Simancas: November 1575 | British History Online

Calendar of State Papers, Spain (Simancas), Volume 2, 1568-1579. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1894.

Citation:

'Simancas: November 1575', in Calendar of State Papers, Spain (Simancas), Volume 2, 1568-1579, ed. Martin A S Hume( London, 1894), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/simancas/vol2/pp508-510 [accessed 27 November 2024].

November 1575



22 Nov.	427. Antonio De Guaras to (Zayas?). On the 12th instant I sent my last report and left a letter written on the 16th in London advising my departure for this island. I came because I had heard of the arrival of our fleet here which news was true, and I found it in good order on my arrival. It is still awaiting fair weather as the wind keeps contrary. In consequence of the long voyage it has been necessary to provide money for victuals, and this I have done, giving also letters of credit in case anything more should be needed. The two ships belonging to the Queen, which I said were being fitted out, have since arrived here, and the commander, as well as the Governor of the Isle of Wight, have sent word that they will, to-morrow, make a communication to Juan Nunez (Martinez) de Recalde, although we do not know what they have to say. I will remain here in case my assistance is needed in anything, and I hope soon to see the ships sail, as the weather now shows signs of changing. My visit has been advantageous, as some disagreeable demonstrations were made against our people in Southampton and elsewhere, to which my coming has put a stop, and if they are renewed I hope to be able to smooth matters over ; although when the two ships I have mentioned came to anchor alongside of our flagship, the General being absent on business, a boat from the English ships came to our vessel and asked for the General, who, they were told, was on shore. They thereupon told them to haul down the flag, and said if they did not do so they would make them, and our people then did so. As our fleet is anchored before the castle of Cowes (Cou), this and all other discourtesy has been overlooked, our people, so to speak, being their guests and under the Queen's protection. They even say that these two ships have come to accompany our fleet, and we shall know to-morrow whether they have any other object. There is no news of any armed ships from Flushing, and, indeed, there are few left in the Channel as they fear capture by these two ships. The General, Juan Nunez (Martinez) de Recalde, is taking such good measures that, with God's help, he will proceed safely on his voyage. The three ships from Dunkirk which were missing, have arrived there. When I left, fresh orders of favour were given at Court in the matter of the lost sloops, and I have sent the orders from here to the persons whom I had entrusted with the matter so that no opportunity shall be lost of proceeding to the recovery of them in accordance with the orders given to me by Juan Nunez (Martinez) de Recalde.—Isle of Wight, 22nd November 1575.
28 Nov.	428. Antonio De Guaras to (Zayas?). When I left here on the 16th for the Isle of Wight I left a letter written, and have since sent another from Newport, on the 22nd viâ Flanders. I did what I could to assist the fleet, and provided money and credits for stores. I hope it will now have safely arrived at Dunkirk, as since my coming hither I learn that the ships were seen passing Dover, the two Queen's ships remaining at Portsmouth. I found news from Court awaiting me here, to the effect that a Frenchman named Captain Norman had been there, sent by the prince of Orange, to say that if he was allowed to secretly raise troops here (Walloons, French, and English) he has means of striking a blow of great importance. It appears that this attempt will be against Gravelines or Neuport, but there is no news yet that forces are arriving, pending permission being given for raising them here. I have a person of trust attached to this man to learn what he can, and, if steps are taken to carry out what he desires, I will give full information. In the meanwhile it would be well to provide for the protection of these two places and others on the coast, as I write to his Excellency. Egremont Ratcliff, a brother of the earl of Sussex, Lord Steward, who was in the North, and subsequently in Flanders, Italy, and our Court for a long time playing the hypocrite, came to Paris, and from there wrote to the Queen and Council saying that, if he had assurance of pardon, which they promise him, he would come hither, as he has done, to declare some great secrets, and especially to accuse many Englishmen who, together with himself, have plotted against this country. To gain favour, I am told that he is going to declare, however falsely, that his Majesty intends at some future time to take revenge for the unneighbourly conduct of these people towards him, in favouring Orange in his revolt. If he is believed, he will be the cause of much ill-will. Amongst other things he has secretly told some wonderful stories about Don Juan of Austria, touching pretensions of his here and other absurdities. When he arrived here he was for some days at liberty, expressing great sorrow that he had taken part in the Northern risings, but when he presented himself at Court they sent him to the Tower, pretending to keep him under close guard, but it was all makebelieve. It is thought that he will do much injury to many people here, and to the English who are absent, and it is understood that he will make statements against the queen of Scotland. In consequence of this and other false accusations, the inquiry which has been commenced is to be continued in order that she may be placed in danger of being condemned to death. She is well, but strictly guarded. Respecting the business of the gentleman Corbet, I have only heard that he had sent two messengers hither, and will remain in Flanders until he gets an answer. (fn. 1) —London, 28th November 1575.
29 Nov.	429. Antonio De Guaras to Zayas. I informed you on the 16th that I was leaving for the Isle of Wight, where I had been informed that Recalde and his fleet had arrived in great need of victuals, and requiring help, in consequence of disagreeable demonstrations made towards him. I went at once, provided them with money and freed them from their annoyances. They sailed on the 24th with favourable weather, and arrived safely in Dunkirk on the 26th, accompanied by the armed ships which had left Dunkirk. This short note is simply to report this by a ship which is leaving the river for St. Sebastian, on the chance of its arriving before the news sent through Flanders. No armed ships from Flushing have arrived in the Channel as the Grand Commander is keeping the rebels busy, especially in Ziericzee, which I am informed by letters dated the 21st cannot avoid surrender, in consequence of shortness of food. God confound them!—30th November. I send this copy of the above by way of Plymouth to be forwarded by first opportunity.—London, 29th and 30th November 1575.
29 Nov.	430. Fragment of Document headed :"What the duke of Alba replied to Henry Cobham, ambassador to the queen of England in Madrid.—2nd December 1575." That his Majesty would be also very pleased to receive the ambassador whom the Queen might send to his Court, especially if he would observe the Roman Catholic religion, which would be a great satisfaction to his Majesty and this country ; but that in any case, his Majesty begged most earnestly, that the ambassador might be a modest man, well intentioned and favourable to the preservation of the friendship and brotherhood between their Majesties. He should be expressly warned and ordered to be extremely careful that he and his household should observe the contents of the two documents which would be handed to him, as the present object was not simply to send new ambassadors but to revert on both sides to the same order of things as had always existed before the time of John Man, who had committed excesses and had to be expelled by his Majesty, which it was understood the Queen admitted was done with ample reason.