Rome: July-August 1577 | British History Online

Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Vatican Archives, Volume 2, 1572-1578. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1926.

Citation:

'Rome: July-August 1577', in Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Vatican Archives, Volume 2, 1572-1578, ed. J M Rigg( London, 1926), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/vatican/vol2/pp319-331 [accessed 28 November 2024].

July–August 1577



1577. Vat. Arch. Nunt. di. Spagna, vol. xx. p. 6.	616. [Ptolemy Galli,] Cardinal of Como to [Philip] Sega, Bishop of Ripa, Nuncio in Flanders. … “The answer that you gave to the English ambassador was apposite, and gave satisfaction to the Pope, especially in the matter of Stucley; from whom, however, if there is nothing more to his discredit than the said ambassador has reported, I know not why some service may not be hoped for. If he is poor and broken, the reason is that he is an exile from home; if he is a braggart, the reason is that he desires to return home; but that he has been dismissed by the Catholic King is not true; and that you will discover when you are in Spain, for he subsists for the most part on his Majesty's bounty, and his Majesty deems him to be trusty, and a good soldier, though not so good that he is minded to give him the command in chief of such an army as might be despatched.” 1 July, 1577. Rome. Italian. Draft for cipher.
Vat. Arch. Nunt. d'Inghilt. vol. i. ff. 346–50.	617. [Philip Sega,] Bishop of Ripa, Nuncio in Flanders to Ptolemy Galli, Cardinal of Como. “You will see from the enclosed sheet what I have to communicate touching events here. And as I have hitherto written nothing about myself, now that I seem to see that the business is likely to be somewhat protracted, I deem it meet to tell you that the expenses of the journey hither greatly exceeded the estimate. And though for a while after my arrival the Estates paid my charges, nevertheless, as they have since given up doing so, I find that it is not possible to subsist here at a less rate than 300 crowns by the month, living being extremely costly in every respect, and particularly in the matter of wine, which is at such a price that one might well be afraid to keep it, not to say drink it; and yet it is drunk here as freely as if it were the cheapest of all commodities; and it serves as a preliminary to transacting all business and getting to know the course of events; and so, as I cannot go about, and the rules of courtesy are not much observed here, I must needs make it a practice to invite some one every day, in order to learn how things are going: not to mention that the custom of keeping open house both morning and evening, albeit I do so but at morning and in a very modest fashion, is universal here, so that it verges on the impossible to revert to a more economical way of living if one is in any measure to support one's rank; for here have been the ambassadors of the Emperor, and in particular the Bishop of Liège, and the ambassadors of France and England (and there are some that still remain) with notable retinues, with horses and much expenditure, and yet I have made no augmentation of my household, except that I have two Jesuits to serve me as chaplains, and have added two horses, two grooms and other three or four necessary servants. In a word I live not here in such a manner as in my opinion befits a nuncio of his Holiness; but hitherto I have endeavoured to pass it off under the pretext that I came posting hither and with no intention of staying; however, if it should prove to be necessary for me to stay, it will then be incumbent on me to assume some style. As to which I entreat you to say somewhat to the Pope, as and when you shall deem it opportune.” 1 July, 1577. Malines. Italian. Enclosure:—
	618. “The condition of affairs here ever worsens, because there is no resolve on the part of the Estates to remove the soldiers. The nobles that command the Walloons are all distraught, misdoubting one another, so that his Highness is warned that there are already leagues and conspiracies among them, not, however, for any common purpose, but severally for particular designs, and some, it is suspected, against his Highness, who has even thought of withdrawing to Luxemburg, on the frontier of these countries, for fear of some sudden attempt upon his person on the part of those whom he suspects to be in league with the Prince of Orange, who, it is understood, are among the most powerful. I have ceased not to the best of my power to prevent any action being taken, in order that after full performance, one may say, on his Highness' part, of the Capitulation he may have nothing to do with any breach of the peace, because, should it be reserved for some lesser ground than suspicion that he may be made prisoner, he will be able to temporize until the breach is by others, and his sole offence then being that he stands for the King, there is the better justification of a resumption of hostilities. I know not what the result will be: affairs are in this welter; and meanwhile the crisis retards Escovedo's departure for Spain; and, what is worse, makes people look coldly on the English business, and has brought matters to such a pass that plans are changed every day, such is the confusion of affairs. I apprehend some outbreak on the part of the German mercenaries because the attempt to come to terms with them is now all but given up as pretty nearly a desperate business, such are their pretensions; nay the Estates are pressing his Highness to arm the legionary cavalry to expel them by force. The petition, however, is in nubibus, as the places in which they are quartered are of such a sort that it will need more than words to turn them out. Nor would it be possible to attempt their extirpation without setting ablaze Antwerp, Bolduc [Bois-le-duc], Breda, Ruremonde [Roermond], Druetem [Druten] and other places which they hold, resolved there to die, if need be, but not without selling their lives dearly; and distributed among these places there are 12,000 foot: besides which they have neighbours so near that they may count on reinforcements in case of need, giving their cause out as national, for they allege that they are being grievously wronged here. “His Highness, having treated with them of the accord, endeavours to observe neutrality in view of the rupture that may happen. The Walloons also make no small pretensions; and meanwhile, being quartered in the villages of these countries, they perpetrate there such robberies that it is distressing to hear the complaints of the poor folk; and the Estates have so many interests to serve that no resolution is come to; besides which, many of these people will not submit to the impost of so much per head just decreed by them. And what is worse, such is the boldness of all folk that one daily hears of some fresh piece of inordinate popular licence, and never a word of punishment or censure of any sort. And his Highness, contemned by the Estates, betrayed by his counsellors, distracted by the diversity of current events, without money, without arms, is ever changing his mind; and meanwhile the Prince of Orange, more resolute than we, goes on strengthening his position; he has made, his Highness is assured, a league with the Queen of England and the King of Denmark, and with much instance demands his son (fn. 1) and his dominions, Utrecht and Amsterdam, which he besieges incessantly; and, notwithstanding their importance, the Council of State has advised that they be surrendered to him: but so far his Highness will have nought of that, and I adroitly confirm him in his refusal, because that would be to open the door to the extirpation of the Catholic religion in these countries, and furthermore and most of all that which always follows, to wit, the increase everywhere of the number of these malignants: so that I am apprehensive of yet hearing of some outbreak of public exercise of false religion, and particularly in Antwerp, where the condition of things could hardly be worse. And therefore I have told his Highness that I cannot deem it well that in these breakers he, though disarmed, should betray any sign of fear, diffidence or enervation; nay rather, that, continuing the negotiation of the accord with the soldiers on fresh terms, he should apprise his Majesty of the state of affairs, and press to the best of his power for the General Congregation of the Estates; for many good people are of opinion that their meeting would be fruitful of good. Meanwhile, his Highness will learn the more mature opinion of the King, and will be able to avail himself of it, as he shall see signs of progress; and above all he must not omit to despatch Escovedo; and dissembling, and winking at some things here for a time, must push forward the English enterprise, on which depends the curbing of these countries. And though this is ever my theme, nevertheless I observe here in the affairs of the last eight or ten days such perplexity and irresolution that I know not what to hope. Of one thing, however, I am sure, that Geraldine (fn. 2) will get no help either in troops or in arms, because there is no means of affording it; and moreover no good result of the enterprise is to be expected this year, even though one should give oneself to it with a will.” 1 July, 1577. Malines. Decipher. Italian.
Vat. Arch. Nunt. di Spagna, vol. ix. f. 454.	619. [Ptolemy Galli,] Cardinal of Como to [Nicholas Ormanetto,] Bishop of Padua, Nuncio in Spain. … “It is a grave matter that we should still be without any answer (fn. 3) from you as to English affairs; but I know well that the sole cause of this is his Majesty's irresolution, of which God grant he repent him not one day, and sooner than he expects. Meanwhile that wicked woman neglects not to do her worst; and, though she lets it not appear, does enough to keep the Prince of Orange always unyielding, so that hitherto he has not given the least sign of obedience or submission to the King; nay, he is ever trying to extend his reach, and strengthen his hold of those two Provinces, to all good people's grievous dread lest thus Flanders should speedily occasion fresh trouble. This you will, however, keep to yourself, availing yourself thereof only to persuade his Majesty to put off the mask in his dealings with that she-devil and give her bread for flour, particularly in view of the disorders of France, and the good disposition of the Pope to lend this enterprise not only his name and authority, but whatever else his Majesty shall deem meet and proper. Pray try to get a decision from him, particularly since poor James Geraldine will be awaiting the promised aid, and to disappoint him could not but be a great sin against God and a stain upon our honour. “Mgr. Sega, Bishop of Ripa, writes magniloquently of Don John's zeal for that enterprise, and that not only his Highness but all that are about him are mightily mortified by the delay, and that his Highness seemed to be inclined to do his office anew with his Majesty in regard thereto. You will readily discover whether he has so done and to what purpose.” 2 July, 1577. Rome. Italian. Draft for cipher.
Vat. Arch. Nunt. d'Inghilt. vol. i. f. 351. f. 350.	620. [Philip Sega,] Bishop of Ripa, Nuncio in Flanders to [Ptolemy Galli,] Cardinal of Como. “Having learned that the road by Trent was open I have several times written by that way; but I have no assurance of delivery: for since the letters that I received by Signor Ottavio [Gonzaga (fn. 4) ]'s man I have seen nothing from you, save a duplicate by way of Paris, and all the while I have been writing what little there is to tell of progress towards better things here, and in particular I wrote you three days ago at length by the ordinary post. Now, as a special courier is just despatched for Milan, I have seized the opportunity to send you these few lines of cipher.” 4 July, 1577. Malines. Italian. Enclosure:— “I have not yet arranged with his Highness the matter of the moneys in the manner I wrote of in former letters, because he is busy calculating whether it will be to his advantage in respect of the quality of the money. No arrangement is being made with the Germans. Distrust steadily increases, as there have fallen into the hands of his Highness some original letters from the Duke of Alençon relating to the business in negotiation between him and the Estates and the people of Brussels, to wit, the projected invitation of the Duke to these countries. I have a copy of them, and would send it enclosed herewith, if I could but be sure of safe delivery. The nobles here for the most part keep in the background. The Estates are at Brussels, all as it were in insurrection. The ambassadors of the Emperor have been recalled, and have taken leave of his Highness and the Estates; and to-morrow they will depart for Germany, notwithstanding that no arrangement has been made with the Germans, though in the capitulation of the peace they had all but assumed this responsibility. His Highness is as perplexed as ever. I do what little I can, but, not being consulted by either party, I cannot meddle much in the business. The present courier. I am persuaded, is to carry some order to the soldiers either to halt or to return. By Monday's ordinary post I will write more fully, if there is aught of importance.” Decipher. Italian.
Vat. Arch. Nunt. d'Inghilt. vol. i. ff. 352, 354–8, 365–6 373.	621. [Philip Sega,] Bishop of Ripa, Nuncio in Flanders to [Ptolemy Galli,] Cardinal of Como. As to a projected solution of the financial problem discussed in the letters of 24 June and 1 July by delivery to Don John of two bills of exchange dated Rome, 12–13 Feb., 1577, of the total value of 50,000 crowns d'oro in oro, the crown being reckoned at 90 kreutzers, payable at twenty days' sight at Augsburg or Frankfort, in exchange for a draft by Don John on the Catholic King's ambassadors at Genoa for 47,872 crowns d'oro in oro, the crown being reckoned at 94 kreutzers, its present value by Imperial Edict at Frankfort, payable to the order of his Holiness, or the nuncio in his name, at Genoa during the ensuing August, with such further sum as the Cardinal of Como may deem to be due. 4 July, 1577. Malines. Italian and Spanish. Copies of documents relating to the matter enclosed.
Vat. Arch. Nunt. di Spagna, vol. xiv. f. 343.	622. Don John of Austria to Pope Gregory XIII. Explaining the matter discussed in the foregoing papers, and craving the Pope's approval because the money will be applied to the service of God and his Holiness. 4 July, 1577. Malines. Spanish.
Vat. Lib. Urb. Lat. 1045. f. 363d.	623. News Letter. … “It is supposed that his Holiness is negotiating a league with the Most Christian and Catholic Kings against the Huguenot Queen of England, to which end many of the barons of the realm have conspired.” 6 July, 1577. Rome. Italian. Copy.
Vat. Arch. Nunt. di Spagna, vol. xii. p. 55.	624. News Letter. … “The English ambassador took his departure yesterday, and, it is said, none too well satisfied with the result of his mission, which was to obtain free trade for the English with these realms, notwithstanding their bad religion; and, above all, that in Biscay, where most of them put in, they may be able to do so without, as now, risk of persecution and imprisonment by the Holy Office. “He lived all the while he was here as a Catholic should, and gave not the least offence, either for soundness of religion or for fear causing him to dissemble, as is rather suspected.” 6 July, 1577. Madrid. Italian.
Vat. Arch. Nunt. di Spagna, vol. xx. p. 10.	625. [Ptolemy Galli,] Cardinal of Como to [Philip] Sega, [Bishop of Ripa,] Nuncio to Spain. “I think that your going to the Court [of Spain] at this juncture will command his Highness' entire approval; and that he will gladly give you leave, because, as you know very well all the reasons that should induce his Majesty to carry the English enterprise through, and also know that all the difficulties that might hold him back are surmountable, if only his Majesty resolve to take the matter in hand in earnest, his Highness may hope that you by word of mouth may altogether confirm his Majesty in this holy decision. Go, then, in good cheer, and as soon as you are there deliver a powerful attack on behalf of the said cause; for if action is to be taken, there must be no more delay, for many reasons, and most of all because of the French, who, as soon as they have arranged their own affairs, will not neglect to derange the affairs of others, and will not suffer the Spaniards to make themselves masters of England.” 8 July, 1577. Rome. Italian. Draft for cipher.
Vat. Lib. Urb. Lat. 1045. f. 368.	626. News Letter. … “The Prince of Condé is reported to have gone to England to induce the Queen to afford him aid, or at any rate to cause a diversion in France by laying siege to the fortress, held by the French, of Calais; and it is also said that he will do the same office with the Protestant Princes of Germany.” 12 July, 1577. Rome. Italian. Copy.
ibid. f. 372d.	627. News Letter. … “The Viscount of Ghent (fn. 5), who was sent to England by his Highness to request that Queen to send no aid to the Prince of Orange, is returning with the present of a collar, such as she has bestowed on the Imperial ambassador. She sends with him an ambassador on her part to negotiate with his Highness and the Estates.” 13 July, 1577. Antwerp. Italian. Copy.
Vat. Arch. Arm. xliv. vol. 23. f. 358d.	628. Pope Gregory XIII to Rodolph, King of Hungary and Bohemia, Emperor Elect of the Romans. Commending to him Ninian Vinzet (sic), Abbot of the Monastery of St. James of the Scots, at Ratisbon, whom he has recently appointed to that office, and for whom he solicits the King's aid in getting possession of the monastery and its fruits pending its vacancy, and in retaining possession of the same. 17 July, 1577. Rome. Latin. Copy.
Vat. Arch. Arm. xliv. vol. 23. f. 359–359d.	629. Pope Gregory XIII to Albert, Duke of Bavaria and his son William. To the same effect. 17 July, 1577. Rome. Latin. Copy.
Ibid. f. 359d.	630. The Same to [David Kölderer,] Bishop of Ratisbon. To the same effect. 17 July, 1577. Rome. Latin. Copy.
Vat. Arch. Nunt. d'Inghilt. vol. i. f. 359.	631. [Philip Sega.] Bishop of Ripa, Nuncio in Flanders to [Ptolemy Galli,] Cardinal of Como. Reporting that after some demur the bills assigned to Don John are likely to be honoured. 18 July, 1577. Namur. Italian.
Vat. Arch. Urb. Lat. 1045. f. 376.	632. News Letter. … “The King of Portugal has remitted here moneys to hire 4,000 Italians for the African enterprise. Their general is to be his Majesty's ambassador resident at the Papal Court. It is, however, believed that these forces may upon occasion be employed against the Queen of England.” 20 July, 1577. Rome. Italian. Copy.
Vat. Arch. Nunt Germ. vol. vii. f. 279.	633. [Ptolemy Galli, Cardinal of Como] to [John] Delfino, Bishop of Torcello, Nuncio in Germany. “You are aware of the vacancy of the monastery of St. James of the Scots at Ratisbon, and of the plan that was formed and discussed from time to time in regard thereto. However, at last the Pope has resolved to leave it to the Scottish nation, because they and their Queen are in such affliction on account of the Catholic faith that they deserve rather to be helped and relieved than to be deprived of those refuges that were prepared for them by their ancestors, especially as there is hope of restoring the monastery and filling it with good religious. Therefore, as his Holiness has chosen for abbot of the said monastery the Reverend Ninian Vinzet, who was here, and to whose goodness and accomplishment in letters he has excellent testimony, and as he is going thither to take possession and begin the restoration of the monastery, and discharge all the duties belonging to his office, you are to afford him all aid and favour of which he may stand in need, for such is his Holiness' mind; and you will do the like in regard to the monastery of Herford, of the same nation, to which Mr. William Chalmer, chaplain, has, I understand from you, been appointed.” 23 July, 1577. Rome. Italian. Draft.
Vat. Arch. Nunt. d'Inghilt. vol. i. f. 360.	634. [Philip Sega,] Bishop of Ripa, Nuncio to Spain to [Ptolemy Galli,] Cardinal of Como. Expressing his gratification at his appointment to the Spanish nunciature, and trusting that he will not be left without adequate funds. 23 July, 1577. Brena [Braine le Comte]. Italian. A letter to the same effect to the Pope but without reference to the pecuniary question. Endorsed.
Vat. Arch. Nunt. d'Inghilt. vol. i. f. 363, et seq.	635. [Philip Sega,] Bishop of Ripa, Nuncio to Spain to [Ptolemy Galli,] Cardinal of Como. On the distracted condition of the Netherlands, and incidentally as follows:— “Now his Highness, marking all these confusions, deemed it expedient to send Signor Escovedo to Spain to apprise his Majesty thereof; and on the 10th inst. Escovedo departed by the ordinary post; his Highness purposing in the next place to do his endeavour for the English business, since it is from England that all manner of evil flows into these States, and he is well assured that there is no time to be lost, while the French are otherwise occupied, and before the evil here has reached a more advanced stage. Besides which he has to provide for the security of his person and the maintenance of the Germans, to make an alliance with such of the nobles as walk in the way of uprightness, to take privily into his pay some other German soldiers, and to order the return of the Spaniards, that he may not be without means of defence in case of need, and that he may be ready for action if his Majesty should be minded to prevent the total loss of these countries.” 23 July, 1577. Brena le Conte [Braine le Comte]. Italian. Cf. Corresp. de Philippe II, ed. Gachard, vol. v. pp. 455, 456.
Vat. Arch. Nunt. di Spagna, vol. xx. p. 18.	636. Ptolemy Galli, Cardinal of Como to [Philip] Sega [Bishop of Ripa] Nuncio in Spain. … “By order of his Holiness I several times commended to the late nuncio (fn. 6) the affairs of Sir Thomas Stucley, bidding him crave of his Majesty the prompt and happy despatch of some of the matters that he solicited, as Clementino will certify you; and the said nuncio several times did his office to that end with his Majesty, and got gracious answers, but nothing followed. The Pope therefore would have you repeat the said offices with his Majesty, praying him to give directions that Stucley be sped according to his need and his requests, and the hopes that he entertains of his Majesty's benignity.” 23 July, 1577. Rome. Italian. Draft.
Ibid. p. 19.	637. The Same to the Same. “As I have already written, his Holiness desires you in discussing with his Majesty the affairs of Flanders to deliver a powerful attack on the subject of the English business, to induce him to resolve upon that enterprise, the reasons for it being such as you have most wisely set forth in writing. If, however, his Majesty should refuse, or continue to temporize, you must at any rate endeavour to get from him so much in the way of a decision as this, that until God shall please to counsel us to better purpose, some other expedient may be adopted for aiding Geraldine (fn. 7) in accordance with the promise given to him. For certainly that he should be deserted by us would be shameful indeed. And perhaps it would be well to decide that at the disposal of Stucley, who is dying of zeal, there should be placed a ship, no more than one, but that large and well armed with plenty of arquebuses and other weapons of offence and defence, that he may go in aid of the said Geraldine; because these two gentlemen, with the following which they would have on the part of the Catholics of Ireland, not only would mightily harass the realm of Ireland, but perchance would wrest it completely from the Queen; which would be no little gain, enabling us to await God's own time for the English business, and preventing the Queen from harassing others. Above all you are to advise us speedily of his Majesty's decision.” 24 July, 1577. Rome. Italian. Draft for cipher.
Vat. Lib. Urb. Lat. 1045. p. 392.	638. News Letter. … “Prainer has returned from England and the Queen with tidings that her Majesty will soon send hither one of her men to confer the Order of the Garter on the Emperor.” 28 July, 1577. Vienna. Italian. Copy.
Vat. Arch. Nunt. di Francia, vol. x. p. 440.	639. [Antonio Maria] Salviati, [late] Bishop of S. Papoul, Nuncio in France to [Ptolemy Galli,] Cardinal of Como. … “The Prince of Condé has of late withdrawn into La Rochelle. As for attempting to succour Br[o]uage, they hold that the only way would be by land; but that for lack of considerable forces it would in that case be necessary for the Queen of England to lend a hand by sending plenty of troops; which, it seems, is not likely to come to pass, because it would be necessary for the troops to be ready and for her to declare herself openly; which seems to be impossible, considering the character of her government, and the manner in which on greater occasions she has acted. But should it after all so happen, the King could despatch the remnant from Yssoire, who are with M. de Nevers, to that quarter, reinforcing the Duke d'Heumeine [du Maine (fn. 8) ] to such a degree that he would certainly be able to give a good account of himself. Anyhow, he has been joined by the Duke of Mereu [Méru] with more than 80 gentlemen who were compelled to submit to the Court after the reduction of Yssoire.” 28 July, 1577. Poitiers. Italian.
Vat. Arch. Nunt. di Spagna, vol. xx. p. 24.	640. [Ptolemy Galli,] Cardinal of Como to [Philip] Sega, [Bishop of Ripa,] Nuncio in Spain. … “Sir Thomas Stucley has likewise been divers times commended by the Pope to his Majesty in respect of certain matters which he craves of him, but hitherto he has failed to attain his object. His Holiness therefore desires that you also do every good office with his Majesty that his business be despatched as soon as possible and to good purpose.” 30 July, 1577. Rome. Italian. Draft.
Vat. Arch. Nunt. di Portog. vol. ii. f. 264.	641. John Andrew Caligari, Collector and Referendary to [Ptolemy Galli,] Cardinal of Como. “On the 24th of last month I received two letters from you of the 26th Feb. concerning James Geraldine, (fn. 9) an Irish nobleman. And as regards him, I will do all that I may in his service and honour, as I have liberally promised him. I have written many a time to the Bishop of Cork pursuant to the Pope's command; and now I understand that he has fled from Ireland to Flanders to escape persecution by the heretics. Maurice, the said James's son, is a fine boy, and of great intelligence, about 12 years old. While he was at Lisbon, residing in the house of a merchant, and going to the schools of the Jesuits, I paid him many attentions, and gave him some trifles for the sake of his father and his own good qualities. A little while ago he was transferred to the King's College, which is under the care of the Jesuits in Coimbra, where I have heard that he was doing well, and improving in his studies.” 1 August, 1577. Lisbon. Italian. Kept back until 2 August… Enclosure:—
Ibid. f. 266.	642. “Geraldine has shown me the brief which he has from the Pope to take with him to Ireland. He purposed to print it, so as to have 200 copies, one half in Latin, the other in English. From this I have dissuaded him, because the thing would get wind at once, and the brief would come into the hand of the Queen of England, and the business would be ruined. Instead I have offered to have a hundred Latin copies made in my own house, and to subscribe and authorize them; and they are to make for me the same number of copies in their language, and I have besought them to keep the matter very secret, and to give out that Geraldine has come here to see his son and then to go to France, and that he has no intention of going to Ireland. “I have also discovered that Geraldine was inclined to think that I was bidden to give him money; but I have made him understand that I have no such order, but that I will arrange his passage for him, though I should have to speak thereof to his Majesty, and that I will do all else in my power to serve him. He shows himself to be very hot upon this enterprise, though it should cost him his life, and he has told me that he expects help from the Pope in September or October next.” Decipher. Italian.
Vat. Lib. Urb. Lat. 1045. f. 401.	643. News Letter. … “The merchants of this city with the others of the ocean called Osterlenghs and Saxons are in treaty about the assurance offered them by the Queen of England for the great sum of money which she desires to borrow of them at the rate of 15 per cent.; and the difficulty consists in this, that they would have the security outside of the realm. Whereby many are set upon discussing what web the Queen may be weaving, seeing that for no ordinary occasion could she need money at this time; and some think that she is bent on attempting the recovery of Calais before order is restored in France.” 7 August, 1577. Cologne. Italian. Copy.
Vat. Arch. Nunt. di Portog. vol. ii. f. 268.	644. John Andrew Caligari, Collector and Referendary to [Ptolemy Galli,] Cardinal of Como. … “James Geraldine is here very eager to accomplish what he has promised his Holiness. I am perpetually at work with the Catholic ambassador to secure him a good passage, and I am in hope of success. The said ambassador has shown me a letter written to him by the Catholic King in commendation of James [Geraldine] and his son in terms so warm that nothing better could be desired.” 10 August, 1577. Lisbon. Italian.
Ibid. f. 270.	645. The Same to the Same. … “I have had many copies of James Geraldine's brief made and authenticated, and I do all that I can to serve him well. The Catholic King's ambassador co-operates very readily; and I hope in God that He will grant him a good passage to Ireland. Geraldine has had his son Maurice brought hither, and a mighty comfort it is to him to see the boy.” 14 August, 1577. Lisbon. Italian.
Ibid. f. 271d.	646. The Same to the Same. … “I have spoken again with the Catholic ambassador, and I hope that we shall secure for James Geraldine a safe and speedy voyage.” 15 August, 1577. Lisbon. Italian.
Vat. Arch. Nunt. di Spagna, vol. xii. p. 72.	647. News Letter. … “There is now so little said of the African enterprise that it is deemed to be laid aside: attention is concentrated exclusively upon the affairs of Flanders, which prey much on the King's mind; and it is believed that it will not be long before Secretary Escovedo returns thither with the pecuniary supplies, without which it is in no wise possible to hope for any substantial result. God grant that by these means it may be possible in some measure to mitigate the stress of the calamity…. “The day before yesterday there arrived a courier from Seville with tidings that the fleet of the Indies was not far off, and in less than two days would make its appearance laden with 3½ millions, 2½ belonging to the King and the residue to private persons in divers merchandises: also that it had had an engagement with some English vessels, and had taken the greater part of them.” 16 August, 1577. Madrid. Italian.
Vat. Arch. Epp. ad Princ. vol. xi. f. 196. Arm. xliv. vol. 23. f. 372.	648. Pope Gregory XIII to [Gerard a Groesbeck] Bishop of Liège. Commending the Bishop's beneficence to the English Catholic exiles, and intimating his confidence that the Bishop will persevere therein. 17 August, 1577. Rome. Latin. Minute and Copy.
Vat. Arch. Epp. ad Princ. vol. xi. f. 197. Arm. xliv. vol. 23. f. 373d.	649. The Same to Mary, Queen of Scotland. Acquainting her that the Bishop of Ross reads to him most of her letters, and praising the last dated in May as full of singular piety towards God and devotion to himself and the Holy See. Rejoicing that calamity has taught her patience and approved her virtue, which God will assuredly requite with eternal glory. Bidding her to be of good hope, to disdain earthly things, and set store by faith, hope and charity; and assuring her that if in any way he can be of service to her, her son, and her kingdom, there is nothing that would please him better. 18 August, 1577. Rome. Latin. Minute and copy.
Vat. Arch. Nunt. di Savoia, vol. vi. p. 176.	650. Jerome [de Federicis,] Bishop of Lodi, Nuncio at the Court of Savoy to [Ptolemy Galli,] Cardinal of Como. … “The news from Flanders, as you may have heard, continues to be bad, to wit, that the citadel of Antwerp is lost, and that Don John has withdrawn into the castle of Namur, awaiting reinforcements. From hence there are to go thither 1,500 cavalry of the State of Milan; and Signor Pier Antonio Lonato was here the other day, with instructions from the Marquis of Ayamonte [Governor of the Milanese (fn. 10) ] to crave of his Highness a pass, which he gave him. “From Languedoc the news is that Marshal Bellegarde, having raised the siege of Nîmes for lack of adequate force, had joined M. d'Anville [de Damville] under Montpellier; that 1,200 foot and 400 Gascon horse had entered Nîmes, and were to go thence to the succour of Montpellier, so that it is supposed that by this time there must have been some engagement, which, God grant, has terminated to his Majesty's advantage. “La Rochelle had likewise been succoured by two English ships, as also Brouage, besieged by M. de Umena [du Maine (fn. 11) ], so that it will be difficult to take it. “As to the peace, they write that the negotiation was ruptured, because the King of Navarre had at last resolved to make none but a general peace in concert with all the Huguenots and to their satisfaction. And it seemed that they were in hopes of again raising reiters in France; however, there was no advice of any movement on their part.” 22 August, 1577. Turin. Italian.
Vat. Lib. Urb. Lat. 1045. f. 428.	651. News Letter. … “The Prior of [the Order of St. John of] Jerusalem of England, who is here, has tidings that the island of Ireland, which is of about the same size as Sicily, and in which there are numberless Catholic gentlemen, is in rebellion against the Huguenot Queen.” 24 August, 1577. Rome. Italian. Copy.
Vat. Arch. Nunt. di Portog. vol. ii. ff. 272–3d.	652. John Andrew Caligari, Collector and Referendary to Ptolemy Galli, Cardinal of Como. … “The Catholic ambassador spares no pains to procure for James Geraldine (fn. 12) as safe a passage to Ireland as possible, nor do I fail to solicit it; and James manifests the utmost impatience at the delay, though he sees that every possible exertion is being made to expedite his departure. He hopes to accomplish great things there, as by God's grace we trust he may.” 27 August, 1577. Lisbon. Italian. Enclosure:— … “On two successive days I have brought James Geraldine to kiss, as he desired, the King's hand: but the King has refused an audience, to the great astonishment of everybody.” Decipher. Italian.
Vat. Arch. Nunt. di Francia, vol. x. p. 498.	653. Antonio Maria Salviati, [late] Bishop [of S. Papoul], Nuncio in France to the Same. … “I have seen letters to the effect that the folk of La Rochelle have come to distrust the Prince of Condé, their suspicion having been excited by information which they have received that he offered La Rochelle to the Queen of England by way of security for a loan to make a levy of reiters. Of La Rochelle, however, he has never been in a position to dispose. When he has gone there, he has been received by them almost alone. Only Admiral [François (fn. 13) ] Coligni was entirely master of the place.” 30 August, 1577. [Poitiers.] Italian.
Vat. Arch. Nunt. di Spagna, vol. x. f. 629.	654. Antonio Clementino to the Same. “Yesterday evening the new nuncio, Mgr. Sega, arrived here in good health.” 30 August, 1577. Madrid. Italian.
Vat. Lib. Urb. Lat. 1045. f. 436.	655. News Letter. … “It is understood that Casimir (fn. 14), fomented by the Queen of England and Protestant Princes, is making a great levy of troops against the Most Christian King.” 31 August, 1577. Vienna. Italian. Copy.