|
|
| 9 June. |
333.
Another duplicate sent of the aforegoing.
|
23 June.
B. M.
Add. 26,056b. |
334. Document headed, "News from England" (from Antonio
Fogaza to Ruy Gomez?).
The principal reason for the risings in Zealand are the letters
(bills?) given to the rebels by the merchants of Antwerp, some of the
richest of these having given such letters. I have just discovered
a matter of the highest importance, especially if the duke of Alba
should not hitherto have heard of it, namely, that these Antwerp
men, through their agents here, are really finding the money for
the continual succour sent from here. In order that this wickedness
may be punished, I enclose herewith the names of these
agents and their principals in Antwerp. There are still some
whose names I have not yet discovered, but will duly advise all I
can learn. The admiral of France has sent a gentleman hither to
see the Queen, and tell her that he was forced to surrender the
lands to the King before the time agreed upon. The letter did
not dwell upon other things, except to say that, as they could
not be entrusted to paper, the gentleman himself would declare
them.
I will go for three or four days to Kingston, to learn what
these Frenchmen are up to, as, from what I hear, I do not
think I was wrong in my opinion expressed on Montmorenci's first
coming. Foix had Burleigh in his house the other day, and
praised him highly for his great prudence, and said he was
esteemed everywhere. He said his wisdom might now be made
manifest to all the world, as he (Foix) had special instructions
from the Queen and King to point out to Burleigh how advisable
it would be for the two Queens to join together and make war in
Flanders, where public feeling was fully prepared for it, as he
could prove to him by many letters received from Flanders, which
he showed him, pointing out how easy and profitable the enterprise
would be. Foix could well do this, as he is a most diabolical
person, and a great rhetorician. He added, that the territory
they conquered could be divided between England and France.
Burleigh listened willingly to this, as he is the inventor of the
alliance, and a mortal enemy of Castile. Foix afterwards broached
the subject to Leicester, but he did not take it so readily, nor did
the Queen. This was the matter which Montmorenci was to
convey to the Queen in the Admiral's name, but I am told he did
so in the name of his prince.
So far as can be seen the Queen does not trust overmuch to
these offers and fine words, but wishes to have some sort of security
in her hands—thinking of Calais—and this may be managed if
Burleigh is favourable. It is more likely that this may be the
outcome than anything else, as I do not see where the Queen has
any money for a rupture of so much importance. I hope to learn
more, and will advise.
|
| 25 June. |
335.
After closing this letter ready for despatch I was obliged to stay
for two days longer to assure myself further about the negotiations
between the English and French. I am told that nothing will be
settled until the arrival of a courier from France, who was sent
from here in great haste. It is thought that the Queen demands
sureties or hostages before she entertains anything. By the
answer sent we shall know what the decision will be, and I will be
vigilant, in order to advise your Highness, sending you if possible a
copy of the agreement.
I am told on good authority that orders have been secretly
given for all sorts of warlike stores to be got ready. There is no
suspicion that they are arming, but they are really doing so
actively. I am nevertheless assured that no fleet could be got
ready in less than six weeks.
News comes from Scotland that there is a cruel civil war
there between the Catholics and the heretics, who are killing each
other without respect or mercy. This was not the case before,
but only since Croc has been there. He is doing more harm than
good.
|
| 27 June. |
336.
After having closed my letter a second time I was told that I
should have some important news about the French alliance with the
heads of the agreement, and kept back the bearer. I send enclosed
the rough heads by which your Highness will gather the substance,
and will send the full text as soon as I can get it, the document
being very long.
The expected reply from France arrived on the night of the
25th, and a letter came also from the King to this Queen in answer
to one she had sent to him, through her ambassador, about the
negotiation broached by Montmorenci and Foix in his name,
respecting a joint war in Flanders. The answer was quite
different from what was expected, it having been found that the
business had been carried very far on slight grounds, to her (the
Queen's) very small advantage. She dissembled as well as she
could, and went to the Council next day in person. Montmorenci
and the other two were there, and the Queen said to them, loudly,
that on no account would she break with the Catholic King. This
declaration was made very emphatically, and Montmorenci replied
that her intentions were much changed, as M. de Lumay had gone
from here with her consent and aid to rob the isle of Brille. The
Queen at once admitted it, but said it was a very different thing,
and protested that she desired to keep friendly with the house of
Burgundy. She tried hard to convince the Council that this was
her intention, as they were not in the secret, as Burleigh, Leicester,
and Bedford were. At last Montmorenci and Burleigh privately
agreed that, if the King consented to the draft treaty sent, this
Queen would do so. In order to lose no more time Montmorenci
decided to leave two days before he had intended, so as to get the
King to agree to the conditions.
These people are very desirous of securing themselves in case
the treaty is agreed to, and Montmorenci is so desirous of carrying
it through that the point becomes less difficult. He, Montmorenci,
fears the Guises may have been at work to cool the King somewhat
in the matter.
News comes from Scotland that Croc had reconciled the Catholics
with the heretics.
The night before last three ships left this river for Flushing,
with 1,500 men, mostly English, four cannons, two bronze culverins,
and some cast-iron ordnance, as well as much warlike stores.
The troops are raised secretly by Burleigh's orders, and at the cost
of the Flemings here.
|
| 28 June. |
337.
Montmorenci left this morning. The train he brought consisted
of 540 persons in all, amongst whom were 62 Monseigneurs, most
of the rest being gentlemen and captains. A ship from Flushing
arrived here this morning with news that the Castilians had taken
a fort a mile distant from the place, with losses on both sides,
and that Mons was surrounded by the troops of Chapin Viteli and
Don Fadrique (de Toledo).—London, 28th June 1572.
|
30 June.
B. M.
Add. 26,056b. |
338. Document headed, "Points of Letter from Antonio De
Guaras to the Duke of Alba."
That the queen of England had told Guaras, when he handed
her certain letters from the duke of Alba, that the Flushing people
came daily to offer to deliver the place to her, and, if it were to
the interests and the wish of his Majesty, she would accept it and
hold the town by means of the English who were there, and those
she would send for the purpose, with the object of, at once, surrendering
the place to the duke of Alba, or his representative.
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