sea and land, so you have proved a true prophet. As to this place, I wish there were six hundred English here, as they tell us there are gone into Ostend, assuring you that we have no less need of them, this town and the adjoining fort being a very great charge and there not being half the garrison that there should be, although we have done nothing but solicit those of Zeeland these two months past.
	For my particular, I hope for nothing from the Queen save by your means, for I am known to none in England except to your honour, Mr. Killigrew, who knew me in Germany and later in this country, and Mr. Sydney, nephew of the Earl of Leicester, with whom I made acquaintance in Antwerp at the Earl's house when I supped there with the late Prince of Orange. Wherefore I humbly pray you to be my Mœcenas to her Majesty, that if she re-erects the College of Finances here, which is very necessary for the maintenance of the authority and prerogatives of princes, I may not be forgotten, but have the chief place there which I held before, and thereby do her as good service as I formerly did to the late Duke of Anjou. I still have his seal of the Finances in my charge, which I hope one day to put into her Majesty's hands.
	If you would like me to send you a copy of the instructions for our office, to communicate to the Council, I will not fail to do so. I pray you to forgive my familiarity in petitioning you about my affairs, but the singular kindness you have always shown me and your true Christian piety have led me to it, and also that I know you will be glad to see one of your faithful servants and friends in better case to do you humble service.— Sluys, 7 August, 1585.
	Add. Fr. 2½ pp. [Holland II. 71.]
July 29.	Davison to Burghley.
	Stating that the “bands” which he received from the Estates and towns during his former service in the Low Countries were partly for 45,000l. (20,000 delivered by Mr. Huddesdon in Germany; 20,000 by himself in Antwerp, and 5,000 lent to the Marquis of Havrech when he was in England) and partly for the debt of Palavicino and Spinola. Gives details of the various bonds. The originals of all these he sent to Mr. Secretary, but has copies which are at his lordship's service if he wishes for them.—London, 29 July, 1585.
	Endd. 1 p. [Ibid. II. 72.]
July 30.	J. Junius to Walsingham.
	Your honour's reply of Thursday last to my entreaty for provisional succour has so greatly dismayed me that in truth I know not what to do.
	Before leaving Zeeland, inspired by a desire that those of Antwerp should not lose heart, I wrote to them that I held their delivery (by Gods help) as certain, and that if it did not happen within a month, I should be willing to be cut into a thousand pieces. What then is my grief when you say that the two thousand soldiers will not be embarked until the month of August, old style, is ended? From which I judge that yet three weeks will pass before the other 2,000 will all be at the seaside, and three more before they will have crossed the sea, and are fit to do good service. I am afraid that those of Antwerp, not being able to abide such delay, and seeing no succour within the month, will rather resolve to make an agreement with the Prince of Parma, with tolerable conditions, than wait till they are in extremity and driven to surrender themselves with the rope about their neck to the mercy of a cruel and pitiless enemy; and will lay the chief blame of this calamity and their horrible slavery upon me, for having nursed them with a vain hope. My honour is dearer to me than life, which I would rather lose than see my compatriots in Antwerp reduced to such misery.
	Therefore I pray your honour to let me know if I may come next Monday to the Court, to kiss her Majesty's hands and then return to my native land to inform those of Antwerp what they have to hope for.—London, penultimate day of July, 1585, stylo veteri.
	Postscript.—I should have accompanied the other deputies but my indisposition obliges me to remain in the house.
	Add. Endd. Italian, ¾ p. [Holland II. 73.]
July 31.	Stafford to the Queen.
	My brother having come over about two months ago to see me, and hearing now that some soldiers are going into the Low Countries for your Majesty's service, desires to return home and “to seek to venture his life” in doing you some service.
	I humbly beseech you, in respect of his goodwill, and that he has served there aforetime, that by your favour and countenance he may have some charge there, whereby he may the better do it, and the willinger— “because it shall put him in opinion that your Majesty shall be served by it—than afore, when he was there without any such knowledge; whereof he yet carrieth the marks.” I pray God to give him and us grace to do your 'Majesty service, and to send you a conquest over all your enemies, and in health and prosperity a most long and happy life.—Paris, this last July, 1585.
	Holograph. Add. Endd. 1 p. [France XIV. 59.]
July 31./Aug. 10.	Treslong to the Queen.
	By natural instinct I have always desired to serve your Majesty, and moreover the boundless kindness with which, in this my time of adversity, you have been pleased to revive my spirit by your gracious letters to the States General for my deliverance has so laid me at your Highness' feet that only death could break my bonds and free my soul to render testimony on high to your unmerited favour on my behalf. Only regretting my long and painful imprisonment because it prevents my acquitting myself of my obligations to you as I desire with all my heart.—The prison at Middelburg, 10 August, 1585.
	Endd. Fr. 1 p. [Holland II. 74.]
July 31.	Names of the [English] Captains in the Low Countries.
	The Treasurer [Hurleston].	Edward Norris.
	Mr. of the Ordnance [Arryngton].	Henry Norris.
	Colonel Morgan.	Capt. Havers.
	Edward Yorke.	Tho. Maria Wingfield.
	Edward Morgan.	Mr. Vavasour.
	Emanuel Lucar.	Mr. Scott.
	William Cecill.	Charles Blunt.
	Edward Udall.	John Wotton.
	Capt. Carsey.	Robert Sydney.
	Francis Darcy.	Thomas Knolles.
	Capt. Bannister.	William Knolles.
	Capt. Roberts.	Capt. Baskarvile.
	Capt. Brett.	Gregory Hinder.
	Capt. Hoord.	Capt. Morrice.
	Capt. John Brough.	Robert Cary.
	Dated by Burghley (1) at the top, “Ult. July, 1585,” (2) on the dorse, “primo Aug.” Names in brackets inserted by him. 1 p. [Holland II. 75.]
July 31.	The Elector of Saxony to the King of Denmark.
	What your Majesty has written to us concerning the English Queen's letters to you by her ambassador in relation to the commotions lately begun in France, the King of Navarre, and her proposal for an assembly of the Protestant princes, nobles and cities not only shows your friendly feeling to us, but is an assurance to all the churches, at home and abroad, who by God's command have severed themselves from the tyranny and abominations of the Pope of Rome.
	We remember that the Queen some time ago endeavoured almost the same thing with us through her envoy, for we learned from our beloved uncle, father-in-law, brother-in-law and brother, Julius Duke of Brunswick that in May last her ambassador, Mr. Thomas Bodley, brought him the same proposal as he did to your Majesty, together with a royal letter to us, which was sent us by Duke Julius, with an annexed request and exhortation that we would consider how those who had abjured popish errors might put together their power and means on every hand to meet and withstand the hostile power of the Pope.
	While we are of opinion that her Majesty may well consider it seasonable to move them to such doings and writings, and also cannot mislike such true diligence and are ourselves well inclined and earnest in all that may serve to the warding off threatened danger from our beloved fatherland, when it may be done without disturbance of the general quiet and peace of the holy imperial German nation; yet when we weigh the matter on every side, and consider the convenience of our people and their trade, we find this thing not only so weighty and far reaching but so doubtful and hazardous that we know not whether or how the matter may be set forward so as to reach the desired result and end, and not rather bring danger and destruction after it; and especially whether it becomes us, as a member of the Holy Empire, answerable to the Emperor and the other estates of the Empire, to enter into a foreign confederacy, when we yet could have no presumption that the Emperor and other States of the Empire of the Popish religion had any understanding or correspondence with foreign potentates for the oppression or uprooting of our true Evangelical religion; wherefore we have no weighty cause to sever ourselves from his Majesty in order to unite ourselves with others, and thereby either to bring the foreign popish potentates in hostile fashion down upon the Empire, or else, to rouse the strong mistrust of the popish estates of the Empire against the confederacy, and so be the cause of disunion, and bring upon ourselves the heavy accusation that without any pressing need we had broken up the Union by which all the members of the Empire, without distinction of religion, are engaged and bound to each other.
	For we may not conceal from you that when in the year '83 the lately deceased Elector, the Pfalzgrave of blessed memory proposed a like assembly of the Estates of the Augsburg Confession to be held at Mülhausen, we would much rather, if he would have listened to us, have had it otherwise. Afterwards, in consequence of his death, affairs remained as they were. Soon afterwards, in the past year '84, our two fellow Electors of Mainz and Trier directed an important memoire to us, wherein they notified us how by some it was imputed to the Popish Estates as if they were perpetually working, through the Pope, to have the Estates of the Augsburg Confession again persecuted and stirred up; and that their Electoral Highnesses had in unfriendly wise, too much thought and addressed themselves to make the Papist and Protestant princes hateful to each other, and thus to set the Estates of the two religions together by the ears, to the ruin of our beloved Fatherland. Whereas their Highnesses plainly declared that they would honour and maintain all the Estates both high and low of the Holy Empire of both religions, of the upright honest German race; that none of them would let himself be persuaded for the sake of any foreign potentate, whoever he might be, to cause disorder and division in our own Fatherland; and that as none would allow of such an enterprise, so they ought to be free from all suspicion, and so much the rather because they, as well as others had vowed and sworn to the Religions-friede, and desired nothing more than that all should be and remain in quiet with each other. To such effect ran the words of their Highnesses' memorial, brought to us, and thereby it appeared that if, on the one hand, the Mülhausen Assembly should be proceeded with, matters would not remain there, but on the other hand, the Popish estates would also unite and consider what was needful to do against it.
	Further, the Emperor sent us a similar despatch informing us that it had come to his knowledge that here and there, within and without the Empire a report was spread that a new league and covenant had been made between himself, the Pope and the Kings of Spain and France together with some Italian princes, and that amongst other things it was therein provided and settled to crush and exterminate the Estates of the Augsburg Confession; wherefore his Majesty, besides the commands which he had given on this behalf to his commissioners then appointed for Rotenburg, desired also to admonish us that the report given out of such a papistical league and persecution was a pure falsehood and wicked malicious fable of those who would gladly bring about a massacre in the Empire of the German nation; rend in pieces its decrees and constitution and embitter class against class; adding a gracious request that we would not only ourselves give no belief or approval to such tales but also would give others who might imagine these things, to understand the same, and answer for it that his Imperial Majesty, as a German born prince of the House of Austria, knew better to bethink himself than that he would make an alliance with and admit any to the oppression and ruin of those whom his Majesty recognized as Estates and members of the Empire, and whom he held himself bound to protect from unjust violence.
	When we reflect upon his Imperial Majesty's and our fellow Electors' plain declaration, and of what great consequence it is to his Majesty himself, for averting an inroad of the hereditary enemy of the Christian name [i.e. the Turk] into his own kingdom and hereditary dominions; and to their Highnesses, if it should come to the execution of the Tridentine Council, for the sake of their Estates, land and people that all they of the Holy Empire (laying aside all other considerations) on all sides should faithfully hold together and none separata from the others, nor in any such wise bind or engage themselves to any foreign potentate, as thereby to open the doors to the desolation and devastation of our beloved Fatherland, and to give the sword into the hands of those who might use it as they pleased, against friends and foes; and as moreover we cannot believe that through any human power, however great it may be, the word of God amongst us can be rooted out, (although the Pope would gladly by all kinds of plots and practices set up again his ruined Kingdom, and make all and every man subject to his tyrannical yoke); —as we firmly believe and nothing doubt of this so are we well assured that he will be able to carry things no further than God Almighty ordains on account of sin to an ungrateful world which, under colour of religion, is wont to seek far more its own affairs than the things of God.
	We have put all this before your Majesty only that you may very clearly conceive from what weighty causes we have hitherto not been able to resolve to join and engage in any foreign confederacy or to help to promote such a convention or assembly, from which is be expected nothing else than jealous reflection and extreme distrust from those with whom we are together vowed to the holy Religions-friede; as also living together in one Empire to which we all belong and where by God's grace we have long dwelt together peacefully and kindly. We do not wish herewith to dictate anything to your Majesty or any other, but have only set down these things in fitting and friendly manner, which you will judge of as seems most advisable, safest and best to your high understanding.
	As to what further the English Queen seeks and requests; viz., not to allow any troops to be drawn to aid the Duke of Guise from the lands and territories of us who are allied to the Augsburg religion, this we also hold for many moving causes, and especially for that the Emperor himself, in the laws and ordinances of the Holy Empire before this time, that is to say by his Imperial edict soon after the beginning of this present commotion in France, forbad any to go from the Empire to aid either one side or the other in France; as we long ago published by Mandata in our land, and have more than once repeated the same; and therein have enjoined upon our subjects not to have anything to do with the warlike commissions of foreign lords and potentates without our knowledge and permission.
	We cannot call to mind that, in violation of this, any passage through our lands to France has ever taken place, much less that any places of muster or the like have been granted; nor do we intend to grant or yield to any such thing in the future.— Annaberg, the last of July, 1585.
	Copy. Endd. German. 7 pp. [Germany, States, III. 80.]
July 31./Aug. 10.	News from Italy.
	Rome, Aug. 3.—Upon the arrival of the courier from Monsignor Nazaretti, with the news that the Most Christian King would not accept the legate of his Holiness, orders were at once given to the French ambassador that within three days, he and all his family must leave the Ecclesiastical State, which he did, going to Tivoli, where he found Cardinal d' Este. The Cardinal, hearing the news took coach at once for Rome and with Cardinal Rambouillet (Rampuglietti) went to the Pope. His Holiness gave them to understand that if they were going to treat matters pertaining to the crown of France, they would not be listened to, wherefore they departed ill-satisfied and went to find the Cardinal de' Medici, at the Vigna, and consulted a long time how to soothe the mind of his Holiness.
	On Sunday, having heard Mass, the Pope went to the garden of Monte Cavallo, whither came the Cardinal Sta. Croce and for the space of an hour reasoned with him concerning the French ambassador, but without result, his Holiness being absolutely resolved that the said ambassador should leave. Other French princes and cardinals have done zealous offices, but nobody has been able to move his Holiness.
	[Churches settled or discussed in Monday's consistory.] The Patriarchate of Alexandria was settled for the Abbot Sermoneta, and our Lord published the two prelates for the reform of Catholic life (el Catolico vivere); and also the Monte set up with the 15,000 crowns already written of, calling it the Monte della pace, eretto da Sisto Quinto; after which he gave audience to the new ambassador of Malta, when Antonio Correscio, a Portuguese, made the oration and Bocca Padula answered in the Pope's name very learnedly.
	That morning on entering the consistory his Holiness gave audience to Cardinal d'Este, to whom, speaking of the French ambassador, reply was made that not only he should not speak of things pertaining to that crown, but that even in consistory should not propose things as protector of France, whereupon he that evening departed to Tivoli and on Monday morning the French ambassador was to leave with all his family, since his Holiness still insisted that his orders should be observed.
	They advertise from Florence that two beautiful Barbary horses, two ostriches and other valuable things have been sent from Algier to the Grand Duke from the personage whom the Duke kept so long in prison, captured with the seven galliots taken by the Duke's galleys, but sent home on the mediation of the Viceroy of Algier.
	On Tuesday news arrived that Lucca di Sora, the famous bandit, with about two hundred others had gone to Lisona di Sora, where was Signor Giacomo Boncompagno with all his court and the lady Duchess his wife, in order to kill him, but they were valiantly repulsed. On their return they met the private chaplain of the said Signor, whom they cut to pieces. The Bishop of Auosta in Savoy is dead. It is believed the bishopric will be given to the son of the Duke's physician, who is a great favourite with his Highness.
	Monsignor Mattei, auditor of the Camera, has asked permission to resign his place on account of ill-health, but it appears that his Holiness would not consent.
	On Wednesday night, the French ambassador passed by the walls of Rome, going to Capravuola, whence next morning he was to take his journey to France by way of Florence.
	Sixty thousand crowns have been put into the castle, half of which has been paid by Vastavillani for his office of chamberlain.
	They advise from Genoa that they had agreed to the demand of the Spanish ambassador that they should revoke their ambassador from the Spanish Court, but as to his other demands, they would not change, having made a general decree that no infantry should disembark in the port of Genoa or any of the neighbouring places. Also that Prince Doria may do no justice nor have any jurisdiction except at sea or on his galleys, nor may his halbardiers enter Genoa with their halbards; and if, going into the Senate, he will not give the title of Serenissimo to the Duke he would be at once dismissed, because those signors conceived that all those motions of the Spanish ambassador came from the said Doria.
	From Naples we understand that all things are quiet, and there is great plenty.
	Venice, Aug. 10.—From Milan [accounts of deaths, murders and quarrels]. A comedy had been presented to the governor by the Comici gelosi, at which the four Japanese lords were present, who enjoyed it greatly; and the Jesuit fathers, who laughed so heartily che se gli sarebbono cavati li denti.
	On Tuesday the forty-one signori were shut up for the election of the new prince, who it is believed must be chosen at once because of the two factions, each favouring their own; one of the house of Moresini, the other of the house of Emo; both procurators of St. Mark.
	Wednesday, by reason of a great storm, four candlesticks were overthrown, one of which falling in the campanile of the Frati centuroni of the church of San Stefano and setting fire to the woodwork, brought down the bells with such a crash that everything was wrecked, and some houses near the campanile destroyed, with a loss to the fathers of more than 4,000 crowns.
	It is said that the Pope held out hope to the Signoria that the Venetian ship Stella et Vidala, taken by the galleys of Malta will be restored, he having already sent to the Grand Master for its liberation.
	Italian. 3 pp. [Newsletters LXXII. 23.]
July 31./Aug. 10.	News from Divers Parts.
	Prague, Aug. 6.—The Emperor only remained away five days, and returned a week ago; people begin to think that he will remain here this winter, the Hungarians being content with the presence of Archduke Ernest at their diet, and having accepted his Majesty's excuse of the plague at Vienna, which it is feared will increase with eating of fruit, although so far it has made little progress.
	Cologne, Aug. 9.—No letters have come from Antwerp this week, but yesterday we had letters from the Prince of Parma's camp of the 3rd, saying that this same day the treaty was concluded with Antwerp and was to be published on the 4th. It was said that his Highness meant to make his entry on the 13th, with what soldiers he chose for his guard, but no Spaniards. The Count of Arenberg was intended for Governor, and Mondragon for governor of the castle. His Highness would change the Magistracy at his pleasure, and disarm all whom he suspected. Those of the Reformed Religion had not been able to obtain any favour for this religion, except that they have four years in which to declare themselves Catholic, or to sell their goods and leave the country. Of the restoration of the dismantled castle and of the churches and monasteries, nothing is said, nor of receiving a garrison or repairing the dykes which have been cut through; it being self-evident that they cannot do less. Nor do we know what sum they will have to pay his Alteze, with whom were still the twenty-two persons, together with St. Aldegonde, who has never rested until he saw the peace concluded, hoping still to bring Holland and Zeeland into it, he being much esteemed in those two provinces; from which he would get a large sum of money, and so would be made much of by his Highness.
	From Holland we hear that six thousand English have arrived in Zeeland under Colonel Norreys and the Earl of Leicester, a lord of the order of the Garter; the Queen of England having declared herself an enemy to Spain and having sequestered all the goods, account books and writings of Spanish and Portuguese merchants in that kingdom, the same having been done in Spain to the English merchants. And that no vessels could leave that kingdom, nor letters be sent from it without licence from the Queen, who, it is said, will be accepted as absolute mistress of the provinces of Holland and Zeeland.
	That the Kings of Denmark and Sweden have declared themselves for the crown of England, the treaty of marriage being confirmed between the King of Scots and the Princess of Sweden, not of Denmark, as was written. That the English corsair [Drake] was not only going to capture the Peru fleet, but to do other mischief, having taken an island of the Catholic King and stayed (ritenuto) some Spanish ships near the New-found land.
	Dort is said absolutely to desire peace with Spain, declaring that as soon as they hear that Antwerp is in the power of the Prince of Parma, they will have no more war, notwithstanding the great succours that are to come from England.
	Paris, Aug. 3.—The day before yesterday, the Cardinal of Guise, the Dukes of Lorraine, Maine and Elbeuf and other lords of the League, having received all satisfaction from his Majesty dispersed in divers directions; it is said that at the end of this month most of them will return to conclude what is needful concerning the war, if things do not settle themselves amicably.
	Yesterday his Majesty went to Estampes to see the muster of the Swiss who are there, and to be seen by their chief men; and shortly he will make a general muster of all the soldiers, both horse and foot; and it is held as certain that they will keep 30,000, horse and foot and that all the rest will be disbanded, although now his Majesty's forces united to those of the League may be a greater number. At the beginning of next month order will be taken what is to be done, and meanwhile the King has sent M. de Leancourt, Monsignor de Rambouillet and President Brulart, with two skilful theologians, to the King of Navarre to endeavour to change his views, but it is feared it will be all in vain, it being reported that all the chiefs of the Huguenots have taken oath to live and die in their determination not to surrender the strong places except by force.
	Lyons, Aug. 10.—By letters from London of the 24th of last month we learn that the Queen of England had stayed in all her ports the ships of Flanders, Portugal and Spain, with their men and merchandise, in retaliation for the detention of her merchants in the kingdom of Spain; holding the said three nations for subjects of King Philip; yet we expect to see other advices, it seeming strange that this Queen should wish to pick a quarrel with that King in the present state of affairs in Flanders.
	The King of France is said to have asked the Pope to be allowed to alienate 200,000 crowns per annum upon ecclesiastical property, or that his Holiness would assign to him 40,000 crowns a month, in order to carry on the war against the Huguenots; to which his Holiness replied that he would be willing to do it when he saw his Majesty go to work in earnest.
	Italian. 3 pp. [Newsletters XCV. 27.]
July.	King of Navarre to Burghlby.
	Mon cousyn. Vous aurez antandu comme la pays sest fayte avecque les lygueurs sans moy and centre moy, quy fayt que janvoye ce gentylhome expres devers la reyne vostre maitresse pour suplyer sa Majesté me vouloyr assister de sa faveur et byenveillance. II y va de mon partyculyer pour le desyr quyls ont de ma ruyne soubs preteste de relygyon. Je vous prye me departyr vos bons ofyces and croyre ce que le Sieur de Segur et ce gentylhome vous dyront de la part de
	Vostre byen afectyone cousyn and mylleur amy Henry.
	Holograph. Add. Endd by Burghley “July, 1585. Received in July by Mr. Martyn, (fn. 1) the King of Navarre's servant.” ¾ p. [France XIV. 60.]
July.	General de Porta to Walsingham.
	Believes that the issue of their new troubles may serve her Majesty in the affairs she has in hand, if he may be allowed to speak with her, by his honour's means.—London [no date].
	Add. Endd. “July 1585. From Mr. Porta.” Fr. ½ p. [Ibid. XIV. 61.]