Calendar of State Papers, Foreign Series, of the Reign of Elizabeth, May-December 1582

Calendar of State Papers, Foreign Series, of the Reign of Elizabeth, May – December 1582

Edited by Arthur John Butler

TannerRitchie Publishing

Calendar of State Papers, FOREIGN SERIES

of the Reign of Elizabeth May – December 1582 Edited by Arthur John Butler

Searchable Text Edition TannerRitchie Publishing, Burlington, Ontario, Canada In collaboration with the Library and Information Services of the University of St Andrews ©2006 TannerRitchie Publishing and the University of St Andrews

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CALENDAE OS 1

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PAPERS,

FOEEIGN SERIES, OF THE EEIGN OF

ELIZABETH, May—Deeember .1582. IS THE

PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE.

EDITED BY

ARTHUR JOHN BDTLEE, M.A. TJSDEE THE BnOSCmOH 03? THE MABTEB OT THE BOlifcS, AMD W I I H THE SANCTION BI8

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LONDON: FEINTED FOB, H I S MAJESTY'S STATIONEEY OFFIOB BY MAOEEE AND 0 0 . Id>,, % W m Qmim OOXIBT, FtEET Ssrasfii, E,0, And to be purchased, either afeee% or through any Bookseller, from WYMAS AND SONS, L D . , FBTTISR LAKE, B.O.? OE OLIVES A.m BOXD, E»rastJBea; ot B, EONSOKBl, l i e ,

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ELIZABETH, 1582,

PBBFAOE. So copious is the foreign correspondence of this period that the present volume contains the papers of eight months only—May 1 to Dee. 31 (o.S.), 1582. In Antwerp the period opens sadly with the death of the Princess of Orange, Charlotte de Bourbou-Montpensier. After devotedly tending her husband during the anxious weeks which followed his narrow escape with life from Jaurequy's buHetf she had hardly seen him fairly out of danger when she herself broke down, and on May 4 she succumbed to pleurisy. The presence of the Duke of Anjou did little or nothing to improve the position. He himself, of course, was incapable of restoring anything like order or good government; indeed those who had most influence with him introduced new disorders. We hear of brawls at his Court, Money which should have gone to relieve the ill-paid and half-starved soldiers was wasted on banquets. Martin. Coushe has some trenchant remarks (No. 405) about a great supper, at which the duke invited Norris to entertain him and other eminent persons iii the course of October; and to which several other correspondents refer. Though Norris could not have declined, it hardly increased his popularity. Prom the first the new duke was suspected and disliked by the bulk of the population, who resented -the reintroduction of Catholic worship into Antwerp and Brussels!, and had a rooted distrust of Frenchmen. Naturally enough, the English, who formed the backbone of the States' forces, soon fell out with their French allies. Writing on July 3, Eoger Williams expresses a hope that their ajcrival would make it possible to ftey who shall be masters of the field' j but ten days later, after a skirmish near Boufbourg in which troops of both nations took part, recriminations

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began, and 'although the honest men and gentlemen of both nations agree very well, yet there pass snqh abuses betwixt the common soldiers, that unless it be redressed presently, it will fall out shortly.' As might, perhaps also have been expected, the members of the old French Huguenot contingent who had been serving for some years in the country, showed no great regard for Anjou's miscellaneous levies. Herle, 'writing on July 7, says: ' The old and .new bands of French in our camp were like to have been in arms among themselves, for difference of religion.' Villeneuve, who had commanded the ' old bands' since the capture of la Noue, refused to serve under la Pierre1—a somewhat . incompetent officer, it would seem—whom Eochepot, ill of fever, had deputed to. take his place. In the same letter in which he mentions this, Fremyn criticises his countrymen severely, ' The French have conquered few or no kingdoms which they have not lost for lack of good conduct.' The record of the period is few successes and many losses. Towards the end of April, Thiant had greatly annoyed Parma by surprising Alost; a somewhat important capture, as the possession of the place by the enemy afforded him a base of operations against Dendermonde, Ghent, Ninove, and Mechlin. It remained in the hands of the States for over two-and-a-half years. On the other hand, an attempt upon Conrtray, by Eochepot and Eowland Yorke, failed, though made with some determination, threef scalados,' writes Herle, having been repulsed. A similar attempt on Aerschot seems to have had a similar result. The Spanish successes open with the capture, in the first week of May, of the castle of Gaesbeck, a strong position within a few miles of Brussels,* It was retaken by some French in October. « Strata refers to this time the capture of G-svtej but the States .seem to hare been holding it in June, though they had lost it in August; in ivhieh month Strada puts its capture bj Parma. Both Oaesbeek and Gayre were fiefs of the Counts of Egmont, and the historian has perhaps confused...them.

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The most important success" achieved by the enemy was the capture of Oudenarde. The town had been loosely invested before the end.of April. Stokes, writing on May 20,. expresses surprise at the slackness with which the attack is being pushed, and suspects it to be a feint, to draw ' attention away from more important designs elsewhere. Parma, however, meant business, and those in the town- realised it. Oudenarde, forming as it did a link in the chain of fortresses which still blocked the approach from the south-west to Ghent, Bruges, and above all, Antwerp, was a place of great strategical importance. La Noue had fortified it with great care, and fondly called it his '.petite Rochelle." On hearing that it was to be besieged, he is said to have expressed a hope that Parma, for whose military talents the veteran had a great admiration, - would not throw away his reputation, over an impossible task. It had besides for Margaret's son the sentimental attraction of having been the birthplace of her mother—'daughter to a erossbowmaker that dwelt there,' says Herle—and of herself. Herle, in sending a plan of the town for the Queen, is careful to mark the sites. The siege of Oudenarde began to be more seriously conducted in June. On the 4th, after bombardment, a ravelin was assaulted, but unsuccessfully. In the course of the nest few days 1,800 rounds of large artillery were fired. The States' camp lay inactive a few miles away, waiting for succours from France, and for Jforris, who had been recalled from Guelderland* leaving that province almost undefended. When he came he was unwilling to go to the camp, perceiving that no good could be done, with the inferior forces at the disposal of the States. On June 28 he takes a more hopeful view, if Fervaeques with the French troops, and Count Mansfeldt with. Ms reiters, come at any good tame. However, Fervaeques was loitering aboxrt, no one quite knew where, and Count Mansfeldt's reiters began to be heard

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of about July 7; by which time Oudenarde was gone. Closely invested, and despairing of succour, finally driven back by a furious assault to their entrenchments within the town, the besieged on July 3 consented to a parley. Kext day, under cover of a heavy storm of rain and hail, the enemy succeeded in getting within their defences, and after more heavy fighting, they were pushed to their last refuge across the river. On the 5th the place surrendered. For his mother's sake, perhaps at her request, Parma granted favourable terms, a copy of which is given in No. 140.' The governor, Frederick van der Boich, and his officers and soldiers were allowed to depart with arms, ensigns, and baggage; while the burghers were promised that no proceedings should be taken against any man. A subsequent version, recounted by Herle, credits the burghers with less determination, and as usual finds the cause of the disaster in ' intelligence' between some of the besieged and the besiegers.* The loss of Oudenarde did not increase the popularity of Anjou and the French, and even the Prince of Orange was blamed. The English force was at once hurried off to strengthen Dunkirk, the capture of which port was believed to be Parma's immediate aim. On the way the English, led by one Yenicome (or Vinioombe), took the opportunity to mutiny and arrest their officers, on the plea of arrears of pay; but the French marching on, emulation proved more efficacious than discipline, and the men returned to duty. In August, however, discontent had reached such a pitch that 300 went over to the enemy. Parma received them with open arms, hoping that they might serve as decoy-ducks. A rumour seems to have reached the camp that the Queen 'did not wholly mislike' this change of sides j indeed, that it had been suggested from England. * Steada, who hm an excellent description of the siege, gives ao Mat of this, but says that a fine of 30,000 florins was imposed on the town, Howver, there is nothing improbable in Herle's story. Philip de JJochinghien, the lord of the suburb of Oa&enarde beyond the Scheldt, known as Pamele, is said to have been £he intermediary.

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A little later another mutiny seems to have taken place over arrears of pay. Norris^ though a fine soldier, was not conciliatory, and something of a cabal against him seems to have been got up, in which Morgan was persuaded, through some bit of gossip reported by Herle, to countenance so far as to ask pardon for the mutineers; a request sharply rejected by the Prince of Orange. French jealousies seem to have contributed. (See No. 227.) The enemy followed close from Oudenarde on the heels of the States' army, and took up a position before the town* of Berghes- Saint-Wynock, a few miles in front of the States' camp. Here, on August 3, a smart skirmish took place in which some Englishmen, notably Roger Williams and Rowland Yorke, distinguished themselves. Several pens have described the scene, of which perhaps the most graphic is that of Martin Couche (No. 217), an officer in the force. Apparently a sortie was made upon the Spanish army as it passed in front of Berghes, led by Parma in person. The assailants were repulsed by the Spanish horse, but rallied behind some English pikes, and left off with the honours of the day, a colour having been taken by Williams, and a Burgundian colonel, Balanson (brother to Marc de Rie, Marquis of Varembon, a man of some importance), with some of his officers, taken prisoner, much feo Parma's vexation, as Strada informs us. This officer seems to have saved his life by the old stratagem of giving the name of a more eminent personage; whence a report went abroad that Montigny had been taken. Norris's report of the tkffefa (No. ,221) is curiously meagre in details. He says nothing of either Williams or Yorke, with the formex of whom he was not on the best of terms, while he probably (not without reason.) distrusted the latter; mentioning only a Captain Huntlay, whose name does not occur in, tihte narratives of the eye-witnesses. Whatever elation may have arisen from this little success was quickly damped by the report of a serious

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disaster. Situated between Antwerp and Mechlin, at no great distance from either, the town of Lierre was a post of considerable importance. It was garrisoned mainly by Scotch under Captain William Sempill; and in the early morning of. August 2 Sempill admitted Haulte.penne* with a force of Malcontents. The motives for the treason. are variously stated. Sempill had quarrelled with Stewart; but Stewart was already ..out of the country. The Scots, Like others, were short of pay and becoming disaffected. Even at Meenen, which they were to hold valiantly for some time longer, we find one of the officers, a younger brother of the notorious Master of Gray, deserting to the enemy just at this time. In a letter to Walsingham a few weeks later, Sainte-Aldegonde expresses grave doubts as to the good faith of the Scotch king, and seems to anticipate a wholesale defection of his subjects in the Netherlands from the national cause. The best account of the betrayal of Lierre comes from Thomas Doyley (No. 237), who tells the story in racy fashion. Among other details he mentions that Sempill took the last opportunity of fleecing the Antwerp tradesmen by buying silks, velvets, &c.T on credit. * The loss of Lierre rendered the position of Antwerp far less secure; a fact generally recognised, and expressed in a jocose notice posted up at the gate of the captured town that 'The city of Antwerp is to let next Michaelmas' (No. 234)-, Before the end of the month the town of Batemburg on the Maas in which Stewart, who before his departure for Scotland had married the widow of a former lord of that placed had left a Scotch garrison, was lost to * Doyley seems to have made s small error in dates. He puts Sempill's visit to Antwerp on Aug. 2, by which time the treason had been accomplished. Longston writing on that day from Antwerp, gives the first news of it. A email ehange in punctuation will set Boyley right. fThis marriage of Stewart's does not seem to be known to the historians of the thne; except Keryyn de Lettenhove, who characteristically makes the lady widow o£ a Count of Man&ergeheid. Stewart spent many years m trying to recover hat dowry. , He married again later in Scotland. "

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the States by a similar. act of treachery; it may be surmised, not without the cognisance of their late commander, with whom Doth the Spaniards and the Queen of Scots had for some years been tampering. 1

So long as Eerghes held out it was useless to attack Dunkirk, and Parma accordingly brought his camp back, after a demonstration against Meenen, to Oudenarde, augmented by 6,000 Italians and- Spaniards, the Pacification of Ghent, of which he had never approved, being now regarded by. him as a dead letter .y ' Early in the morning of August 29, he marched out of, Oudenarde, with, the intention of making a sudden attack on" the States' army, encamped under the walls of Ghent, and 'at the moment preparing for an attempt to recover Gavre. The Spaniards attacked with unexampled fury, and penetrated to the baggage-train. The fighting lasted, with a short intermission, for 9 or 10 hours, and was very fierce. The English mutineers were given the post of honour, as the forlorn hope; and seem to have earned the enconiums of their countrymen on the other side. The States' forces broke and fled into the city; but the English led by Norris in person, aided by a few Ereneh gentlemen, ' detesting' says Herle * the yileness of their own nation,' gallantly covered the retreat. The action took place under the eyes of the Prince of Orange and the Duke of Anjou, who had come to Ghent on August 20 for Anjou's installation as Count of Flanders, and watched the fight from the walls with some personal danger. Norris's own report is as usual provokingly laconic, leaving particulars ' to the report of the bearer'; but Stokes (No, 294) and Herle more fully (No. 302) give picturesque details. While these operations were in progress a matter was being investigated which caused much sensation at ihe time, and still remains' to some extent an unsolved problem, During the stay of Anjon m& the Prince at Bruges, where the Court remained so long as the camp

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was at Dunkirk (that is from the fall of Oudenarde to about Aug. 16, when it was suddenly moved to Ghent), was apprehended one Nicolas Salcedo, on a charge of conspiracy to murder both Prince and Duke. He was a man of the vilest character, though of fairly good birth. He was the owner of an estate in Normandy, where his diversions had been highway-robbery and the clipping of coin; for the latter of which offences he was under sentence of death in France, and had indeed been executed (by boiling) in effigy. His father, a Spaniard by birth, had been in the service of the Duke of Lorraine as governor of a town; one story, says Metz, which seems hardly probable. According to one version the elder Salcedo had even ventured to ally himself by marriage with the ducal House, a piece of presumption which incurred the displeasure of the Guises, who, either for this, or for an estate of his, coveted by the Cardinal of Lorraine, -contrived to get him, though a staunch Papist, removed in the Massacre. Salcedo, escaping the caldron, had fled to Parma, and is said to have been with the Spanish army at the capitulation of Oudenarde. He seems to have obtained access immediately afterwards to the Duke of Anjou by means, of an introduction from the Duke of Lorraine. Very soon he struck up an acquaintance with the yonnger Count of Egmont, whom since his brother's defection and imprisonment, the Prince of Orange had taken under his special protection. In spite of the Prince's warnings this youth contrived to cultivate Salcedo's acquaintance, and was arrested with him, though not treated with rigour. Salcedo was pat on his trial, after the fashion of the time; and by July 26 enough evidence had been collected to send to a personage whom Audley Danett designates only by a number, but who was, as may be inferred from BLsarrfs of a few days later (No. 231), the French king; and to cast suspicion on another^ who may be the Duke of Guise, (Unluckily

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there is no key to Danett's numerical cipher; and the papers do no contain specimens enough of it to enable any very" certain inferences to be drawn. In the previous paragraph of No. 189, in which it is employed, it seems plausible to interpret ' by Queen Mother out' of France, and by the Queen out of England.') Pending the arrival of directions from France Saleedo and his accomplice, an Italian named Francesco Baza or Masa, whom he had somewhat imprudently sent with a report to Parma, and who had been arrested at Dunkirk, were kept in prison at Bruges. In the interval Baza had killed himself with a knife in the prison.; not, however, before he had under torture revealed a good deal. The answer from France came on August 11, in the persons of Secretaries Bellievre and Brulart, A few days later Cobham writes that the. Guises were much . ' offended '—meaning perhaps put in difficulty—by Salcedo's apprehension, and seems to hint at the destruction of incriminating documents; and in another letter that they were annoyed with Monsieur for sending his confession to the king. On August 19 Saleedo was sent in irons to Ghent, and two days later started, very unwillingly, for Paris with the Secretaries; after further revelations as to designs against the king. They reached Paris on August 28, and the prisoner was committed to Bois de Yincennes, where great precautions were taken against any possibility of his communicating with those oxitside. It was said that the windows of his cell were to be walled up. There he was visited by the Queen Mother, and examined by Cardinal Birague and others; before whom he retracted a great part of his confessions. A more formal examination was conducted by President de Thou, the head of the Paris Bench, The King of Spain seems to have made interest on his behalf; it was alleged with the threat that reprisals for any hurt done to him might be taken on the persons of la None

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and Turenne. On October 12 the king, after a private interview with the prisoner, caused another examination to be held by de Thou, Chiverny and others in his presence, at which Salcedo repeated the retractation of bis charge against the Guises. At some time during the proceedings Guise had expressed a desire to be confronted with the prisoner (ISTo. 484), but it does not appear that this ever took place. Two days later he was removed to the Bastille. Cobham says 'it is supposed he will be racked'; which seems to imply that he had not up till then gone through that process. When he did undergo it, it was reported that the king was present concealed behind some tapestry. The king so fer believed in Philip's complicity that he instructed his ambassador at Venice to make formal complaint of it to the Signiors.11* In an undated, decipher (No. 401), which must belong to about this time (or perhaps a little earlier) Cobham again reports the uneasiness of the Guises hi respect of Salcedo's revelations. On October 24 he was formally condemned, and on the following day executed on the Place de Gre"ve, being given 'two or three plucks' by four horses, and then strangled. On the scaffold he made statements which were taken down in writing, but not published, though the Guises were presently allowed to print a i justification' based on them. This was in due course circulated among their friends. The operations were witnessed by the king, Guise, Mayenne, and most of the Court, Cobham notices that after the event the king's relations with the Guises became more friendly; but hints that he may have been dissembling. e

That Philip Had some cognizance of the plot seems by no Meaas improbable. The affaie of the Azores had made any understanding with France impossible in the immediate, future.' The only ehanoe of getting his hands free to deal with England, was to make trouble in that country. It Henry i n and Anjou had been got out of the.way, the events of 1585 ana the -following years might hava been precipitated at a more favourable moment.

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During Salcedo's imprisonment in Prance, Anjou wrote letters to' the king and his mother, copies of which reached the English embassy. The drift of them is somewhat obscure; but he seems to intend to dissociate himself and his servants from the charges brought against the Guises, and to repudiate statements to the effect that they had been extorted by any pressure on the" part of. the latter. The horror of the whole affair so wrought on President de Thou that he died at the beginning of November. The matter caused a stir outside of France. On Nov. 8 Walsingham writes asking for particulars, especially touching the Guises, on behalf of the Queen; and hints that what is published is far from being the whole story. A copy of the judgement (which is in print elsewhere) was sent by Cobham. Lastly, the Prince of Parma sent a special messenger to Italy to clear himself of Salcedo^s imputations; one would think an unnecessary step in an age when political assassination was one of the ordinary weapons of statecraft. It is noticeable that Alexander's panegyrist, the Jesuit Strada, passes over the whole affair in silence. In the east the withdrawal of Horns and the English, from Guelders had put that province in jeopardy; and if Parma had been able to follow the instructions given by Philip (which, as the letter was intercepted, may not have reached him) to reinforce Verdugo at once, it might have been restored to the Spanish allegiance. Lochem, which Verdugo was besieging, was re-victualled by Count Hohenlohe and again by Count William of Nassau, and some of the enemy's forts captured by the latter. Verdugo made a show of retiring, leaving a small force in observation; but some French cavalry, who incautiously came out to attack, these, were roughly handled, and the three sons of the Count of Bergen, nephews to the Prince of Orange, were taken prisoners, Norris was seat back to (Judders with English and. ism b

PREFACE. French troops, and by September 27.,the news had reached Antwerp of his successful relief of Lochem, and defeat of Verdugo. The ' young earls' were set free, and five ensigns taken, But so accustomed were people to bad news, that, as Herle reports, many at first doubted the truth of the good tidings. Incidentally it may .be noted that one of our best sources of gossip fails us during the siege of Lochem. Fremyn was among the beleaguered garrison, in command of a company;. and whether from the stress of military duties, or from the difficulty of getting letters through, we have nothing from him between July 29 and November 11. Towards the end of October reinforcements, from France were at hand. Biron, after some refusal of permission to march, had brought an army of 20,000 men across the Somme. The king, Oobham says, had even sent 60,000 crowns towards its expenses. On November 28 he passed Gravelines, Parma having made no serious effort to hinder his advance; and by the beginning of December he was at Bruges. With him were the Prince Dauphin— now become, by his father's death two months before, Duke of Montpensier—-and many other gentlemen, both Catholic and Huguenot. After being feasted at Bruges and Ghent, they arrived at Antwerp in Christ mas-week (according to the New. Style); too late to be of any use, if indeed they had ever been intended to be so. The only achievement in which they bore a part was the treacherous attack on Antwerp, which a fortnight later put an end to Anjou's chances in the Low Countries. The success at Lochem seems to have made the States too confident Forces were withdrawn again to Brabant, and weak garrisons left in the towns. The folly of this policy soon appeared, for Verdugo, after his repulse, hastened into Overyssel, and in November surprised Steenwyk; from the siege of which he had been driven in the previous winter by N o r m ; thus gaining a foothold dangerously neai the. coast.

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Attention may here be directed to an interesting document, for which we are indebted to Audley Danett, Norris's secretary, and a very regular correspondent; brother to the better known Charles, the translator of Commines. It is a list of the towns on (using the word in a wide sense) the four principal rivers, Maas, Waal, Rhine, Yssel, held at the beginning of November by the Duke of Anjou (i.e. the States) and the Kong of Spain respectively (No. 438, 2). It will be noted that all •within the lines of the Waal and Yssel, that is Holland, Utrecht, and the northern half of Guelderland, was well guarded, while a kind of transverse curtain of strongholds between the Maas and the Ehine protected the angle of this line, so Jong as it was not itself taken in flank and rear by the king's forces in possession of the Maas from Kuremonde upwards. At present, however, Parma contented himself with leaving Verdugo to carry out more or less desultory operations in the east, while he himself worked steadily towards Antwerp. " Before he could successfully attack the capital, four large cities remained to be reduced—Bruges, Ghent, Brussels, and Mechlin; and it will be seen that now and for the next two years every operation undertaken by him had for its aim the loosening of the grip of the States upon one or other of those places. The capture of Nynove, after a siege, on. November 15, was the most important step forward made by him during the remainder of the year. I t completed the recovery of Flanders south of the line of the Lys and Scheldt, with the exception of Alost, which held out for a year longer, and Dendermonde* which Alost protected. The last days of the old year (or the first of the new, according to the style which we adopt) were brightened for the national cause "by a successful raid carried out by Bonnivet, resulting in the recapture of Eyndhoten in north-west Brabant, which had be#n taken

PBEFAOE. by. Hattltepenne fourteen months before. Expert observers like Norris and Fremyn comment on the value of this •capture as affording a base for operations to recover Breda and Bois-le-duc. But a few days later all was thrown into confusion by the French treason at Antwerp; and before the spring was far advanceds the town was won back by Count Charles Mansfeldt, Turning to France, we find not much calling for special notice during the first part of our period The chief iaterest during this time turned on the question of the extent to which the king was a consenting party to his brother's enterprise in Flanders, and how far he was prepared to aid him. He saw plainly enough the danger of going so far as to be involved in open hostility with Spain. To Biron, who was eager to be employed in the Netherlands, and was thought to have the influence of the Queen Mother on his side, he replied through Yilleroy that he had reason to fear he might get engaged in war with his neighbour. Which neighbour was meant, .the secretary declined to specify; but the marshal could have not much doubt on that point. At the same time orders were sent to Calais and Mezieres forbidding any trade on the part of those frontier towns which might aid the Spanish forces to obtain supplies. The prohibition was repeated for Calais in August. Pallavicino, a shrewd observer, whose position i n ' the financial world brought him into contact with leading people, cannot, at the beginning of August, make up his mind as to the king's intentions. He gives the reasons for and against, evidently in his own mind leaning rather to the latter. In August the Queen Mother was giving out her inten* tion of helping her son so far as it might be done without an open breach with Spain; and the Prince Dauphin t a d yielded to her persuasion so far as to announce his intention of setting out. His father, the Buke of Montpensier, was waarm in the cause. The king at this time wm absent, having gone to Lyons, If Herle

may be trusted (No. 302) Ms journey was regarded in the Low Countries as a pretext for keeping himself clear of any suspicion of connivance, while he himself was thought to be in correspondence with Philip, The mission of Bellievre and Brnlart must have had another object than the examination of Salcedo. They were doubtless also intended to report on the state of affairs in the Low Countries; and they must have seen these in a more hopeful light than observers of longer local experience. Soon after their return Cobham reports that Bellievre had brought the king's assent to the dispatch of a force under the Prince Dauphin and Biron; the arrival of which in Flanders has already been mentioned. Perhaps the most dramatic event of the period in which France took a hand, and one which though outwardly it looked like a filibustering enterprise, was not without its effect on international politics, was . Strozzi's expedition to the Azores. The Queen Mother, for purposes of her own, had never renounced her shadowy claim on the throne of Portugal, though she had for the present transferred her goodwill and interest to Don Antonio, together with the more tangible assistance of ,300,000 crowns. In May the fleet, which had been assembling in Normandy and at Bordeaux, sailed to its rendezvous at Brouage, and by the end of the month had reached Belie Isle, Strozzi being in command.0 On Whitmonday, June 4, Don Antonio with Count Vimioso and others of his followers left Tours, and on the 16fch sailed with a fleet of 60 ships, carrying 5,000 "fighting * I t may be naked tliai besides his near kinship to the .Qtteen Mother—his grandmother was sister to her father, and his own mother •was a Medici-—Strozzi had an hereditary SCOTS to settle with the Hapsborgs. His grandfather Klippo had been condemned to death by the direction of Gharles V for Ms opposition, to the restoration of the Medici as Dukes of Blorenee, and had only escaped execution by suicide; while his lathes £iero or Pierre, the aiai'shal, had spent his life, and lost it, in fighting the Imperial armies in Italy and Lorraine. So his selection 1st the command of the expedition was natural enough.

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men," among whom there were reckoned to be 1,200 gentlemen volunteers. English aid had been earnestly requested by both Bon Antonio and Strozzi, as the one thing needed to ensure the success of the enterprise, and had been promised. As late as July 15 Custodio Leitam, the pretender's agent in England and Flanders, asserts that the Queen had given permission for the employment of some of her ships. A somewhat obscure sentence (due perhaps to his imperfect knowledge of the language in which he writes) seems to imply that they were long in appearing, " Ultimately it would seem that no Englishmen took part in .the expedition, at any rate as officers—a 'footman' of the Earl of Leicester's is mentioned as having been in the battle—though seven ships were lent as transports. One was lost by fire before the fleet left France.*8 Nor did the aid promised from the Low Countries come to anything. On July 8 Herle writes that the preparation of it is ' quylled'; though the sanguine Leitam was still hopeful after the middle of August. The first news of the expedition after its departure from French waters came to hand on July 27, when Antoine Scalin, one of Don Antonio's captains, arrived at Paris with dispatches announcing that a descent had been made on. the extreme north of Portugal, and the coast town of Viana occupied (No. 209).f Thence the fleet proceeded on its way to the Azores, and no more is heard of it for some weeks. Presently sinister rumours begin to come in. * On August 15 Oobham writes: " They have spread about these two days that the French navy has fought with the Spaniards, in which * According to another account, the ship so lost was the flag-ship (Venetian Cal, No. 96), , f None of the published accounts of Strozzi's expedition say anything of. this raid into Portugal, nor is there any other mention of it in this volume. All relate the events as if the fleet had shaped its course straight for the Azores. But Sealin's report may be credited.

PREFACE.

1

fight Strozzi is said to have been slain." A few days later fugitives began to arriye, bringing confirmation of the disaster. The Queen. Mother, we are told, "shed more tears, with more show of grief, than has appeared in her at the death of any of her children."3 From her own letters it is clear that there was a strong personal affection between her and her kinsman Strozzi.

Next came Captain Mppeville, once a noted pirate, who had ere now made acquaintance with the inside of an English prison. He had commanded a ship in Brissac's division, and had taken part in Brissae's premature withdrawal out of action. He brought yet more detailed corroboration; but curiously enough the fact of his haying run away caused his tale to be discredited, and so far as Strozzi personally was concerned, Catherine's hopes began to rise again. The arrival at the Court of Count Brissac himself, with the news that he had brought home three Spanish prizes, also helped for a moment to put men hi a more cheerful frame of mind;" but still remained the anxiety as to the fate of the bulk of the fleet and its commander. At an audience on August 28 the Queen Mother mentioned to Cobham a story brought by the Bishop of Angers, of a French bark which had witnessed the action, and had subsequently seen- French ships in chase of Spaniards. A somewhat similar story as to a rally and success on the part of the French fleet, .after a reverse at first, and the loss of their leader, came in a few days later. These and similar rumours were afterwards accounted for on the supposition iihat the arrival of a squadron under Captain Pardini, some days after the decisive action, had given rise to expectations which were magnified into facts. On the same day, September 4, on which he sends the latest of these reports, Cobham writes: " There is small hope of M. Strozzi's life" In England, in spite of the hopeful news that reached Maavissifere* there was little belief in the prosperous s The Venetian ambassador eonfima this story.

issue of the enterprise; and the same seems to have been the case in the Low Countries, where the result was awaited with even graver anxiety. Even when no more doubt of Strozzi's death remained, . the tale of a subsequent victory won by Don Antonio's fleet still had some currency. The Queen Mother herself sent the story to the Low Countries, but according to Danett, writing September 17, though ' constantly reported for true in the Court,' it got little credit in financial and commercial circles. After the middle of September no further doubt was possible as . to the disastrous issue of the' ejqpedition. On the 16th or 17th of that month one Fournicon, who had been Strozzi's secretary, arrived at Paris, bringing an authentic account of what had happened. It will be found in No, 365, which was dotibtless sent by Cobham, probably between his letter of September 17 and the very full account (No. 353), apparently of Portuguese origin, enclosed in his letter of the 26th This account does not appear to have been previously published. It tallies very well with those given in the supplement to the Lettres de Catherine de Mtdicis, and gives a full narrative of the events. The fleet took a month to reach St. Michael's. There they effected a landing, and got the better in a skirmish with the Spanish troops stationed on the island, but could not capture the fort without. artillery. Before the guns coiild be landed, Santa Cruz and his fleet appeared. It was decided to give battle, and the landing-party was got safely on shipboard; contrary to the advice of some, who held it 'better to make sure of the island than to hazard .everything, on the chances of an engagement. Several days, however elapsed, during which the fleets did nomore than look at each other. iStrong and shifting winds may have contributed to the delay; but in all probability Strozzi felt Mmself hampered by divided counsels, and doubts as to the trustworthiness of several among

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Xxiii

his officers. It was said also that he anticipated a change of wind unfavourable to the French fleet. If so his forecast was justified, for the Spaniards, who had been to leeward, seem to have had the weathergage in the fight. One advantage for Strozzi lay in the fact that Don Antonio, who had nominally been in supreme command, left the fleet on July 25, and sailed, it was reported, in the direction of Madeira. As a matter of fact he went no further than Terceira, the principal, though not the largest, island in the group, which was devoted to his cause. A council of war was held on the 25th, at which after some opposition Strozzi got his own way, and it was decided to fight on the morrow. Hisi first action was to leave his own unwieldy Teasel, in. spite of the remonstrances of his flag-captain, Cauquigny, and the crew,' and go on board the handier ship commanded by M. de Beaumont. He wished, he said, to force the fighting before those who, from whatever motive,0 counselled inaction, should have a chance of, in the picturesque phrase of the time, 'throwing the cat between his legs/ Beaumont, it should be noted, was second in command of Brissac's squadron, and somewhat resented the Commander-in-chief's decision to come on board his ship. In spite, however, of their leader's forwardness, many held back. The writer of the account before us estimates that out of 48 or 4& ships present not more than 8 or 9 were really engaged. These did their dtify manfully at first. Strozzi and Brissac went straight for the largest of the enemy's vessels; but Brissac, finding himself overmatched, soon hauled off, and sailed away for France. Strozzi fought on for more than an hour. Caxiquigny, who seems to have done his duty well, endeavoured to * There ia some reason to suppose that the Guise feetioa had their agents in the expedition, When Briasftc returned, only Guises influence saved Mm from censure for his eonctuci in aSa the fight.

PEEFACE.

come to his aid; but before he coald do so, the Spanish flagship, which had as yet taken no part in the fighting,e bore down on Strozzi's disabled vessel, and laid her aboard. One volley cleared her decks. Strozzi was taken alive, but mortally wonnded. Various reports reached France as to his actual fate. It was stated that Santa Cruz had wished him to be dragged in pieces between four boats: again, that he had been thrown overboard while still living. As a matter of fact, he seems to have died of his wounds almost immediately after the enemy came on board his ship. Santa Cruz, in his dispatch announcing the victory, is said to have spoken in high praise of hte valour. Towards the survivors who fell into his hands he was implacable. The ' gentlemen were beheaded, it was said in some cases after being tortured; those of inferior station were hanged, all save boys under sixteen, who were sent to the galleys. The execution was carried out at Villafranca on August 1. The Spanish commander may perhaps be excused for following the precedent set at Smerwick; but the cruelty was deeply resented. in France, and all possibility of an aUiance with Spain was put out oi the question; so that the enterprise, though ending so disastrously, was of service to the Protestant interest. Among those who lost their lives in the battle was Count Vimioso, the socalled Constable of Portugal, who had been Don Antonio's right-hand man. He lived for a few days after the battle, and before his death made in the presence of Santa Cruz, and partly in reply to Questions by him, a declaration, a copy of which came into the hands of Br Hector Nunez, and was by him forwarded to Walsingham (No, 383). It does not reveal anything not otherwise known, and looks very like a document concocted with the object of implicating Henry I I I and his ®TLis is contrary to the reports that reached some of the Venetian • ambassadors (Yen, Cal. SFos. 100, 103), But the eyemtnesses' evidence is likely to be right.

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mother in the business,* For some reason the passages which most tend that way do not appear in the accompanying English version, made apparently by Nunez himself. The copy of the original that we have may be that enclosed in Cobham's of Nov. 4. The farce of the Anjou marriage continues, though in less lively style, to be performed throughout- the period embraced in this volume. Du Vray, one of Anjou's most trusted ministers (and a Protestant), had been sent to Paris by him immediately after his arrival in the Netherlands, to urge the king's consent to Elizabeth's conditions as to the method of defraying the cost of the enterprise; himself to pay half, Monsieur and the States (subsidised by the Queen) the balance- His brother appears to have added on his own account a request that the king would be security for the repayment by the States of their debts. This Henry quite refused to comply with; he is said indeed to have declined to meddle any further in the business, or allow troops to be levied. Such at least was Cobham's impression, after conversations with Pinart; though a different version, based, it would seem, on some gossip transmitted by the Queen of Navarre, reached the Low Countries. At any rate, du Vray returned about the middle of April. During his absence, Anjou himself had been e taking it very hardly that the entertainment of England waxes so cold towards him,' and complaining of the lack of ' special messages and tokens' from the Queen. The Queen's retort was a tu quoque, On May 13 Walsingham writes to Cobham: "Her Majesty understanding that du Vray, whom Monsieur had dispatched to the king to stay the impediments that delay the going forward of the marriage, was returned, and yet hearing nothing from Monsieur of the answer he had received, beg&a to take it in ill part that he should so long haw or three paragraphs of this ^GmiGBsion" "Venetian Calendar (No. 106).

appear in ibe

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delayed to acquaint her with the. matter, and therefore by her letters charged him withal; . letting him understand that this manner of dealing could not but proceed from some change of his good will and professed affection towards her, whereby the world would be drawn to conjecture that bis coining over did not tend so much to seek her person as to crave her money." This homethrust drew a prompt reply. Bacqneville came over with his master's protestation that the unfavourable nature of du Vray's tidings was his sole reason for not imparting them; that he. " remained the same way still," and "desired nothing more than that the marriage which he has so long and earnestly sought may be brought to pass"; with a request that in view of the small results which had followed the negotiations of the previous year, and his own personal prosecution of his suit, Cobham might be directed to give the king some definite assurance, . Thus far she was not prepared to go; personal dignity and fear of censorious tongues forbade what might seem like ' a kind of wooing of Monsieur.' But if the king should make any enquiry, the ambassador might reply as before, "that the impediment being taken away, her Majesty does not at present know of any other cause of delay in the matter of marriage." As was natural, the suspicions of the king and his mother were not wholly allayed by this repetition of what they had so often heard. This time they were ready with tit for tat. "Being informed thereof," writes Cobham a fortnight later—not without some trepidation as to how his report may be received—'*(they) have-said she does not deal sincerely, and did not love him, nor help him for any other respect but to serve against the Spanish king, and to be revenged." The eversanguine Mauvissidre still reported that the Queen 'seemed to be very forward'; but on June 7 Cobham is again, directed to convey her fear of being thought unduly so Again, on June 20, Walsingham urges the importance oi

PBEFAOE.

not allowing the matter to slumber. This whole dispatch (No. 101) is interesting. Walsingham is of opinion, in spite of the king's professions of readiness to do what was required of him—a report to that effect had as above mentioned been circulated when Bellievre was in the Low Countries, and had at once aroused Elizabeth's suspicions that it was merely a blind to conceal his real unwillingness to proceed—' that he mistrusts her meaning in the matter, and that makes him keep off.' But the secretary consoles himself with the thought that there was in France a strong desire for friendship with England, "which considering the terms we stand on both with. Spain and Scotland, I for my part find it very necessary we should make use of." In these words we have the key to all his foreign policy, including his efforts, if not to promote the marriage, at all events to keep the prospect ' of it open for so long- as was necessary, as an effective card in his hand. Things now began to look as if a French alliance might be achieved without a French marriage. On July 5 Cobham had audience of the king, who, to him at all events, professed an unabated desire that the marriage should take place. The ambassador recited the old formula as to the Queen's fear, perhaps revived by a recent request from Marchaumont for more money, lest 'she should be overburdened with the great charge of defraying the expenses for his brother's wars'; the king found' a similar difficulty on his side, and appealed to Cobham for a suggestion as to the solution of it. Cobham referred him to 'Monsieur and his best friends,' and the king, again affirming his desire to see the marriage accomplished, promised further consideration. His consideration seems to have resulted in fresh, assurances, given through Mattvissiere, of Ms willingness 'to discharge her Majesty of all charges of war, if. she will marry Monsieur/ To this a speedy answer is requested; and a memorandum by Burghley, dated July 28, shows wliat answer was to be advised. It is again

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ingeniously procrastinating. The new .offer is practically no advance on the terms agreed to by the Commissioners in the previous year, and embodied in the treaty. It must be remembered that the marriage, if once accomplished, will be irrevocable, while without some reasonable certainty that the existing conditions will be maintained, • there can, be no security for the performance of the promises on the king's side. It may cease to be to his own and hh brother's interest; he may be unable to continue to perform them Before definitely committing herself; it will be 'convenient' for the Queen to hear from Monsieur how he intends to proceed. A short note in Anjou's hand, addressed to Walsinghsm on August 22, expresses his continued devotion to the Queen's service, and his gratitude for the Secretary's good offices. On September 8 we find a definite and official declaration, signed and countersigned, in which the king undertakes—always in the event of the marriage taking place—not only to hold the Queen free from any expenses in connexion with the wars in Flanders, but to assist her with his forces in the event of any invasion arising from that cause; the latter clause to be reciprocal. This was probably accompanied by the dispatch which Cobham (No. 398)* says that Mauvissiere ••' would not show her Majesty, because there were some words with which she would not have been pleased,' Did the king allow his ambassador to hear a little of his real opinion of the whole business, which, as a note to the Preface of the last volume shows, he for one saw through clearly enough % The dispatch does not seem to have been delivered for some time yet, if, as can hardly be doubted, it is that to which Walsingham refers in one from himself to Cobham dated November 27; ° The date eonjecturally assigned in the Calendar to this undated fragment is probably some weeks too late. Cobham -would hardly have to wait till the middle of October to get information as to a document of the beginning of September. But it W evidently meant to be kept secret in France. . .

•

PREFACE.

or the delay in the reply may have been due to the usual desire to spin out time while inventing excuses for fresh procrastination. This time it takes the form of asking: Where then is the money to come from? Monsieur had none; the States had to rely on foreign assistance. If he was not to throw up the enterprise, the Queen would be forced to assist him after all. She could not see that the king's last declaration was any perceptible advance on what had long been agreed to. There is a further grievance; the king has allowed it to be given out there (that is, in the French Gourt) that he was ready 'to satisfy her wholly upon the difficulties arising upon this matter of marriage,' so that if it were broken off, 'all the dishonour seems now to light •altogether upon herself; whereas'—and so on, the old story that the sole obstacle was ' the bearing- the charges of Monsieur's wars.' Lastly, the unlucky ambassador receives a reprimand for having allowed it to be supposed in Paris that he did not ' incline to further the cause of the marriage'; and is directed to obtain a written statement of .the way in which his 'speeches' in the matter have been understood by the king. He is to write nothing in reply, if he can help i t ; if he does, it must be as his own private opinion. In an audience on December 9 Cobhatn faithfully delivered his message. With some ingenuity he endeavoured to suggest that while the kiug had allowed it to be announced that he had promised compliance with the Queen's demands 'for the purpose of advancing the marriage,' that is in plain words had at last .assented to the principle of 'alliance first, marriage afterwards,' he had now, presumably in his Declaration above-mentioned, reverted to his original terms, that of ' first let the marriage take place, and then I will enter into an alliance3'— and that, it may be noted, was to be a defensive alliance only. There was the further question, where the money was to come from. The king tried to stave off these

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questions with the usual profession of desire for the marriage and the need of consideration. The ambassador begged him to think of the awkward position in which the Qtieen was placed by these delays, and hinted that he had been too often dismissed without any ' resolution.' The king pleaded hindrances, and also that he had given answers, 'though not as the Queen would.' He had no more wish than she herself to burden his subjects with the costs of war. But he would answer shortly. The Queen Mother, to whom as usual Cobham next applied, 'began to make show of a cheerful countenance.' She too longed for the marriage above all things. To her he made the same complaint of one thing allowed to be given out and another actually promised; and put the same question as to Monsieur's resources. Catherine confined herself to an expression of satisfaction ' that ' the marriage was come to this ripeness,' and also promised consideration. Two days later Pinart called on Cobham. He first asked if the king and his mother had rightly remembered the purport of the ambassador's words; especially as to an alleged offer by the Queen of reciprocal aid against Spain. To this Cobham. replied that nothing had ever been said about that; and speaking more plainly than before, pointed out that, marriage or no marriage, an alliance of France and England against Spain was as clearly the right policy now as it had been in the days of Henry V I I I ; Mating pretty plainly that France had most to gain by it. Pinart 'seemed to be something moved'; but fell back on the lack of welcome given to the marriage project in England, and the difficulty of getting a straight answer from the Queen. To Cohham's request for a written statement of the impression produced by his negotiations, which might clear himself from the charge of liikewarmness in the matter, he made objections; but gave his personal testimony to the king's belief in the ambassador's 'zeal and inclination

PEBFAOB.

to the marriage.' On this occasion, and m a subsequent conversation five days later, Pinart seems to have suggested a way out of the deadlock. Was there not, he asked, some younger relative of the Queen's, some daughter of one' of the noblemen of her kindred, who might take her place as a possible bride for Monsieur? If, as they supposed, her main object was to avoid the succession of the Scottish king, this plan would do as well. The Mug, he added, finding how the matter had been procrastinated, was losing his personal interest in it. This suggestion, again, the ambassador obviously feels some nervousness in reporting. However, it is fairly clear that by this . time both sides were becoming aware that the farce was nearly played out. In a fragment of one of Burghley's elaborate memoranda (No. 545) which seems to belong to this, time, the situation in the event of the Queen's not marrying is considered. The consequences that might follow if the marriage should not take place—the likelihood that Monsieur, and with him the king, will be driven to alliance with Spain, the effect on relations with Scotland, the encouragement of rebels abroad and disaffected subjects at home—are plainly set forth. The document looks like a final effort on the Lord Treasurer's part to persuade the Queen to the marriage, which he had always favoured. It concludes, however, with a short indication of the only possible excuse for drawing back; the Queen's unwilling conviction that the step would be unpopular in England. Ho formal withdrawal from this engagement was ever announced, t u t after this year little more is heard of it. Another road to the alliance seems to have, suggested itself about this time. In a dispatch, dated December 13, Walsinghaxn refers to a request from the Queen Mother, sent by la Mothe, for the loan, hire, or purchase of twelve ships, 'to be employed in her quarrel for the title she pretends to the Crown of Portugal/ The Qtieen is willing to grant this on condition that if "the 15077

e

PEEFAOE. King of Spain picks any quarrel unto, her' on this account, the French king shall assist her against him. There is a cautious proviso that the ships, which were to be manned with English officers and crew, are not to be ' employed upon any place of the King of Spain's dominions of which he is possessed. as King of Castile'; that is, are to be strictly confined to operations in the newly-acquired Portuguese territories. But of this plan nothing seems to have come. A great scheme was being prosecuted in the spring and early summer of 1582 for a joint invasion of England and Scotland simultaneously. The Duke of Lennox was its promoter, and the Pope, the King of Spain, and the Guises were to share in the execution of it. The Jesuits Parsons, Oeighton, and Holt acted as reporters and messengers. Of this very little save an occasional allusion will be found in the papers. Parsons's name does not occur in the volume; and the only trace of the others is an anonymous letter (No. 286) apparently to Holt, intercepted and deciphered. Either Cobham was badly informed, or his dispatches have been lost.0 He must have had some information' of the conclave which, in the first half of May, met at the house of the nuncio Castelli, and was attended by the Duke of Guise, the Archbishop of Glasgow, Dr Allen, Fathers Parsons and Oeightont; where a plan of invasion was very fully discussed. Guise thought the enterprise had a good chance of success, and proposed to take command of the forces. Parsons produced, and the nuncio forwarded * la it possible that, on the accession of James? to the English throne, documents implicating him ana his mother in these conspiracies against his predecessor were destroyed? f See the nuncio's letter to the Cardinal of Como, in Kretsehmar, Vie Invadomprojekte dm- KatholUohen M'dchte gegm England, Appendix, Hog. 7 and 8, Mendoza knew all about it (Span. Cal. No, 268). With characteristic inaccuracy he makes 'Father Eobert' and Parsons - two separate people. Tassis knew of it from Parsons. Oreighton seems to hare been present, though Oaatelli does not mention Mm.

PBEFAGB.

to Rome, a long report on the condition of affairs in England, Oreighton drew up the like for Scotland, and took it to Rome himself. Both fathers were very sanguine. Nothing in these - papers indicates that Cobham had any information of all this, or was ever aware of the presence of Parsons and Allen at this time in -Paris. Not many days after the meeting above mentioned, he reports a visit from William Tresham, who complained of harsh treatment on the part of the Earl of Leicester; implying that this had been the .main cause of his leaving England and coming to Paris. He made professions of duty to the Queen and promised to remain in Paris till he heard from her and the Council. Cobham gave him some good advice and discussed the subject of Papal Supremacy; but otherwise confined himself to generalities. Was he aware that Tresham was in the thick of the plot, and was on the point of starting with Parsons for Spain to lay before the king the conclusions of the recent conference 1 Occasionally we find an indication of a wide-spread feeling of uneasiness, as though after the affairs of Jaureguy and Salcedo men scented assassination in the air. In an appeal for money, addressed, probably in June, by Marchaumont to Walsingham, the writer suggests that if the struggle in Flanders is allowed to drop, 'the Queen will in a very short time see the eggs of strange practices against her hatched out'; a phrase which looks as if he knew something of what was being meditated in France,.Spain, and Rome; where plots for the Queen's assassination were subsidiary to the wider scheme of an invasion. Herie has a word to say on this subject in a letter of August 12 from Antwerp. Writing a few days earlier to Burghley (Hatfield Gal. Ho. 1146), he speaks of a plot to kill her on a ! progress' in a connexion which looks as if he thought that this and Salcedo's aflkir were parts of one great scheme. If this were so, it might account for the great anxiety showft

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by the Guise faction to exculpate themselves from the charge of being privy to the latter. The time for showing their hand had not yet arrived, and discoveries of details relating to the lesser intrigue might lead to premature disclosure of the greater. Quite at the end of the year Cohham received from one Alard, a former official of the Court of Savoy, who professed 'to be able to discover the intentions intended against her Majesty/ a number of" ' pieces;' concerning these matters; which were duly sent over.** Of the Scottish side of all these matters we get a glimpse here and there, but hardly more. Guise's present of horses to the King of Scots is recorded, curiously enough, in a letter from Stokes at Bruges. It was evidently regarded as of serious import. Humours of preparations on the coast for an expedition to Scotland are pretty frequent during the period in which Don _ Antonio's fleet was being got together. English observers were uneasy at the assembling of so large a flotilla in a remote part of France. From a letter of Lemacon, one of Walsingham's occasional correspondents (No. 51), it would appear that some suspicion existed of an understanding between the Portuguese claimant and the Scottish queen. "Under the name of the King of Portugal is understood by those of the Religion the king of the League," writes John Dowes, who was observing events in Normandy for Walsingham. Even the levy of troops for Flanders, which was proceeding in Normandy during June, gave rise to a belief .among the Huguenots feat they were in Guise's pay, and intended to form part of the force for Scotland. The veteran sleuth hound, Captain Masino del Bene, through Ms kinsman the Abbe of the game name, who was to some extent in the confidence of the Guises^ contrived to hear of some "•It may be said here that No. 486 haa been dated too early. It does not belong to 1582 at all, being obviously: later than No. 588, written on December gl. It may be of Jamtary, 1583.

fragments of their operations, which he passed on, with caution, to Cobham. The Abbe had a benefice at Bu, where the Guises were powerful; and the Duke proposed to. borrow what Cobhani calls, his ' abbey,' presumably his residence there, as a convenient place for lodging an emissary of the English or the Scotch Papists. The Duke's messenger who brought this proposal is called by Cobham ' Guillielmus' and said by him to have been 'the schoolmaster who lent his chamber to him that shot at the Admiral in Paris,' that is to Mam-evel.® A little later Cobham hears ' that one Sandy Bogge, brother to the Scottish king's chief porter,' is about to start from 'Newhaven' with letters from Guise, Archbishop Beaton, and d'JEntragues, brother-in-law to Lennox. Ships carrying powder and .artillery were reported to havesailed from Dieppe and Treport, under Guise's own eye. Of this last step the English Government was speedily informed; and in a dispatch dated June 7 Walsingham directs Cobham to complain of it to the king. Some of the powder was even said to have come out of the royal stores. The shipment of ' munition' to Scotland was a form of trade that must be looked on with suspicion. No mystery seems to have been made over the matter; Herle at Antwerp knew all about it. On .June 13 Cobham seems to have awakened to the suspicion that Guise's operations, which, as has been seen, were not secret, pointed to the fact that some practice was being 'trained' in Scotland, On July 5, being with the king, he brought up the matter of the powder, and reeeiyed answer that, as was possibly true, the king knew nothing about it. Henry was pretty certainly not in the Guises' counsels. Towards the end of July the Scottish affair advanced a further step. Cobham, on August 1, had heard from ° The annotate* (Duohat) of l'Estoile calls this peiBonage Villemitf and skies that he had been prMpteur fc> the Dnke of 0nise» (Journal de Pierre Vfl&oiUe,- Amsterdam, 1744, t»l. I , p. SI.)

.PEEFAQE.

Lord Hamilton how Guise and the rest 'who manage the Scottish practices/ had sent to the Scottish king advice to imprison, and if possible put to death, 'with expedition,' the Earl of Lindsay and other Lords 'who are chief favourers of the Religion,' and ' inclined to the Queen.' The pretext was to be that which had been found to answer in the case of Morton, complicity in the murder of 'David the Italian.' Lindsay, it was noteds had 'used very stout speeches with the Duke of Lennox in the king's presence.' Some of the lords in question took the matter into their own hands. Before the Jesuits' scheme of abducting the king (referred to by Father Holt's anonymous correspondent, the writer of No. 288, as viewed with disapproval in Spain) could take effect, the lords who were opposed to Lennox had secured the king's person by the coitp known as the ' Raid of Ruthyen.' This event, which occurred on August 22, is referred to by Walsingham in a dispatch to Oobham, dated August 31. Unfortunately ' the enclosed,' in which the particulars were given, is not among the papers. The Secretary, writing in his usual measured style, is evidently very sanguine as to the result. 'The duke (Lennox) is not like to find any great party in this nation; for both he and Arran are so generally hated in Scotland that few will venture to take their part.' The news tooklonger to reach Paris, or was kept secret there. Cobham's letters of September 4 do not refer to it. On the 11th we find him writing of 'much speech delivered forth in the Court that d'Aubigny and James Stewart (Arran) have been apprehended by the rest of the nobility.' Walsingham's anticipations were correct. Lennox shut himself up in Dumbarton Castle, and held it and afterwards Rothesay for a time; but he had few friends, and his power was gone; though nearly two months later we hear that the confederates in Paris still cherished hopes of its revival. 'The nuncio declared to a party of quality,' writes Cobham on October 17, 'that d'Aubigny was in

a very strong castle with intention not to depart out of Scotland as long as any hope of relief remained, having besides a good party in the realm.' He did not indeed leave Scotland till the end of the year; but the party did not show fight, and James ceased for a time to dally with his French Jdnsfolk. Elizabeth sent Sir George Carey and Mr Eobert Bowes to maintain him in his good resolutions. The news of the Raid was at once imparted to Mauvissiere; who, being no friend to the Guises- seems to have taken it very philosophically. The letter in which he acknowledges the receipt of the news is in his best and most paternal style, <M. de Lennox will still be M. d'Aubigny in France, and cousin to the Prince of Scotland'; who, I hope—(if a paraphrase may be allowed):—will be a good boy, and mind what he is told. The usual compliments to her Majesty 0 follow. The success of the Baid of Kuthven excited great wrath among the conspirators in Paris. Fentre, the Bishop of Glasgow's nephew and confidant, is reported by Cobham to have charged the Queen with having been at the bottom of it, and to have expressed his confidence that 'those noblemen who have shown themselves enemies to d'Aubigny will have the like payment that Morton had/ At Court the matter was taken more phlegmatically. Somewhere about October 1, Cobham, in an interview with the Queen Mother, spoke of d'Aubigny's unpopularity in Scotland, even hinting that the huntingparty which was the occasion for the detainment of the king, had been planned by James himself as a means of escape from the overbearing favourite, and that he is somewhat curious that not long before this "we find Mendoza reposing (Span. Cal. No, 253) a coarse netefc as made by Matmssi&ee to the Queen on the subject of her marriage: totally inconsistent both with the opinion of her expressed long afterwards in his Memoirs and with his general character as a courteous gentleman; a character hardly conceivable by the arrogant Spanish Hidalgo.

PREFACE,

had been to all intents and purposes as much d'Aubigny's prisoner as afterwards the insurgent lords'; and referred to the Queen's prompt dispatch of Carey and Bowes to see that all was right with him. Catherine (her words, as rendered by Cobham, have now a slightly ambiguous ring) 'doubted not but her Majesty would do for him,' and owned that d'Aubigny's own actions had not been of a kind to render his long tenure of authority very probable. The king and his mother, however, though doubtless not ill-satisfied to see the collapse of the Guisian schemes,' with the consequent check to Spain and Rome, could not look with unconcern at the relaxation of the ancient bond between France and Scotland, or the conversion of the latter country into a dependency of England. Elizabeth was already beginning to play a forward game. In a dispatch of September 26 Cobham is directed to say that the Scottish queen's correspondence must no longer be allowed to pass through the hands of the Erench ambassador; who it is hinted 'has been dealing in causes, not appertaining to his charge.' In future all such correspondence was to pass through Cobham's hands, not Mauvissiere's. This message was duly delivered in an audience ' on October;.. 18. The king, with some reason urged that the French ambassador -was the proper conduit for letters passing between a queen-dowager of. France and' the present occupant of the throne, as well as for her business correspondence; nor could he be indifferent to , the ' course of aflairs in Scotland. Cobham, went to the root of the matter, by saying that a good' deal besides family and- business correspondence had passed, some of which had ccjme "perhaps to the sight of her Majesty.' The king tried to. turn, the conversation to the recent doings in Scotland. Cobham threw the blame of them on d'Aubigny, and the king did not disagree. The ambassador then brought him back to the point of the

PREFACE. transmission of Mary's letters, and was as usual referred to the Queen Mother; to whom he played the favourite card of the Queen's kindness to the ' Duke of Brabant.' She however took the same line as her son; insisting that their ambassador was the proper person to deliver their letters. Like him, too, she believed, or affected to believe, that the ambassador was incapable of mixing himself up with underhand practices. 'So,' observes Cobham, 'it seems that their Majesties remain as yet coy and imwilliug to gratify her Majesty,' What they did was to send an embassy on their own account to Scotland. The Scotch faction were the &st to urge this step. Some days before Cobham's audience just mentioned-, he writes that they had been much pressing the Queen Mother to send someone to 'deal' in favour of d'Aubigny. Their selection was M. de Mayneville ('Manningvil,' as Oobham, Bowes, and, other Englishmen called him},*1 a Norman gentleman of good family, and devoted to the Guises and the League, The king declined to sanction either the object or the messenger, 'not consenting to intermeddle so openly in the affairs of Scotland, to the discontentment of her Majesty/ His choice fell on the veteran la Mothe-Fenelon, always persona grata at the English Court, and by no means an adherent of the League, His commission was already made out when Oobham visited Mm in the course of the week after his audience; and when he returned the call a day or two later, having in the meantime seen the king, he gave the ambassador some details in regard to it. At his own request he was to pass through England, instead of going, as seems to have been the king's first notion, by sea to Scotland, Part of his business was to be 'the restoring of the realm of Scotland to peaceable state'; to achieve which end, as Oobham heard otherhow, he was to take plenty of money. He was also . » See last volume, Preface, p. xlrv.

to use his influence with the Scottish nohility to procure the king's release. Masino del Bene, after a conversation with the Queen Mother, was inclined to think, rightly, as it appears later, that the subject of the alliance was also included in his instructions. The Guise party, however, were not disposed to look on while Henry, their covert foe, and Elizabeth, their declared antagonist, settled between them the affairs of Scotland; and they procured the dispatch of MayaeviUe as a colleague to la Mothe. He went, it would seem, with similar credentials; how far his instructions were the same does not appear. So far as those he had from the king, in regard to Scotland at any rate* were concerned, there was probably little difference; a remark of Pinart's, in conversation with Cobham, seems to imply as much. But all the evidence goes to show that he was primarily the Guises' envoy; and it is clear that the king dispatched him with reluctance. He was to go by seaj but it was some time before he got off. Pinarfc thought that the cause of his delay was his fear of falling into the hands of Huguenot cruisers, who would have had sundry accounts to settle with him. The Secretary appears to have spoken somewhat derisively of his hesitation in starting. La Mothe, on the other hand, lost no time. On November 18, Mauvissiere writes to Walsingham that he had been recalled from a visit to Pallavicino, in company with Marchaumont and Bacqrueville (doubtless to discuss Anjou's finances) by the news that the envoy had arrived a day before he was expected, and was already at his> the writer's, lodgings. On December 12, WaMngham sent Cobham some information with regard to what had up till then passed between la Mothe and the Queen. As regarded the permission to go on to Scotland, her attitude was very , characteristic. She did not see how to refuse the king's request; yet might not the mere presence of a French envoy in Scotland revive the troubles, 'now, thank

PREFACE. .

xli

God, well appeased.' D'Aubigny had been giving ont that he expected support from France, a hope which a messenger from the king was looked for to confirm; a ' gentleman' (whom we can hardly be wrong in assuming to be Mayneville) was reported to have embarked in Holland,** bringing to Lennox letters from the king, the Duke of Guise, and the Duke of Joyense (who is here first mentioned in connexion with these aflkirs). The * gentleman' had indeed returned to France, on a premature report that d'Aubigny had already - left Scotland; but the Queen showed la Mothe privately a letter from the Queen of Scots, forming, as it would seem, part of a correspondence with the Archbishop of Glasgow touching the projected invasion. For these reasons it seemed likely that la Mothe's arrival might kindle suspicion among the. anti-Lennox party in Scotland. She asked him to consider this; and even 'prayed the king not to interpret the deferring of giving leave . . . . as a denial of his request.' Then after all^ with a gush of confidence in the king's ' sound, honourable and friendly meaning towards her/ she concedes the point, The marriage-and-alliance problem was also discussed, as has been already mentioned; and something was done, it does not appear what, to settle the question of piracies. The ambassador started from London about the end of the year, and arrived at Edinburgh on January 7. With him went (though the fact is not disclosed in these papers) the trusty and cautious Mr. William Davison. From what is obviously a fragment of his instructionsf **This is lather curious. If, as can hardly be doubted, Mayneville was the * gentleman' in question, it looks as if he had originally tried to sail from Holland, in the belief that a Dutch bottom was a more secure means of transport if Huguenot cruisers were about. He seems ultimately to have sailed from Calais on Jan. 9, leaching Edinburgh on the 20th. t The editor has to apologise for the oversight by which this fragment, scribbled on the back of the draft of one of 'Walsingham's dispatches to Cobham, was hastily assumed to belong to a very different document.

x]ii

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(end of "No. 510) it appears, that a promise had been extracted from la Mothe 'to hold no conference with any nobleman or person of quality' in Scotland, touching the affairs of that country, save in Davison's presence ; and Davison was charged not to let him forget it. Among the notices of affairs less directly affecting English interests, the most interesting and most copious are those relating to Geneva, and the incessant efforts of the Duke of Savoy to get that city into his hands. The suppression of Geneva as a bulwark of Protestantism was no doubt part of the same great scheme to which the, plans for the invasion of England and Scotland and the assassination of Elizabeth owed their inception; but different personal interests and ambitions were involved in it. Though. an independent republic, Geneva was regarded as a part of the territory of Savoy; 'the chief place of Savoy,' says the anonymous writer of the very interesting account of the place to be found in the present volume (No. 73).® He adds; 'As London is the principal place in England, so is Geneva in Savoy.' A rumour seems to have got about and to have been widely credited + that the duke was at the time actually besieging Geneva. This the writer very wisely discredits; pointing out the impracticability of such an enterprise, in view of the fact that the lake would always offer an easy way of approach for a counter-attack from the side of Berne. He goes on to point out the importance of Geneva in the event of an attack by the united Catholic Powers upon England, from its situation close to the easiest route for troops 8

To any one well acquainted with, the minuter .history and ftrehseology of Geneva the identification of the writer of this interesting paper ought not to present a difficult problem. He was an Italian, on dining terms with. Walsingham, had been for many years a citiz&n of Geneva, and shared in the government; and was. architect enough ta have furnished plans for the High School oi the city. Apparently he was now domiciled in England. i See Spanish Calendar, Ho.. 277,

PBEFACE.

marching from Italy to the Low Countries. The report of a siege, he further suggests, has been spread as a colourable excuse for sending them so far on the way. The writer ends by suggesting a German alliance. The Genevese, however, had cause for alarm. The duke was infesting the neighbourhood with armed bands, and was reported to have * intelligences' within the walls. The plot, it. was said, had failed only through the confession of some of the traitors. Writing from Strasburg on June 4, Monteith tells Fremyn that the Swiss, assembled in Diet at Baden, had sent a peremptory demand for the withdrawal of these. He, too, believes that the Pope and the King of Spain are concerned. In Antwerp it seems to have been reported that the French king was taking part in tha alleged design; and the feeling that all Protestants throughout Europe were linked by a common danger is well illustrated by a remark which Herle (No. 85) quotes as being made on this subject by one of the magistrates of Antwerp. The interest taken in Genevese affairs is also shown by the various quarters from which reference to them is made. John Dowes at Rouen hears that the duke has been beaten off, and that the Bernese have reoccupied the bailiwicks in the Chablais and Gex, which they had restored to Emmanuel Philibert in 1564. A few days later YilKers, writing from Antwerp, reports a levy of landskuechts for the king of Spain in Tirol, of whom it is thought that iihe duke, while disavowing any design against Geneva, will avail himself against the Swiss; doubtless by the way of a demonstration on the frontier of the Grisons. Meanwhile those: who believed, either in hope or fear, that the King of France was going to render help to an attack on Geneva, were equally at fault. Walsingham wrote to Masino del Bane for information, and learnt from him that whereas, at a meeting of the Catholic Cantons held, at Lucerne under the auspices of Colonel Ludwig

PEERAGE.

Pfyffer, it had been resolved (not without the persuasion of Spanish gold) to send aid to the duke, at the subsequent Diet of all the Cantons held at Baden, the representations of the king's ambassador Hautefort had brought the Catholic Cantons into agreement with the rest; a statement confirmed by a remark of Cobham's, written a few days later. In addition, the king is said to have written to Pfyffer in terms which left no doubt of his own attitude in the controversy. Masino states Ms own conviction of the king's sincerity in his professions; and indeed Henry could hardly have wished to see Spanish influence predominant at Geneva. ' The others,' adds Masino, meaning of course the adherents of the Catholic confederacy, 'are fuming with rage at seeing that, contrary to what they thought, we are about to ally ourselves more closely than, ever with the Swiss/ An incidental result of the alarm about Geneva was ihe detention at home of a force of Swiss who were expected to join Anjou's army in the Low Countries. The duke did not, however, give up the hope of support from the French king, A party at the French Court favoured his scheme; among them being the Duke of Eetz, who was reported not only to have assured the duke of the king's countenance, but to have induced the Queen Mother to write him 'favourable letters' (No. 209). In July his envoy, M. de Chatillon,* brought a message from him to the French Court, in which he claimed, Geneva as part of his domain, and asked for help to reduce it. The king, as usual when pressed with a point-blank demand, 'meant to deliberate.' It seems to have been the general opinion that he would wait to see what other princes would do; but del Bene was probably right in thinking that Ms mind • Again an apology is due for an oversight in the Index. . This M. fie Oh&tiU<m has of course nothing to do with Guy de Gh&tilloa, Sietur de Coligny, the Hugnenot leader, with •whom he has been there entered. This one doubtless took his appellation from Gfa&tUlpn m "V$l Tpttwanohe, near Aosta,

PREFACE.

was made up. Nor did the duke relinquish' his enterprise. French gentlemen were employed to go into Geneva, to see the position of things • and in a letter from Lyons of July 18 we learn that ' the Duke of Savoy's forces increase daily.' About the beginning of July he made plans for an escalade, but the plot was discovered, and the fact of its discovery was made known to the duke; who thereupon countermanded the attempt. The Cantons on July 10 sent an ultimatum, and demanded back the four bailiwicks on the ground that the duke's action had infringed the treaty xvnder which they had been restored to his father. By the beginning of August the negotiations were completed by Hautefort and Mandelot. The Swiss received a subsidy of 140,000 crowns; the Five Cantons withdrew from the drtke's alliance. ' It is held,' writes Sassetti on August 6, 'that the duke is asorry for the advice taken from the Catholic King, from the Pope, and from his ministers.' Henry recalled- all the French who were serving in his army; while Chatillon-Coligny led a strong Huguenot force in the direction of Geneva, and Merle, with 200 men, entered the city. Yielding to these persuasions, the duke, as Cobham reports under the date of September 11, withdrew his forces. By the 15th a writer from Paris is able to announce that the socalled ' siege' is raised. Geneva had rest for some years, and the duke ' made advances for the hand of the Princess of Navarre, in which, however, he met with as little success as in * the enterprise of Geneva,' Hautefort and Mandelot returned, leaving Fleury to represent the king in a preliminary discussion at Fribourg; while the points at issue were left to be 'treated on' in the nest Baden Diet. Towards the end of the year the Swiss Cantons sent a strong embassy to Paris. The names of its members are given in Ho, 519, and it will be seen that not only Catholics and Protestants alike were represented—the redoubtable Ludwig

PREFACE.

Pfyffer, called by his admirers 'the Swiss king,' heads the list—but also the allied republics of Graubiinden and Yalais. They arrived in Paris on. November 28, and on Sunday, December 2, attended Mass at Notre Dame; where the league between Switzerland and France was confirmed by oaths on either side. The relics of St. Genevieve were carried in procession, fireworks were • let off, and salvos of artillery were fired in the Place de Greve. All the nobility, including the Duke of Guise, vied in entertaining the new allies, whose friendship, says Cobham, was held of great value to France. It was certainly a triumph for French policy over Spanish. The question of demanding an indemnity from the Duke of. Savoy for the trouble and expense that he had caused came under discussion. Here the Guises took the part of the duke; and the king used his persuasions—it would seem not very ^effectively—to bring about an agreement. On the 12th the ambassadors left Paris. • Of the controversy with the Hanse Towns little appears in the present volume. The matter came before the Imperial Diet at Augsburg, whither, in June, George Gilpin went, to set forth the case of the Merchants Adventurers, His letters, forwarded through his deputy Longston, are unfortunately missing; while other correspondents content themselves with referring to his reports. In the opinion of the English, he was not treated with the consideration due to his position. He returned to Antwerp in October, bearing the Emperor's letters to the Queen; from what Longston says (No. 427) the tenour of these was not wholly satisfactory. It was thought that after the 'Princes/ having got through the most important function of the Diet, the granting of supplies to the Emperor, had gone home—the Elector of Saxony went on August 5—the conduct of business had got into the hands of persons, of an inferior rank, the deputies; who (doubts lew being largely themselves of the trading class) lent a

PREFACE. ready ear to the complaints of English 'monopoly' put forward by the Hanse Towns. There would seem reason to suppose, too, that even here the influence of Rome and Spain made itself felt in hostility to England. Much interest seems to have been taken generally in the proceedings of this Diet. Oobham's letters contain frequent notices of it. Important issues were pending in sundry parts of Europe, Besides the perennial question of the Turk, there were affairs of the Low Countries, for the consideration of which a committee of four Princes and four bishops was appointed, there was the matter of the Elector of Cologne and his marriage ; also that of Lutheran canons in cathedral chapters. Du PlessisMornay went, to watch the proceedings on behalf of Henry of Navarre and the French Protestants, OKlpio, in addition to his main subject of negotiation, had to plead the cause of Daniel Bogers, who was still in captivity. The Emperor ordered his release; but the Imperial Vice-Chancellor professed inability to identify the proper overlord through whom the order ought, in due feudal course, to pass to the Baron of Anholt, by whom Rogers was detained. When this was ascertained, it would appear that a fresh difficulty arose; for in September we find the Duke of Cleves writing apologetically to the Queen that the Imperial order has reached him, and been passed on to his Council, but that that body had found it necessary to deliberate, it would appear at some length, before taking action. At any rate, Rogers was still in confinement at the end of the year: though his position was improved by the capture of Martin Schenk by the Swiss Baron of Hohensax,* and the death of the Baron of Anholt in action before Lochem. * This nobleman's name has undergoae a good deal at the hands of those who had occasion to mention, it. (Hofsacks' (No. 157) ana *Hoghsare * (No, 369) are two of the iosms which it takes. 15077

•

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d

• PBEFACE.

Perhaps no event of the year has exercised such a lasting influence as the 'Change of Style/ or reform of the Julian Calendar. Dante, writing more than 250 years before, had called attention to the gradual displacement of the seasons resulting from the neglected fraction; it was reserved for Gregory X I I I to grapple with the problem of bringing them once more into accord wititi the Calendar. Roman Catholic nations accepted the reform at once; and in the Low Countries the Duke of Anjou. secured its adoption; though not withotit a good deal of grumbling, even on the part of the Papists, an amusing account of which, written from Brussels, will be found in No. 534, England, to the discomfort of historical researchers, stood out for nearly two centuries. The Greek Church, as. all know, is still uncompromising. At first some English correspondents abroad seem to have done as those about them didj and dated their letters ' stilo now' \ but this un-English practice was quickly stopped by peremptory orders from home. The first' letter in this collection in which the new style is used is No. 513, written by Pietro Bizarri from Antwerp on the day of the change as made there; namely December 15, which day was, evidently to the old scholar's regret;, being kept as Christmas Day. Elsewhere, as at Bruges, the jump seems to have been made from December 22 to January 2, whereby, as Stokes remarks. 'they have lost Christmas Day here for this year.' Masino del Bene, writing from Paris on December # , makes no remark on the loss of the ten days out of his Hfe—an objection which does not seem to have occurred to those who were contemporaries of the change. Mendoza, as might be expected of so stout a Catholic champion, loses no time in dating a letter to Walsingham {No, 521) in accordance with the Papal decree. The Queen of Navarre, who, as recorded in the last volume, had been brought by her mother towards Paris, after the interview between Catherine and her son-in-law

PBEFiOE. at Saint-Maixent, was received by -the king on. April 28 at Fontainebleau with every show of goodwill. In spite of this, Cobham's prediction. that she would • not remain at the Court without some 'overthwart' was not long in fulfilment. One of her ladies, Mme de Duras, bad already been insulted by having a bottle of ink thrown at her, at SainfcMaixent; it was said, by the 'procurement' of Clermont d' Amboise, a relation of the late Bussy, and it would seem, though a Huguenot, of a similar turbulent disposition. This caused disorder from the first; Epernon, one of the queen's admirers, seeking to avenge the affront. Then Margaret had brought with her Mllo. de Fosseux-Montmorency, who had recently bo3'ne a child to her husband. The king, with a regard for decorum possibly genuine, though somewhat unexpected in that Court, objected to the presence among his wife's ladies of a person with a reputation so tainted, and ' Fosseux' as she was so familiarly called, was dismissed. Hereupon the King of Navarre wrote an angry letter, to which the king and his mother replied, Cobham says, * with very amiable letters'; though Catherine's, at least, was couched in terms of pretty strong reproof,—couched in a highly moral strain,* In August Margaret settled in Cardinal Birague's house; continuing to be to all. appearance on excellent terms with her brother, who wrote to her from Lyons, making her the channel for information which he wished to have spread at the Court. She also stood godmother to a son of the Duke of Guise. She remained at the Court all the year; but the notices of her doings are few. Early in November Cobham. writes that she had 'gtown into unkindness' with Monsieur, and was out of health. Later in the same month she was 'labouring' a visit from her husband Lettres de Catlmr-bu de MMiew, Voi viii, p . B6. Hot the least curious iihiBg about tins vety curious letter, Is tlie way in •which, the wdter refuses to allow her own faasiamd's infidelities to be quoted as pceeecle&ts for those of her so

1

PEEFACE.

to the Court; with what motive is not very clear. She remained till the following August, when the rupture between her and the king became complete, and she was sent back, not without a gross affront to her husband.* Among miscellaneous matters of interest may be noted a reference by Walsingham in his dispatch of December 14 to a report that a Council was to be established in Prance for enforcing the Decrees of the Council of Trent, and introducing the Inquisition. As a matter of fact, the idea, if—which hardly seems probable— the king ever entertained it, did not bear fruit; and the rumour, if not the invention of some zealous Papists, may have been only a belated echo of the conference on the subject which had taken place in the previous May. Or again, it may have been a straw to show the drift of the wind, If so, Walsingham's words, which doubtless reached the king, must have shewn him how any suggestions of the kind would be received in England, as contrary to the king's ostensible policy both at home and in the Low Countries, and his professions of unity with England in particular. One or two touches of manners and character may be noted. When Cobham observes, at the time when Marshal Biron was first spoken of as likely to be employed in Monsieur's service, that "he is not thought to be the fittest person, because he is a man of so great expenses and overviolent in his actions," the famous soldier becomes alive to us. A pleasing little glimpse into the domestic life of the great is afforded when Walsingham mentions how ail opportunity for a letter has been offered by the bearer "being sent by my Lord Chamberlain to conduct his dwarf over." For what purpose my Lord Chamberlain's dwarf was visiting France is not stated. May we imagine some kind of competition ? >. - * Margaret's own Memoirs unluckily break off just when she is starting for the Court.

PREFACE.

11

A letter from Cobham at the end of the year (No, 552) presents several points of interest. It relates to purchases on Walsiagham's behalf, of some costly presents, such the courtiers of the time were used to make, more especially to the Queen, to whom we can hardly doubt, the 'fair bracelets,' and the glass 'of crystal, very fairly set in gold, with many small diamonds, rubies and little agates,' and the agafee back, engraved with the palace of peace, would find their way. In a letter (No. 333) written apparently by a German in Paris to another in London, we have a passing mention of a famous man, Henry ' Stephens/ the" great .printer and scholar; who seems to have been at that time on Ms way to Augsburg. The only person of any note who passes out of the story in this volume is Mr. Henry Knollys, the son of the Treasurer of the Household. To French and Spaniards he was well known as a daring pirate. Latterly he had regularised the business by some show of serving Don Antonio, but had got into "trouble with the French ambassador over the capture of a Breton ship—his own account of the affair will be found in No, 280—and had found it expedient to retire to the Netherlands. Here he seems to have attached himself to Norris, with whom , he was present at the siege of Lochem, and to have endeavoured to allay the frietion which seems to have been chronic between that masterful officer and his subordinates. Another letter from him (No. S94) gives a very cleaa: and picturesque account of the state ^ of things in the Low Countries, and makes us tegret ihat more of his have not been preserved. Towards the end of November we learn from a letter ol Thomas Doyley that he was sxifeing from 'melancholy/ tot wMeh the writer, who may perhaps have been the medical officer on Harris's staff, was treating M a A fortnight later, &e same writer thinks his illness m t dangerous to life, but likely to be tedious. However, writing on December 21, 0 % i n ateposte his Aeath, in

Ill

PREFACE.

terms which show that he had a warm friend and admirer in the grave merchant-diplomatist; and that he must himself have been in private life a serious and religious man—a character doubtless at that time compatible with a good deal of what we should now call lawless adventure. In regard to language, we - note that ' Dutch' is beginning to indicate more especially the inhabitants of the northern Netherlands ; having hitherto been applied equally to High and Low. A man 'does not agree with the air'; not, as nowf the air with him. To * defend oux goal' (No. 236) has quite a modern ring: No instance of the metaphor in this form is given for so early a date in the N.E.B. ' Anoid' in the sense of 'cause to lesox their ground' occurs in a letter of Heole's, In a translation of the subjects of discussion at the Augsburg Diet, we find 'reduced' meaning 'restored,' and 'ChamberJustice' as a rendering of ' Kammesgericht/ In one of Henry Knollys's letters to Walsingham he writes: " The enemy, by the occasion of report of great supplies, is grown greatly 'indread'"; where the context shows that the phrase must mean 'an object of fear.' Thomas Doyley complains of all places of credit in the camp being allotted to 'champignons' in respect of his (Norris's) experience. Another unusual form used by Knollys is 'twitch' for 'touch.' It is not quite clear what the same writer means when, speaking of Norris's enforced supperparty, he says: " H e might very ill [probably a slip for 'well'] have been spared such a 'flease.'" If 'fleece' is meant, this sense does not appear in the N.E.D. Yet this seems more probable than 'fleech'*=' flattery/ The form 'Whitsunday week/ which occurs in No. 114, is another bit of evidence, if one Were needed, against the fanciful association, once popular, of. • * WMtsun * with 'Pfingoten/ No. 353, the account of Strozzi's battle, offers some interesting specimens of French nautical terms. Whether I have in all cases got the correct English I. am not quite certain.

BKEFACE.

liii

The Index has, as in the last two volumes, been prepared by nay daughter, Miss G. E. Butler. That there are rather too many errata in it, must be set down to the editor's absence from England during a critical period of its preparation. A. J. B.

(Iiv )

EEEATA. p. 62> 1. 18, dele [?] p. 136,1. 15 from bottom, for officer read officers ibid, 1.10 from bottom, for Parnier read Gamier p. 165,1. 16, for Beligious read religions p. 189,1.12 from bottom, for MatpensierVeai Montpensier p, 199,1. 4, for confer read confess p. 202,L 21, for Franceso read Francesco p. 217, 1. 14 from bottom, for whence read whom p. 222, laat line, for hither read thither p. 296,1.11, dele (?) p. 304,1. 11 from bottom, after VIII inuri 35 ibid. 1. 10 from bottom, for Lobetus read Lobetius p. 311,1. 11, for VII read VIII p. SI9,1.12, for eastle read castles p. 834, 1. 20, for Mercsetuc read Mercosur p, 848,1. 3 from bottom, for Chafcaigueraye ra«2 Chatalgneraye p, 849,1. 21 from bottom, for guoultir read guoulter p. 428, second column, L 11, for Hoerden read Hoesden p. 432,1.19 from bottom, for these read there p. 488, 1. 18, for assured read accused p. 446,1. 12 from bottom,^?' Haly read Italy p. 510, 11. 19-17 from bottom, dele all from appear to August, and read to form part of Davison's instructions p. 521, L 24, dele (?) p. 532,1. 18 from bottom, dele comma after est p. 577, second column, I. 20 from bottom, for 81 read 82 p. 580, first column, 1. 4 from bottom, for 470 read 472 p. 586,1. 6 from bottom, add 'Hoghsare,' 366 p. 598, second column, 11. 86, 87, for Notre-Dame read .SainteChapelle p. 617, second column, L 15, for chosen by Queen Mother read suggested by Scottish faction p. 620, first column, 1. 27, for hinder read murder p. 621, second column, 1. 9 from bottom, for (p, 81) read p. 82. p, 628, first column, 1. 8, for 29 read 99 p. 630, first column, 1.11 from bottom, for Walsingham read Cobhara ibid, 1. 10 from bottom, read Tresam (Tre&ham) Sir Thomaa

FOREIGN PAPERS ELIZABETH. A.D. 1582. A.D. 1582. May 1.

1.

HOEAIIO PAILAVICINO to LAWEENOE TOMSON.

I see no objection to leaving the warrant in its present form, and dating it the day her Majesty signs it; and the same with the obligations, in which the day of signature does not matter at all, provided it be before the last day of December next. As for last year, for the interest,, on which her Majesty owes 394Z. 17s. Id., it seems .to me that the shortest way will be to make out a special warrant with the Queen's order for the prompt payment ol that sum, declaring on what it arises. I think it might be done in this way, but refer to your better judgement, since you know more about that than any member of the Council whatever. If you approve, or however else you decide, please get them written quickly, that they may be laid before her Majesty this week.—From any house, 1 May 1582. Add, May

1.

2.

EruU. Ital.

I p.

[Holl, and M. XVL 1.]

MAUVISSIEBB to WALSHTOHAW.

You sent me lately a little packet from the Queen of Scots, and a letter which she wrote me solely to thank, the Queen her good sister for having granted her the principal points of her requests in the memorial handed to Mr Beale. She also begs me veiy,earnestly to thank you from her for your kind and favourable intercession to her Majesty; whose good sister the queen tells me she wishes io be, and make herself in future so agreeable in all her actions that she will never have any dissatisfaction. The letter contains nothing but politenesses and many thanks, with a request that she aaay at once have the doctors to attend to her health; and soon afterwards, say a month from now, permission to go to the Baths of Buxttm, in which she says she has placed her last hope of preservation. Meanwhile I have sent in search of M. da Ruigsseau, one of her counsellors, that he may go to her, on the hope you gave lane that no difficulty would be made about his passing* &a respect ol sending M. Han to Scotland, and with him, if possible, Mr Bsale, to treat ite© equally of the matter in question, she will await any decision whieh the Queea may tafee thereon. On this point I w t t l l tell you that the last time I spoke to har Mnjeaty aboutfcfaeQusen of Scots, she gave me on all matters a better and more * Wt, 1807?. 40a

M.

A

FOEEIGN PAPBES. reply than she.had ever done; and I feel sure that if she is e n g a g e d by you in thi S good opinion the Queen of Scot., m g • be. assured of her good graces. I sha1 be able to a*iswei her tomorrow, and will send you the packet, if you willJnndly send me by this "bearer the names of the doctors, and if they can set out within three or four days, as the queen desires, so as to employ all the month of May on her health.—London, 1 May 158A Add. May 1.

3.

En•

;'.

Jt is understood that Mme de Durae ' had that scornful part' of the glass of ink broken on her face, done to her by the procurement of. Clermont d'Amboise. This had deed ,' is sought to be revenged' by the King of Navarre and the Duke of Epernon, for the affection he beare to the Queen of Navarre, It is advertised by the last letters from Italy that soldiers are now openly levied at the Bound of the drum in the Duehy of Milan; some write, to the number of 12,000 and 10,000, some of 8,000. I am given to understand the Duke of Maine intends to go to Italy under pretence of accomplishing his vow to Nostra Donna di Loreto, and also to visit his uncle the Duke of Ferrara. as one •discontented and melancholy disposed. Howbeit, it is known he has in his purse to cheer himself 300,000 crowns, of which he received 180,000 for land sold in Savoy of his wife, who is descended from a -bastard of Savoy. And now he has for his office of the - Admiralty of France 120,000 crowns, which amounts to 800,000 in all. The office of Admiral is bestowed on Duke Joyeuse. . The king and young queen intend at once to begin and continue their diet at Fontainebleau. I hear from Yeniee that a gentleman has arrived from the Duke of Brabant. He was well received by the Signiory and returned with letters from that state, presented with a chain of 400 crowns. - Soranzo, lately sent ambassador to Rome, is returned to Venice without obtaining any reason at the Pope's hands concerning the Signiors' request against the Patriarch of Aquileia.—Paris, 8- May 1582. Add. Endd. 7 pp. [Frame VII. 68.]

May 4.

5.

MASSINO KEL BENE to WA&SINGBOE.

The Queen Mother has arrived at Court; it is not yet known what has been decided in the matter of his Highness, By a

ELIZABETH. A.D.

5

1582. certain person of quality good hopes have been given me; but I am slow to believe it. "When I have any certain news I will impart it to you. Geneva has been in great danger ; and the reason is that at a place called Ripaillo, whither Ama&eus, Count of Savoy, once retired to live the life of a hermit with 8 or 10 of his intimates, there have gradually assemTbled 700 to 800 men* under the command of that Anselme, in order that from that place, which is only three or four leagues from Geneva, they might be brought to a farmhouse very near, belonging to one with whom they had intelligence arranged to that end, and thence get possession of a gate and subsequently of the city. From this danger one of Anselm's soldiers, of the Beligion, freed them by giving them notice of it. General information of it had been, given them more than sis weeks ago by one who has himseli more than once attempted "what the Duke of Savoy was attempting. Those of Bern, Ereiburg, and Solotkurn have taken up arms, and have put good garrisons into the city and occupied the passages by which these people can •withdraw into Savoy, in order to play them a practical joke {mal ischerzo). It is also thought certain that the Bernese will take this occasion to reoccupy the bailiwicks they, had surrendered, a little carelessly, to the Duke of Savoy, he having broken the conventions under which they surrendered them.0 Even here we ought to resent it, the city in question being under our protection. At least I know well that the garrison will be paid at qur cost, from the moneys deposited at the time when we took the protection jointly with the three cantons. If this young prince will remember how much it cost his grandfather to let himself be lightly drawn into undertakings, he would perhaps be more considerate; but for myself I think that this was a priests' scheme (J pratka di padre), I shall set out in a few days for the Low Countries, having been given to understand from Chenoneeaux that I was to hold myself in readiness to take that journey. I much desire to do it, and especially to eross thenee to your country, to pay my respects to the Queen and revisit my patrons, among whom you will ever hold the first place.—Paris, 4 May 1582. AM.

May 4.

6-

Endd- RaL

1J jRp. [France VII, 68 6i*.]

"The 4th of May, 1582.—The confession of John Asson, mariner, who went as a sailor in the ship named the Mmamtd of London, on the last voyage that she made to San Luear ia Spain."

The name of the master of the ship is^ John Alday of Harwieh; fee principal merchant on board her is named 3ohn Hawea of London, to whom part of the vessel belongs. by west of Cape St. Tinceai, early m fee morning, the < weather being baay, they diseowred ft ship boarding a travel, being right ahead of them as they wete sailing. "Whemtpm the master, seeing that the vessel -was » maa-of-wir (home tie, yaem) matte ready for action, and shaped his course sts&igM for feeia, On

6

FOREIGN PAPERS.

A.D.1582.

coming near he began to make out the ship, and saw that she was French and the caravel Portuguese. The ship. of war had then taken the caravel, and put men on*board. "When the Frenchman saw that the Emanuel •wanted to speak to the prize, the ship of war went to -windward of her (aknif d'elle); and when the Emanuel came up to the prize, the master ordered him to lower sail. The Frenchman replied that he would do nothing of the sort; whereupon she fired a gun, and struck him, and then they let the sheets gOj but the sails could not come down, because they were entangled with the rigging.

*

And while the Evianud was close alongside the caravel, speaking to them, the ship of war luffed tip close to them, and offered to lay the prize aboard. "Whereupon the master of the Emanuel ordered a gun to be fired at her, ana she in like manner fired three or four gunB at the Emanuel, and then the Eviatmel fired one or two more at her, and on that the ship of war fell away from her (alia alarga iVelle).

Then the master of the Emanuel ordered his small skiff to be got out, and put into her two men, one oi whom was the deponent, John Aespnr arid the other Francis {name Hank), sent them to the prize, to find the master and captain [sic], that lie might speak to them. "When the skiff reached the caravel, seven Frenchmen got into her, and pushed the skiff off, and as the two Englishmen wanted to row them on board the Emanuel the Frenchmen against their will took the oars from them, and rowed {vogared) the skiff aboard the ship of war, and forced the two Englishmen against their will to go on board their ship; and after the skiff had remained there about three quarters of an hour, for the captain to write his letter to the master, he sent the letter by seven of his men in the skiff aboard the Emanuel, keeping the two Englisnmen on board his own ship. When the copy was shown to the master and merchants of the Emanud, they thought it was a trick. Nevertheless seeing that they mentioned the name of Monsieur, they would have been content to let him have the caravel, had they not had two Spaniards on board. These Spaniards were taken by the Turks at La Groletta, and had served long in captivity. By chance they were in Media, near Derbend in October 1580, at which time our English ship in the service of the company of English merchants for the discovery of our new. trade, was near that place, in the Caspian Sea. These two Spaniards our English sailors received secretly on board their ship, out oi zeal for Christendom, and as a work of charity, and brought them thence hither to London, and here they were set at liberty last September. They were then on their return homewards, going as passengers on board the Emanuel; and seeing that .they were bound for San Lucar and had these Spaniards on board, who on their arrival there would not M l to publish what they knew and had seen, they thought that if they abandoned the caravel they would be arrested in Spain, and regarded as pirates or at least accessory to piracy, to the danger of their lives and loss of their

ELIZABETH.

'

i

A.D. 1582.

ship and goods. Therefore they answered the Frenchmen that they would set the caravel free, not -wishing to be bothered any further with them; and with this answer he sent the skiff on board the ship of war to the eaptains and required (reqttvrid) him to send • back the Wo Englishmen whom he had on board his ship. When the captain of the ship of war heard this answer, he sent back John Asson in the skiff with seven of his own men aboard the Emwmel, and kept the other, and ordered those in the skiff to bring two of the prize crew that he had left in the prize, one of whom was wounded in the thigh by a cannon-shot. "When the master of the Emanuel saw that they had kept one of his men, he began to get angry (monter colere), and said that, they were to fetch him back at once, and if they did not, he would go and seek him at their expense. The skiff accordingly took with her the two Frenchmen out of the prize, and carried them on board the ship, and then the captain sent the other Englishman to the Emanuel. Then the master of the Bmanuel sent the Frenchmen in his skiff aboard their ship, and so many Portuguese out of the caravel as might serve to bring the skiff back to their ship. This being done, and the Portuguese put back aboard their caravel, with a little victuals given them by the Em-anuel for their nourishment, then the Emanuel and the caravel shaped their course towards the land, and went in company till they were over against Yilla Nova, where (oh ee que) the caravel anchored; and being in safety there the Portuguese offered to give them half their cargo of sugar for having assisted them, confessing that they were obliged to them for having been so happily delivered from the danger to their lives, goods, and ship, and that further they were bound to pray for them all their lives. But the master, merchants,, and ship's jeompany refused their gift, and were content to receive from them of their courtesy two cases only of Brazilian sugar in powd.«r, and one (jentmke (?); and therewith they had also an attestation written by the Portuguese as testimony hereof. Thus the Emmu-el left her in safety in the roads over against "Villa Hova and proceeded on her voyage to San Luear, where this job ((viwre) soon became known to the duke and people of the town and country around by means ol the two Spanish passengers, and was also testified to by letters, irotn. Yitia Hova. and Ayamoate, written by one Mt Holland, an Englishman, and others to the duke; for which cause the master and erew of the ISmaiwd had great favour in the place. This is all I can say in this affair. "ByWJL" Endd. Fr. {all hut Ut&t words in inserted mmmm) hut dwrly mitten by an Englfahmmu In hand *>f (?) 1L Bnnikanu 8 pp. (Spain L 90.]

3

"

A.D. 1 5 8 2 ,

May 5.-

FOBEIGN PAPERS. '

. „ . • . :

7. MENDOZA to the EABL OF SusSEXi It is many months since the Judge of the Admiralty came and asked me in.her Majesty's name to hand him the papers -which I had touching the robheries of Francis Brake. I did so; and it will be months since Secretary Walsingham told me that an answer would be given me upon that which I was expecting, and a month since he sent to me finally to say that although the answer had been made out the Queen had seen it, and wanted to look into the matter, and that I should have a little patience and the Queen •would give it me. I beg you to do me the favour of signifying this to the Queen, and letting me know when she will be pleased to give me this answer, and an audience to hear it, that I may advise the king my master of its nature.—London, 5 May 1582. Add. Endd. by me of Wahinglmm's secretaries. Spowi. 1 p. [Spain L 91.]

May 5.

8. English translation of the above,, wrongly dated 'first of May.' Endd. I pp. {Ibid. I. 92.] .

May 5.

9. I wrote last on the 29th ult. What has happened in these parts is that the Princess of Orange deceased yesterday at 4 a.m., having been ill for eight days of a continued fever and double pleurisy. His Excellency and all his house are in deep distress; nevertheless the Prince bears all his emotions patiently, praising God for all His visitations. For the last year he has had a lot of hindrances in the negotiation of these countries with Monsieur. He has lost Breda. The danger he has been in from his wound—the death of Ms wife. She, died calling on the' Lord to her last breath, with such fervour as it would be long to tell. All the foreigners here feel it much, for she Was a'kind mother to them. "Well, God be praised for all, and keep his Excellency in prosperity, for this country has more need of him than ever. His Highness has been infinitely grieved by this death. He is in good health and prospering; and would like to see a good army in the field, to show a square front (faire contrecwre) to the enemy, who remains before Oudenarde, where he has brought up his artillery, but has made no battery up to now. It is presumed that he has some other scheme. M. de la Garde's regiment has been moved out of Bergues to go to Mnove. Some Flemings and Scotch are going into Bergues. The Count of la Boehefoueault left this town for France only yesterday j he is going to levy forces, for the army. Affairs are still going on very slowly, and it seems that the States have at present no intention of putting the moyens gen&raulx, subsidies or imports, into his Highnes&'s hands; but just 300,000 guilders a month for carrying on the war, by equal instalments. An infinity of disorders will come about for lack of payment of the soldiers.

' ELIZABETH. • A.D,

'

9

1582. They do nothing but give fresh commissions to levy men, paying those who are serving. Mr North and Mr Cotton are not yet dispatched. They are about asking for quartets -where they can collect their people, which have not yet been granted them. There will be some difficulty in getting them. Colonel Stewart having a difference with some of his captains before his Highness,' when they had produced their complaints, his Highness had granted.them as commissioners to hear the controversy and remedy it. At the same time Colonel Stewart, being accompanied, gave several blows with a stick to one of the captains, " called ' Sepens' [Spence], in the street, he being alone. This has offended his Highness, seeing the violation of justice, and the contempt of himself and his councillor s on the part of Stuart. He has been put under arrest, and has been in his own house for a week, and much in disgrace (m pevne) for that. M. de Villesaison started yesterday to find the Prince of Conde, who is1 to come here. Instead of being sued after, it seems that he is the suitor; and if he would consider, expense on expense, bad economy, has been the ruin of the nobles of the Religion in France. There has always been a search for the means to render them poor and miserable, that they might have no resources before them. Which ought to serve as an example to those who are left, for &eir preservation.—Antwerp, 5 May 1582. . Add. Endd.

May 5.

Fr. 1£ j>p,

IHoll and Fl XVI. 4.]

1 0 . [WAisrsaHAii] to G-ILPIN. I perceive by your letter of the 28th \_sic\ ult. that the States continue still feeding us with dilatory answer, greatly to her Majesty's dishonour and discontent; and therefore I see it necessary for us here to proceed to an arrest which will make the town of Antwerp deal more effectually with the united provinces. I have signified as mueh in effect to Mr Junius, as may appear by the enclosed copy of the letter which 1 sent him. You may also let all sueh of the town as have any traffic into these parts understand as mueh; for that they see no execution, follow of our threatenings, makes them have us the more in contempt, btit when they see us take another course, they will be more careful, 1 doubt not, to yield contentment. I find that unless we can bring ihe town of Antwerp to take upon them, to Bee her Majesty satisfied, though the sums long since dite be paid, we shall find th« like trouble in the recovery of what will be due hereafter* _ It seems to me that if the town of Antwerp would have that care it were fiMor them to have, they might in the general contributions of the united provinces so provide for themselves that they might be satisfied out of such sums as &w taxed upon the rest of the provinces towards the payment of the interest, l a ease you have not proceeded to protestertion as by my last letters you were directed, you will $© wsE to forbear it (unless you see mnm to iMnk ii way -work good effect) j for I doulst it will b i t Hfctle prevail, as m havei farad by former experience m thfl pi'oseetttion of this cause. Beeaase I know it k very hard to prescribe here what is ftt to be dose tore, I

10

PAPEftS.

A.D. 1582.

> leave you to your own direction to take such course as you think best to further her Majesty's service in this behalf. M. Eossel, by the last letter I 'received from him, finds himself grieved that there has been no consideration had of his service; whei*ein for my own part I have been willing to do what I might ior him, but the time is hard, and her Majesty is many ways put to great charges, and therefore we that serve about her cannot^ procure that consideration of men's services that we desire. Some liberality I have used towards him of my own, and mean to do hereafter, because I would be loath that he should think me unthankful; but that, as I find by hie letters, does not content him. Yet, to say the truth, I never received any advertisement from him that deserved any extraordinary consideration : yet I find he makes another price of his wares. When you see him, I pray if he enter into [Ends here]. Draft,

May 5.'

Endd.

3 pp.

# 11- DON ANTONIO to WAiiSiNtfHAJf. Although you will not write to me, I would refresh your memory of me, only to assure you of my good affection towards you, and because although my affairs are not going in this country as I expected, that will be- no reason for passing over anything wherein I can do you so much pleasure as may be in my power, on account both of your personal merits, and of my word given you in this respect. Antonio de Vega will tell you the position of my affairs, and will speak of the other matters which concern my interests. Please give him credit and assistance; I will requite it when I have a chance.—Tours, 5 May, (Signed) Bey. Holograph, . Add,

6,

{Boll, and Fl, XVI. 5.]

12.

Endd.

ItdL. 1 p.

\Portugal I. 77.]

GTILPIN to LAWBENCE TOMSON,

I have talked with Mr Longolius concerning her Majesty's cause, 'how far therein was proceeded,' and.would according to command have left the fullest instructions I could for his better direction, if upon the 'prolonging' of the Diet in Germany I had not stayed * till the certain day known.' Wherefore during my abode here, he requested me to continue my accustomed endeavours. To this I agreed, till his honour's pleasure further known, as signified in my last* This week I brought Eeynold Copeott to Yander Werke the pensionary of this town, to know when and where, according to his last promise, the money for ' their part of the town' should be paid; to which he made me answer contrary to his former, and to my expectation, being thus: • • .

• That for the half year the money was ready, and for the other half should he in like readiness within 10 or 12 days. He added that h£ hoped when they of this town should pay 5,000 or 6,000 . guilders for their, part of the whole year, it would suffice. But I

ELIZABETH.

11

A.D.1582.

Baid it eame to at least 8,000 and odd guilders. Whereto he replied that Guelderland and 3?riesland with all the other united provinces paying their parts, it would come to less. These speeches, being directly ' from ' the other, and the agreement passed last July at the Hague, provoked me to say that it would not be -well taken; that a new delay was devised, and ' would' find the inconvenience of it very shortly, her Majesty accounting fully to have assurance for the yearly contentment from this town, as I had often declared. And therefore it were best they should procure the obtaining from the States-General the beat means they could for their indemnity, before the departure/tf States, who are ready to break up, putting all other matters aside till their next meeting; and as I hear, will then determine for her Majesty's satisfaction. Yander Werke promised me he would" impart what I told him to the magistrates, and within a few days I should receive M l resolution in •writing. Those of Handera give fair words, but no deeds followZealand'ia ready, as they say, to do as the rest.. They of Holland cannot get on the bwtrse here M 1,000 on their credit, and therefore desired .me to see what I could do, or else were contented to pay the money at Dort, upon sight of the bills of exchange which they offered me. But because I found it not reasonable to abide the venture of the money hither, passage being. dangerous, I desired them to take some other order; which Paul Buys assured me he would, with such care that he doubted not her Maje&ty would like their readiness. Thus you hear bow matters pass; and to write plainly, I doubt all are but delays, and therefore _ look for no resolution, unless there be another course taken, which I refer to his honour's judgement. I assure you there neither has nor shall want any diligence on my part; and I was loath to be troublesome with this advice. At the Diet at Augsburg there will "be a great assembly of the princes and nobles of Germanyt especially bishops &od priests, and some great matter will fall out, and at least be talked of, concerning religion. The Jesuits increase in those parts mai-vellously, and are supported* by the Emperor and all his favourers, building churches and schools wherever they can ' get in foot.' For our common, news, you may by the enclosed note understand all that I can learn.—Antwerp, 6 May 1582.

AM May 6,

Enid, l%pp. [HoB. and M. XVI. «.]

1 3 . MicnssiisBE to This bearers Mr Laurence Peron, a Frenchman whom I have always known for an honest man, naturalised in tMs eountey, and esteemed as it mams, to me by $11 honest men, brought ine yesterday your messagesfyucomtnendatkms)for which I than£ you much. As he tola me that he was going back to you, I thought good to sead you this line, and by the same opportunity to coBoaoexid liim to you according to Ms good right, and the favour and justice wMeh lie

12

•

"

FOREIGN PAPEES.

A.D.158'A

_

hopes to have from you. I have also charged him with a packet for the Queen of Scots, and with two small ones which reached me yesterday from M. du Yerger. I have been told that there are also others from her Ambassador; if they come, I will send them to you. Meanwhile the Queen your mistress has, on the last two occasions when I went to her, made much show of wishing to do her all good offices as to a relative. She told me that the doctors were ready to start. Please send me word how that is, for the Queen of Scots has at the present time no hope save in her Majesty's kindness, and that you on your part will do her all good offices in things reasonable, which is all I will say about it at this moment. Affectionate regards from MM. de Marchaumont and Baqueville, and from my wife, who is at Paris, whither she has taken our son, in the hope of finding there the English tutor named Nicolson, whom we chose four years ago to instruct our son, both on account of the difference of language, and because we knew him for an honest man, and brought tip in France. But two days ago he was taken prisoner when'presenting your-letter. I beg you to aid with, your favour in getting him discharged.—London, 6 May 1582. IKS.—We have all drunk to your boune grace and to your wife, whose hands we humbly kiss, and we beg you once more to do something for this bearer. Add. May 6.

14,

Endd. Fr.' 2 #2?.

[Frmce VII. 69.]

STOKES to 'WALSINGHAM.

Myjast was the 29th ult. This week few speeches only have The enemy lies still before Oudenarde, where it seems they_ are resolved to continue till they have the town, unless they be driven perforce from thence, or else must depart for want of victuals and forage, both of which, by good advice, are very scant and dear in their camp. The enemy have also brought certain field^pieces to their camp, and it is said 16 cannons are coming thither, and that their meaning is to make a battery to it. But it is thought these are but speeches, for they cannot come to it but at one side of the town, for all the rest lies under water without. This week letters eame from Oudenarde to the magistrates of Ghent, in which they wrote they were of good courage, and feared not the enemy, and that they have victuals and munitions enough for these six months, and they daily issue out and m'ake stout skirmishes. The speech goes here that the camp which the Duke of Brabant is preparing, and which is already planted between Ghent and Oudenarde, will be about 10,000 men. in all, with the English that are coming out of Friesland ; and when they are all together, it is hoped there will be some good piece of service done.

ELIZABETH. X.n.1582,

May 7.

13

' By good advice out of the enemy's camp, the Prince ol Parma continues still in great rages for the loss of Alost; and for a simple revenge he has commanded to kill all the poor peasants about Alost, because they gave no advice 'of * their' coming; so the peasants are with great cruelty slain, as many as they can. take. The enemy has also taken the castle of G-asbecque, ' per finesse' in the night. It belongs to the Count of Egmont, and lies -within two leagues of Brussels. It is strong and -will very much trouble Brussels, Ninove, and Alost very sore [sic] for it stands in the midst of them all. The States took this castle from the enemy by surprise the very day that Tournay was lost. This week the soldiers at Corttrick, for want of their wages, have sacked, the burghers of the town; which is a shrewd example to all soldiers to do the like in other towns. Those of Cambray and Cambresis make great wars against the enemy in those parts; in such sort that they trouble them more than in any other place.—Bruges, 6 May 1582. Add. Endd. 1J pp. [Hott. and FL XVI, 7.] • 15.

EOSSBL to "WALSINGBAH.

By yours of the 28th I recognise the little recompense that I can expect for having served four years in correspondence with you, in her Majesty's name. "Which I thought was in conformity with the verbal promises of yourself and Lord Cobham on your embassy, confirmed by many of your letters which, I have by me. Now I see how little her Majesty makes of my services and my advices; which nevertheless are such as to say the truth, none else, not even the great pensioners at 400 crowns, Yilliers and others, could have done better offices than I, or services to the realm; and whereby 1 have rendered myself suspected of having English, sympathies, which loses me the promotion I hoped for. I have neglected to continue my duties, which have therefore been suspended, awaiting the promises (on your letter of credence) of Mr Greville. I "would not have served under her Majesty's name(?), nay, irf familiar correspondence between us two, with no hope of benefit from anyone- 1 have performed the like office in past days among, princes as a friend, without putting myself into subjection as I have done to my great harm and ruin. Henceforward I shall be pleased to do you Berries as an individual, to have your thanks, and hope for nothing else. Our aonstitution is settled in tolerable order1. The States are departed, and have put it and the disposition of affairs in his Isie] charge, even to the point of leaving the uxoyenstjiu&raitlxat his disposal, managed however under three members of the Ootmcfl, with two elected to the Finances to restore the fitting orfe, The position of the -war is this i The enemy Is euteenebed before Oudenaide, and encamped these 17 days past. Some boats from Toitmay have brought some artillery, which is not yet disembarked. M Meenea m a sorfo they fotuid two boats going to the war

14

FOBEIGN PAP1BB.

A.D.1582.

with balls and powder for the battery against Oudenarde. These, they sank in the river and entirely ruined, which is the reason why the time is being unprofitably wasted. Our people are where I .once encamped our army, in t h e suburbs of Ghent waiting for the assembly said to be intended of all the garrisons to face the enemy and relieve the besieged. Meanwhile some Swiss and reiters will arrive, who are already a t the place of. muster, Attigny, on the,frontier of Champagne. They passed close to the Marquis of Havrech's house, but missed catching him. We.have news contrary to what you wrote me as to the king's ambassador at Rome proposing aid to his brother. So far from it, it is rather feared that arms will be taken up in France, on account of the surprise, which failed, of Karboniie. These moderate advices may be acceptable to you-—Antwerp, 7 May 1582. ••• Add.; Endd, May 8.

16.

Ft:

%%ppt [Ibid, XVI. 8.]

THOMAS LONGSTON to WALSINGHAJI.

With your letters of April 28 I received yesterday certain others, which delivered to their handa to whom they were addressed. Touching the money which is to be here reserved for the ' noated' interest, if you command me that service, I will endeavour the best I can to perform your pleasure in that behalf. But I suppose the ministry of the merchant therein does not so much quicken or move this people as an express messenger would do; for our ' doleanees' and suits are here so continual and common that they are little regarded, though we have great right and reason for us. Mr Gilpin is not yet departed on his journey for Germany; but so long as he is here he solicits for payment of the interest. And so far as I know, Eeynold Oopcott accepts the commission given him for the receipt and disposal of the money, whereof Mx Gilpin, as I take it, has advertised you, so that I need not further ' trowle' the same at this time.-^Antwerp, 8 May 1582. AM. May 8.

17.

Endd. f p.

[Ibid. XVI. 9.]

GILPIN to L.

I have nothing other than was sent on Sunday last touching her Majesty's cause, and therefore found it needless for the time to trouble his honour with a n y answer to his letter received by this post; but meaning thoroughly to use t h e course thereby directed, will by the nest ' enlarge' the proceeding and success of my endeavours. I am sorry to see this people have no more care to accomplish their promises, but by delay drive off t h e time, and to gain ifc incur greater harm otherwise by presuming too much ' of1 her Majesty's goodness, without doubt or fear, as it seems, of displeasure. This week, God willing, I will deal roundly with them, and Ms honour shall heat their answer ancl my farther opinion,

ELIZABETH. AJ>.

IS

1582. ' The whitest' I pray you excuse my not writing to him this time. All the last letters enclosed are delivered according to then* directions, and what answers were sent you shall receive herewith. Other news than I gave in my last I have not, save certain ' speeches' that those of Meenen met with the powder and shot and other like provision sent from the Malcontents towards Oudenarde. Also it is eredihly reported that they will depart thence and give over the siege, victuals falling out very scarce and dear. Tomorrow the Princess will be buried in the great church.— Antwerp, 8 Hay 1582. P.S.—Since finishing the above, I am given to understand that the Common Council of this town "were yesterday dealt with for provision of monies for her Majesty's contentment, to which they required six days' respite to give their final resolution. So by the nest I trust to write further. Add.

May

5—8.

X8.

EnM.

1 p.

W. HERIE

[End. XVI. 10.]

to

My letter, dated 28th April, and meant to have hem sent to you by the post, was stayed by me upon some occasion till now. This bearer will deliver it, and a hook therewith. I beseech you, though it eome late, you will not despise the humble meaning I have, to do you any service I can. Since writing my last, the Prince of Orange has shown himself ftfc the Castle Church, to the satisfaction of many, and discontentment of others;. of whom some were so obstinate that they would not believe him to be living till their own sight had assured them. Villierg preached that Wednesday, and public prayers of thanksgiving were held throughout the town for the Prince's health. But this morning it has pleased G-od, about 4 o'clock, to lay another heavy cross upon the Prince, by calling ont of the world the Prineess his wife; a lady truly most bemoaned, leaving six little daughters behind her. This is like to work smsae sorrowful effect of melancholy in the Prince,'though he bears it out with an incredible constancy, comforting others that come to condole with bim. Yet his inward affeetion. is .known, et separatist amkorum ctanciilMm monht, The Princess of Epinoy is also in each ' weak terms' that there is small hope of recovery. Baultepeftne, called Earl of Bavlemoiit, had an enterprise to hate surprised Yenlo on May day, which wag prevented by adrertteemeuts from hence, &sd he frustrated of Hs long purpose—it had been a whole year ' in handling.' As truly, bj the Praise of Orange's means, tMs sid« hm great intelligence of *he m&mfB procaeaifig& Captain * Chattellstt/ aa Italian, who Imdi ft brave W a e t of red eoats, Italians and BpaaiaMg,' i n n t e ' Terdago'» iregisienifeeam& to 'Araaffi' in GmUerhm^^ -prmmUng lm service to Moasfew, having Item iliugeA by Tm-4ago, This offer teiag

16 A.I>. 1582.

FOBEIGN PAPERS. ' Chattellett' is sent for hither to be interrogated. And 150 of Sehenk's reiters are come to "the States' service in Ghielderland. Mr jSTorria "with his regiment is commanded to come hither to the camp at Ghent; but he lias so small contentment offered him for his past services, that he will not be able therewith to make his soldiers march, nor have them at command. Monsieur's meaning is to put a good garrison unto Puisborg and at the little ' sconU' that Mr Morris made, thereby to keep the Yssel at Bronkhorst; also to fortify Steenwyk -with men and munition, and a little force withal beside ' Groyning,' and so the whole country is defended by these places against the enemy, and he forced to make head where Monsieur's camp is to be. The States-General are dissolved today, and Monsieur was in the Chamber of .Finances to 'receive such order' as they had agreed upon for the contributions mentioned in my former letters; Monsieur undertaking to give the States three months' credit always beforehand touching the contributions of the 800,000 guilders that are allowed for the entertainment of the army; by which respite the States will be able without ineommodity to furnish that sum still, and the country will be greatly eased. The States have agreed to shut up the traffic of victuals from Holland to Gravelin.es by safe-conduct, that the French king, beholding that those here have really and effectually accomplished on their side all conditions that were entrusted with him and his brother, they may thereupon directly urge him likewise to close the passages of M6zieres and Calais; otherwise to eharge him with his own contract, the copy of which I enclose. Paul Buys, who departs tomorrow first into Zealand and then into Holland, with order to see the 'premisses' executed, commends himself to you, to the Lord Treasurer, and to the Earl of Leicester, ' assuring' that in all occasions that may import service or respect to the Queen of England, both he and the whole state of Holland and Zealand will sincerely frame themselves to be at her devotion. This he desired me particularly to signify, that she might understand the devotion that is borne her. The. States have decreed at once to send an ' arnbassage,' with sufficient instructions, to the Earl of Embden and to the ' sea towns/ also to sundry princes of the Empire that are of most importance, to treat of a league defensive and offensive to be had with these provinces and with the.sea parts thereof, with 'space' to comprise in it what confederates.either side shall call in. The copy of the States' letters in this behalf to the sea-coasts, and to the other princes that are to be treated with, and the instructions they send to be negotiated upon, I shall have as soon as the Secretary of State has order to deliver the original to those that are to be employed therein. Don Antonio's affairs here for shipping proceed slowly and without aid of money > whereof there is small means or hope to be furnished, f he travail hereunto is lost, for the owners and mariners

ELIZABETH. A.P.

17

1582.

\

•- •

•will not be.'enforced' to the Isle of Tercera for their payment, but will be satisfied and as eared before their departure, having seen that Don Antonio's credit is small in the Tereeras; for of late two ships haye arrived thence in Zealand, richly laden, yet without -ware or credit that might appertain to serve Dan Antonio's turn. There are three of his agents here, Souza,{Piedro d'Oro,' and ' Chriatovallett,' . who surely have small skill of these humours, and less means to advance their own furtherance and credit; contented, as it seems, • to be led on with strong imaginations against both reason and possibility. But in the meantime they spend largely, which is the fruit of all that is done. Besides, their master m France is as much abused ' of' the other side, ' the desirous belike to be consumed' ('?). Such is his credulity, and in the end he shall carry neither ship nor aid thence, for Strozzi and Brissae are instruments of another edge, which concerns her Majesty and Bochelle to look well t o .

The young prince, heir to the Duke of Tuscany, is dead, which is of no small consequence, in regard of the inheritance of that state; wMeh. will hardly be invested in the issue of this woman, whose hand they say has holpen this young gentleman onwards, Colonel Stewart has had a tough work in hand with his regiment, which has complained of him. He is 'lastly ' committed to his own lodging for beating one Spense, a captain of his, with a cudgel, who therefore framed a criminal action against him for the battery, as though it were in the nature of an ' assassinate,' but no way justly ; for Stewart, accompanied only by his boy, met Spense well weaponed in the High Street, and there to hijs face used the cudgel, the other offering no defence but his heels. It is likely that Colonel Stewart will be discharged, and the Scots reduced that are here under Tr&yll and Johnston; which will hasten Stewart's journey into Scotland, after he has visited " Battembnrgh." There is a great bruit here, grounded upon advertisements eome to Monsieur, that England is in arms against the Queen, the Papists grown strong, the Queen perplexed with fear and difficulty, the Earls of Leicester and Sussex banded in great troops one against the other, both of them commanded to their houses, Mr Hatton and the Earl of Susses become Spanish, yourself in fear to fall with the Earl oi Leicester, great leagues made among the nobility and those particularly named. That the time is come when, the Queen must know herself to be but & woman, and to have need of a head to govern things; whereupon Monsieur wishes himself there to aid her. Finally, that the passages and ports of England are shut up, guarded by officers, who search eveiy man to fhe soles of their shoes for letters and papers of eo&apiraey and rebellion. Of all this the States have been informed by the branch, ^yeHven' sitting in Couneil; which, as I gnesa, is to alienate their minds and good opinions from England, and turn their eotirae by dnister degrees another way. To eonfim this bruit ike wore, we have bad no post eome over for seventeen days. Monsieur asked me what I thought of the '.pemisses.' I said ^mly that they -veto© toys el uo credit or likelmood, Mid lhat our Wtf

18 A.D.

FOREIGN PAPEES. 1582. state was so composed, not of four forks (?) but of good government and provision against all events, that it was impossible to have any dangerous conspiracy begun that had not forthwith the effect of an untimely birth. The like, in larger words, I told one of his Council, who threatened that we should have civil wars, and hereof the seeds were cast, and had taken root; in the breasts of most resolute and noble persons, occasioned by three things: first, for the lack of a husband to the Queen according to her worthiness; next, for lack of establishing an heir apparent to succeed, which, they determine to be only the Scottish king by his right; thirdly, the hatefulness of the Triumvirate of England, which secluded any other from authority and benefit by her Majesty, but themselves, which would occasion a free parliament before long, to debate freely of these points in the face of the whole realm. ' These are the discourses and ' plafcts' that are at present most rife here, even with the best sort of men; which among other effects has damped the speech of the sum sent over to Monsieur. But the same had required more convenient and grateful turns, if ' allgates' their error were to be salved by suppression and indirect turns. English, the master that brought it over, and that entertained la Fougere in his cabin in the best' degrees' he could, had, as our merchants here affirm, no greater reward than 6 French erowns. The Bishop of Boss's genealogy, and his book in Latin of the Scottish title to the Grown of England, has been greatly asked for and sold at this Frankfort mart. This I dare affirm of my knowledge, for I provided myself some few ' books' of it, and had true advertisement thereof.—Antwerp, 5 May 1582. P.8, 8 May 1582.—On Sunday letters were intercepted which came to the Prince of Parma from the Count of Mansf eldt, governor of Luxembourg, declaring that his soldiers, and ' namely' his son's new regiment, were in great disorder for want of pay, living in the mean season upon the eountry-man in all licentiousness, without discipline or obedience, and ready to commit more insolent part [sic] that might overthrow the king's service wholly in those parts, if present supply were not ministered. It was necessary now to have all their troops in readiness, for the Duke of Alencon's Switzers had marched forward to their rendezvous upon the ' Bossne ! [qy. Ehone], where the reiters that were levied for his service also, under the leading of Count Ulrieh of Mansfeldt, were to meet, to the number of 1,500- horse, passing by Metz, and then making themselves way by force through Luxembourg, which were easy, to the Prince of Parma's apparent danger, if those disorders were not first provided for. On Saturday night, 15 cornets of the Prince of Parma's troops lying before Oudenarde were sent towards Namur. In like manner Verdugo's forces, a-foot and a-horsebaek, have marched out of Gkielderland thitherwards, to join with the governor of Luxembourg in stopping the passage to the Switzers and the reitets, and to fight them before Monsieur oan relieve them with other companies,

ELIZABETH. A.D.

19

1582. Oudenarde is not like to be battered at all, yet the enemy's camp is still before it. The ordnance that was shipped at Tournay for the battery is embarked again, and with it an infinite number of canvas bags that were made to fill up with earth or sand. Those of Oudenarde are now of that courage that they have written to G-hent that they are able to keep the place these six months against the enemy, being provided with all things necessary, and resolute withal to abide the siege. "Wherewith once more I take my leave. Baqueville is appointed, if some other occasion alter it not, to be resident in England in Marchaumont's place; of whom it was feared upon this bruit from England that he must be noted for a sower of division and therefore reealled in time. The post is arrived today with letters of very old dates. On hack: The Princess of Orange is to be buried tomorrow the 9th, at Our Lady's Church. Add. Endd. 6i>p. . [HoU. and Fl, XVL 2.]

May

9.

19.

MBWDOZA to

The bearer of this has given me the answer which you gave him this day; and as the matter is of great importance, ia order not to fall into the former inconvenience of saying that the messenger has made a mistake, and since her Majesty was unwilling to give me the answer from her own moutb, I beg you to send it me in writing that I may forward it to my master.—From my lodging, 9 May 1582. Add. Endd. Fr. I p. [SJWWB I. 98.] May 10.

2 0 . FBANCOIS »B OmxiiB to "WABSINGHAM. I was much rejoiced to hear by this bearer news of your good condition (disposition); I pray it may long be maintained. I explained to him the causes of my delay, which are based, as he will tell you, on my own indisposition. However, I hope to recover my health shortly, and am taking pains to do so, for the desire I have to kiss your hands and those of my good lord and master the Earl of Huntingdon, eid mtltuni debeo t in whoee service I hold nothing ao dear, whether goods or life, trait t would not employ it with, my whole heart. My most humble regards to your Lien bonne grace.—Bouen, 10 May 1582 Add,

May

10.

21.

Endd. Fr,

£j».

[France YU> 70.]

MEHBOZA to the EABL m

SUSSEX.

The day before yesterday I had an express courier from Spam, with advices from the king of an act of violence which English ships have committed in Spain, in the kingdom of Galieia. Kindly signify i± to the Queen. God knows I mn sorry that my luck allows me to do nothing but lay eotaplamte before her every time that 1 kiss her hands.'—London* 10 May 1582Add. EnM, in Wahmghwnh ojiw.

Span* f p. \Sfttfcti L 94.]

20

-

A.D. May

.

FOBEIGN P A P B E S .

1582. 12,

22.

THE MERCHANTS ADVENTURESS to

- Whereas of late we freighted a ship with commodities from this place for London, our appointers, according to the custom among us here, went about to see all orderly cleared ; and enquiring very earnestly of the master what goods he had taken in of any not being of our fellowship, he confessed to have four small packets which he thought appertained to an'unfree man.' Whereupon they somewhat opened one, and finding that they were books, drew one of them out and brought it to our deputy; who seeing it to be a vile and ' irronius ' popish book, with the advice of the * assistants' caused the packet to be brought to our house, opened it, and inventory of a l l ' thereinclosed' was taken. And for that the intent of him that would have sent the books into England could not be other than vile and wicked, and most offensive to her Majesty's laws, we thought it our duty not only to let you understand the order by us taken, but also to send by this post—whom we gave great charge, and allowed him for his charges, to make all speed possible—one book of every sort, with a copy of the inventory, having likewise sent the like ' by long seas' per the master of the ship who had received them, with express charge incontinently after his arrival at London to deliver it to our governor, by him to be directed to you; and that the master suffer . none of his men to go on land before he has delivered the governor's letter, and understood his pleasure, in order that the sender of •. such ungodly and forbidden books might be found, imprisoned, and dealt with according to his demerits. The disposing whereof we leave to you and to the Lords of the Council's judgement. His dwelling, as we understand, is in' Botolph Lane, where he keeps a shop and sells pots and glasses. He is called John Hommerston. f Ship letter' or direction, so far as we can learn, he gave none, but said to the purser he hoped to be in England before the ship, and would himself come fetch his packets. All the search and inquiry after him that * possible could b e ' was made ; but we heard he departed last Thursday towards Calais. If he can be met with here at any time hereafter, we will employ our uttermost endeavour to apprehend and ship him over. The residue of the books we-keep here in safety till your pleasure is known, whether to send a n y m o r e over, or commit them to the fire.—Antwerp, 12 May - -•• ' 1582. (Signed) Eichard Bowdler, deputy.

:

' • •

; •

The Inventory of books found in John Billing's ship. •

. Six books in 16, bound, intituled Officium, £eat«e Maria Virginia nuper reformation et Pii V. pont. max, jusm editum f gilt about. Six others in a, greater volume, bound, of like content, gilt about. Five others in lesser volume, of like content, coloured with green. Six books in small volume, bound, intituled OMeimn divimm ad usim Jtonta &v deereta mcrosancti ConctMi tridentini

restitattm.

Three books in somewhat gpeater vdume, hound, intituled Bremrtum

Romamm

ex deoreto soerosaneti Con. Triti, restitntum. Fit V. pont max. rusto*

Thirty-two books of the smaller sort unbound, intituled Ctfjirium Beatw Maria; Vwgitris wuper rtfomatumj et Pn V. pont «i«.r./«*» rtformatum [*&].

A.D. 1582.

Eight books unbound in 4°,- with figures, intituled Offidutn JB, M. V, etc, Severn books unbound in 4o, with figures, intituled Mmtde litmamtm ex decreto stzcrosaneti Con. trid. re&ttivtum, etc,

T woi Tjooks unbound in 4", intituled Enehridicn [sie] me manuals et ponUeittium etc. auctore Martina ab Aspiloueta doctore Navarre, Six books unbound in 16o Qffiriwndivinim, aduswm Horn, eta. Six more unbound in somewhat greater volume intituled Horee beaiis&i/m virginw Maria ad mvmRmumum. Two htore intituled Preoatioraim pittrum JSnchridion, etc. Three more intituled Breviarium Jtomanum e.v decreto etc. One more intituled Missale Umianunt in folio, Fio [sic] V. pontif. max. pmtificicde Bmnanum, Seventy boohs unbound, of the smallest Volume, intit: OffiaiumB, M. V.etc. Six of the same sort and content, bound in black loathei and coloured green. Sis of the same content, but somewhat greater, and gilt. Six of the same volume and content. Twelve more of the same volume and content.

Add. Endd. Ft-om Mr Gilpvn* Popish hooks. 1 | and f pp. rHoU.andFl.XVI.il.'] May 12. . May

IS.

2 3 . Duplicate of the above. Add. Endd.; The Dep. of the Merchants Adventurers at Antwerp. [IMtf. ATI. l l ] 24.

CCUBHAM to

I have sought to do you "what service I could in the s well putting away' of the diamond; having dealt with Eseosse, merchant jeweller, according to your direction, to have his ' means' toward the king. By him I was answered that he Jmew his Majesty was certainly not in the humour to hearken after jewels; because his manner was to buy them only on occasion oi marriages and mxch like causes, Then he took up jewels without giving ready money, but upon assignations and assurance. Wheretee I eetild not in any wise persuade I'Escosse to offer the diamond to the king. I thought it therefore not amiss to ' prove ' what good hap I might have through St. Pinart's means, to whom I delivered tibe ' patron ! of lead, together with the note of the weight, reqaestiiig him that his Majesty might see and understand of i& This he has performed, and finds the king esteems it but is not desirous to buy it After this, understanding that M. »*iy». Meantone I intend aot to deal any more therein till I ^eeeite yom1 farther mmmands. Pray aeeept of my endeavors m the canee, aceording to the affection I have to be grateful* tor tte food I hope to receive by your mediation-

2£

FOEBIGN I send herewith Lord Hamilton's two letters, by which you will perceive his earnest entreaty to have his pension. He has sent me by the mouth of his servant new protestations of his faithful meaning towards her Majesty. He is for the present gone towards the baths at Lorraine very privately, intending to return about the middle of next month.—Paris, 13 May 1582. Add. cmd Endt. gone. 2 ##.

[France VII. 71.]

•

Enclosed in above i April 27.

2 5 , LORD JOHN HAMILTON to COBHAM. I have sent this bearer to you with some credit to deliver to you; whom please trust as myself. I am sorry to trouble you continuously -with my 'adois,' but I promise you you shall in recompense have me ever ready to obey you. Because of his sufficiency I will not trouble you with a longer letter,—Moret, 27 April 1582. P.8.—Pray let me understand [sic] such messages ae I have sent to you sundry times, and that I may now have an answer to this, directed to my lord secretary, whereby I may perdeive her Majesty's meaning towards me. Adtl. Endd: Received the 7th of May, by Gonyngham; and in England. Scottish, f p. \IUd. VII. 72.J •

May

13.

26.

WALSINGHAM to COBHAM.

Her Majesty understanding that du Vray, whom Monsieur had dispatched to the king his brother, to remove the impediments that stay the going forward'of the marriage, was returned, and yet hearing nothing from Monsieur of the answer he. had received on that behalf, began to take it in ill part that he should so long defer to acquaint her with the matter, and therefore by her letters charged him withal; letting him understand that this manner of dealing eould not but proceed from some change of his good will and professed aifection towards her, whereby the world would be drawn to conjecture that his coming over did not tend so much to seels her person as to crave her money. Upon this Monsieur has dispatched M. de Baequeville to her, to let her understand that in very deed the answer he had received by du Yray wag not to his liking, which was the cause he had so long deferred to make her acquainted with it. He hoped that in time he might have been able to draw the king to relent in the matter. 1'or his own part, as all his actions had always witnessed how much • he desired the marriage, having left nothing undone which he thought might serve the obtaining of it, so he remained the same man still, as he would make known to her at all times and in all occasions that should be offered. He desired nothing more than that the marriage which he has so long and earnestly sought may . be brought to pass; in furtherance of which Baequeville requested to understand of her Majesty whether she could not be content you. should in her name assure the king of the performance of the

ELIZABETH.

28

A..D. 1582. marriage in ease the impediment that remains now undetermined were taken away; lor so little effect had followed of the Commissioners1 negotiations, and of the travails of divers other ministers heretofore employed in the matter, as also of the Duke's own coming over here in person, that he could not otherwise he persuaded the marriage would take place. To this she made answer that she might not for her own sake take that course, in respect both of her quality and her sex, which would give occasion to those that are inclined to make the worst construction of things interpret that to he as it were a kind of wooing of Monsieur. He then requested that she would yield so far in the matter as that if the king should send to you, you might ' resolve' him that the impediment being taken away, the marriage should go forward. Herein her pleasure is that you shall make answer, upon any such motion to he made to you by the king, as you have already done by directions from hence; that the impediment heing taken away, her Majesty-for her part does not at present know any other cause of delay in the matter of marriage. Draft; in hand of L. Tomson, Endd. with date. 2j>». [Franca .F//.7S.] May 18.

2 7 . Qn&m to L. TOIISON. Since the •writing of my letter sent this morning by ouv post, one of the chief traders or • doers' from this town into our country came to me with great aBhanation and protestations that nil their merchants had done their uttermost endeavour unto the magistrates to procure some speedy resolution for her Majesty's contentment; and for that Tapdei* "Werke, author of this new question about the repartition, is the chief oppoaer of what was heretofore intended, and grounds himself ttpon the agreement passed at the Hague, which ae he says was only that the four provinces should by provision disburse half year's interest, and afterwards at the nest meeting another order to be fey ilmo. taken, the merchants would gladly see the copy of that agreement, promising that if they found it not eonditional, they w a k l use all means possible to obtain gneh answer from the magistrates m reason required, earnestly beseeching that *tbe whitest' no extremity might be used against their persons or their goods, seeing there was no fault in them. To this effect I promised to write, adding also thaSiif so yr&m, they are not bound further tlian for b.alf-a-year} and so might * more cavil.* Assuredly in the bond for the principal &e provinces were Tbo*m& generally and partseulariy, so that hex- Majesty with good right might deal with any at hst pleasure 5 which she would be forced to ao to meets their dilatory exceptions, and cufe off all trouble of further suite and Mayad answers. Whereupon he reetufeed sight of th«feoa&ts,whieh I mm not* and thereipi'ft ti-msfcig by insisting n p n the teatlsrs to draw ere long some better and more * resolute' aa»eers ee«M msh I kadi copies of the boM^ aad agreew.0n.te mim the following of &© cause passed from the States; which. I b&A not mm& my

&4 A.D.

FOREIGN PAPEKS. 1582.

' travail' into Germany, when I left them all with Mr Governor, and cannot call time to remembrance when they are bestowed. _ Therefore if the pains be not too great let them be sent to me or to Mr Longston, for they will, I trust, serve to good purpose.— Antwerp, 13 May 1582. Add. EnM. by L. Toinson: This answered 20. Use- it to benefit; beware deceit. Copies sent withal; atul in another later hand: N.B.—The endorsement is Mr Thomson, See?" to Sir Fr. Walsingham. typp. [HoU. and FU XVI. 12,]

May

18.

QS.

HEBLE to WALSINGHAH.

I have presumed to write you sundry letters since my abode here, being very loath to become tedious to you, where my interest was and is to do you any service I can. I pray you .therefore humbly to vouchsafe me three lines again, whereby I may understand whether my letters are come to your hands, and what you are inclined to do in so eharitable an act as I have often commended to your good favour touching the cause that ' suspends' between Mr Wadeand me. I am loath truly to trouble you, specially with importunity, whom I esteem to be my good patron and friend, as I never desired otherwise at your hands, whatever might have been conceived of me otherwise; which I commend to your bwn wise judgement, and to your trial of my actions, that shall he prompt to make proof of my duty and affection borne you. And this is all that I have to move your goodness, in, seeing that I crave your good countenance here, which shall be so bestowed that your honour and service shall receive contentment thereby. Here is a poor man, P. Bizarre, that writes a letter to you, and humbly desires, if your weighty affairs permit, that you will vouchsafe him an answer. .Yesterday the ordnance that has come from Tournay to Oudenarde was 'imbarked' and was to be placed today in the trenches, the Prince of Parma being there in person. They have but two places to batter by land, and ' i t is' two gates, which have two strong bulwarks before them. If they mean to have a battery by water, where indeed the wall is low and weak, they may then within the town [sie] discharge so mueh water downwards that the river shall bemade shallow, unable to bear their cannon; and if the meadow be ' discovered' therewith, yet "can the ordnance not he planted on that side. Monsieur promises that his forces shall he there by the 26th of nest month. The town is of good courage and provided with victuals and munitions for a long time. ' • Prosper Oolonna is looked for as general for the King of Spain over all the forces that cbffie from Italy. The Count of Arenberg has charge M other trbopsj and the. Dukes of Brunswick and * Lowenburgh' are expected for the king's service. Monsieur's people, as the ' r a t t e r s ' and Switzers, with some French shot to join with them, are expected to go by Metz; and the

ELIZABETH. A.D.

2S-

1582 - . country of Lie'ge, to pass the 'Mose' at Stockhem, and to go by Weert.—Antwerp, 18 May 1582* Add;; Endd.

May

.

13.

29.

1 p.

[Ibid. XVL 13.].

STOKES to WALSIN&HAM,

My last to you was the 6th inst. past here.

Since then these speeches have

This week those of Oudenarde passed muster of all their soldiers and burghers in the town. Of soldiers there are 586 and of hurghers 2,000, of whom 1,200 have put themselves in arms to defend the town. The rest are old men, 'not able to do nothing.' Beside these, there are 600 peasants whom they haye made pioneers in the town. Bo the governor, M. m Oudenarde to Kamur, were reiters and tlie °Oi SWBB, the oer ainty t h e M n c e of

that S t l P a 8y? g e oudmSdT%T ^T^l ' ^rma's coming 01 d Sices 3 ^ y Wl v e V ^t ' W™1 on two sides by tS either i

?

"

m

l t l

™&^

tnmlmu of men, o* ^ e town by

came out

t0

^ o h a s long served

and attWplTnlSeS fT

« and m t0

Sml

t0

*h 8

captaSsbipl go* a J e S u i ? ^ 6 1 ' ° ! neW r e 8 i m e n t s granted, so that before they hive a n S w T neW ^ ^ ^ ^ P * ^ m u t i n y j

ve any soldiers, with quarrels and hot words. God

ELIZABETH. A.D.

27

1582. grant it be not a French device to use them as instruments of their meanings, to work some disgrace to our nation and General, being jealous of his credit in these countries. Other news we have not, of importance or credit, but only of the coming of the reiters and Swissers for the service of his Highness.— Antwerp, 13 May 1582. Add. JSndd : from Mr. Tho. Doylye, and hehnv: The letters of Audley Dannett, remaining with Jo. Noireys in Antwerp. 1& »n. [Ibid. XVI. 15.] 18-

31.

FBEMYN to WALSINGHAS:.

I received yours of the 28th ult. on the 8th hist. Yesterday our companies arrived off this town, where they are now at anchor, awaiting his Highness's orders as to the place whither we are to mareh. The regiment came from Bergen-op-Zoom, into which have entered 5 companies, 3 of Flemings, two of Scots. I presume that we shall be marched into Flanders, to join the small camp that is near Ghent, and wait for Norris's and Count William's regiments, then to try if it is possible to relieve Oudenarde, which the enemy began to batter in the outworks last Friday, and will today or tomorrow he able to batter regularly (en batter ie). The place is tenable provided those within have courage to defend themselves well. The mischief is that there are few soldiers and many burghers. Nevertheless the long delay which the enemy has made in front of the town before opening his battery will have given them good assurance, and afforded time for the most necessary provisions. Meanwhile the preparation of the army which is being raised in France gets along slowly, as does also the succouring of Don Antonio, which alarms the people of Rochelle, who have miraculously escaped the danger prepared for them last month, as you will have heard at large. In sum, the Roman Catholics have some great plan in hand to ruin and exterminate those who are opposed to their designs if God do not shortly restrain them, inasmuch as He sends the ill disposed cow short horns. Those of the Beligion, besides, are much too simple; which has pretty well overwhelmed them in France, through letting themselves be led like sheep, and especially our nobles, who were the leaders in it, and have suffered for it; which should serve for an example to those who are left. His Excellency is fairly well. His Highness goes to see Mm at the castle, where the Council is held sometimes, since his Excellency does not yet go out. Matters are not yet well settled here, A letter has been sent me from Scotland, from the king and the Duke of Lennox, to put safely into the hands of Mr Menteitn, a Scoteh gentleman who is governor to M. de Laval's brothers; he is an important (?mffiant) personage. I sent it thin morning; ami he will send me the answer, and at the same time tell me wliat they have written to him. The Princess was buried on Wednesday, in Our Lady's eh with the ceremonies and very honourably.—Antwerp* 18 May

£8 A.D

.

FOBEIGH PAPEBS.

1582 P.8.—The Duke of Lennox is in undisturbed power in Scotland, and he and the Earl of Arran are very well reconciled. Stewart is still under arrest in his house. Next Tuesday is to be decided -what to do with him. Add. Endd. Fr. 1 p. [Ibid. XVI. 16.]

May

14

32.

STOKES to WALSINGHAM.

This morning the lords of this town have received letters from Grhent of 250 prisoners of the enemy's camp brought to Ghent. They were taken in a skirmish by those of Monsieur's camp, and many beside them slain. . Further, they write that the enemy by the order of the Prince of Parma sent a trumpeter to Oudenarde to summon them, and as soon as they heard what his message was, they shot at him and slew him, which shows that they within the town have good courage, and fear not the enemy; which long may it hold.—Bruges, 14 May 1582. Add. Endd. 1 p. May 14,

33.

\JIoll and M. XVI. 17.]

COBHAM to WALSINGHAM.

After I had received in your last her Majesty's command to inform the king of her desire touching her 'indisposed' sub|ects and seminary men who have passed over into these parts in disorderly manner without her license, I sought means to have access to the king; which I had on the 4th inst. at Fontainebleau. I delivered to him the chief points of what was prescribed in your letter; and had enlarged more amply to him, but that I found him not well able to sfcaud on his feet. I was given to understand that he had that day taken a preparative and begun the entrance into his diet. So he requested me to deliver him a note of the case, which he would consider, with his mother and his Council. Howbeit, for that point he answered me he had not heard tell of the disorderly proceedings of her Majesty's subjects within his realm, nor of their placing themselves in companies in seminaries, nor of their coming over without her license. Now being advertised of it, -he will give such satisfaction as shall be to her contentment. And whereas she had advertised him to have an eye to those which should come nigh him under pretence of religion, either Jesuits or others, he thought Himself much bound for the care had of him, meaning to open his eyes to thmk so much the better to his safeguard. With that he licensed me, entering his cabinet at once, so soon as my back J was turned. Then I went to the Queen Mother, to whom I signified briefly as mueli as I had said to the king, touching the aforesaid matter, blie answered that she was sure the king would not suffer her Majesty m nt

vJlt S S

\ i° ^, 1582.

FOEEIGN PAPEES. ^^ herewith two Italian books, which were sent from Italy to Dr Allen, as by the letters sent herewith will appear, and two ' written books' of one Samuel Pettingall, who has delivered them to me together with a recantation and reconciliation made at Koine by him. He departs hence tomorrow, having promised me faithfully to repair to you; .which if he does, I beseech yoti to have compassion on Mm, so that through your gentle dealing others may be encouraged to repeat and return. The king has been written to by the Duke of Anjou beseeching him to 'like well' that he has thought good to request the Duke of Bouillon to repair to the Imperial Diet in Germany about his affairs. The king finds the choice very good, and likes the Duke of Bouillon to do what Monsieur requests. He ia sending M. Cochere, brother-in-law to Secretary Brnlart to the Diet, to be advertised of what passes. I am told the Duke of Guise has promised to build a college of Jesuits beside his Seigniory of Bu in Xormandy, by the seaside, and the Duke of Maine has undertaken to do as much at Maine. I am advertised that most of the ships prepared for Don Antonio's intended voyage are gone down the river of Bordeaux towards Brouage. Letters are also come to Court' how ' Count Brissac has left the coast with ships and men. The Abate del Bene is shortly to go from hence into Flanders, and in his company Captain Tommaso del Bene. The Abate has given the nuneio to understand that the Duke of Anjou means to send him to the Pope, to make declaration of his proceedings in Flandera. He has farther signified to the nuncio that the Queen is not well pleased with Monsieur's manner of dealing and settling biniBelf in the Low Countries. The Prince of Conde's brother ' this other day' took the Order of deacon from the nuneio at St. Germain's Abbey. The nuneio has dealt very earnestly with the king not to give the bishoprics, abbeys, and benefices to unfit persons, not being clergy. The king on this excused what is past 'to have' been done through the disorder within the realm, promising not to do the like hereafter, of which he desires him to assure the Pope. It is written from Lyons that the Duke of Savoy and the Pope with other Catholic princes have certainly agreed to besiege Geneva. I have desired Jackson to inform you of Mr Colson and Mr Foster's [sic] present return hither from Rome. I have also requested Mr Colson to repair to you to declare the particulars of his 'journey.'—Paria, 14 May 1582. •**•&•—The Duke of Lorraine, as I am just now informed, has put out of his state a great number of those of the Eeligion, a thing he has refrained hitherto, .

ELIZABETH.

31

A.D. 1582.

They further tell me that the soldiers in the State of Milan are beginning to march towards the parts of Geneva, saying openly they are going to besiege it. On this it seems to be a matter contrived among the princes of Italy. Add. Endd. 7 pp. [France VII. 74.] May 14.

34.

COBHAM to WALSINGHAM.

Whereas in your letter of 10 April last you wrote to me on behalf of Mr Marbury, whose unfortunate hap was such as to be spoiled at sea by French pirates, I have as you wished advertised the king of it, and he has now been pleased to grant Mr Marbury his favourable letters, directed to the governors where the pirates make their abode, for restitution to be made; which I hope may come to such good effect as will content Mm. It likewise pleased the king ' at that instant/ upon particulars which I presented concerning piracies done to the merchants of Chester, recommended to me also by you, to address letters to M. Matigmm, M. de Meilleraye, and M. de Fontaines, governors of towns whence the pirates were, to see restitution made to the merchants of Chester. These letters I offered to deliver to Mr Marbury, who as yet has no express charge or means to prosecute it. So the letters remain with me till some other express order is addressed hither by them, when I shall not fail to further their suit by all the means X can devise.—Paris, 14 May 1582. AM. May 14.

35.

E11M. i p.

[Ibid. VII. 75.]

COBHAM to WALSINGHAM.

There is come to this Court an Ahnaine gentleman, to deal in certain affairs of the Duke of Bavaria. He has addressed himself to me, and delivered me these enclosed articles, which 'pretend' a profitable manner of ' foundring' and making artillery, and means to increase salt in the boiling with less charge of fuel than is^ yet ordinarily known. These two proffers seem at first sight plausible. I beseech you to let me know what answer I shall return, and how I must proceed with, this Almaine, the propounded of these devices; toe rather because he offers, if it be thought good, that any one of these inventions will upon notice repair into England, so that reasonable consideration be had for the travail and charges. One of the masters of those devices dwells about Linz, the other at 'Eeynzbourge' on the river of * Danuby' in Austria. I await your further directions therein.—Paris, 14 May.

May y .

Add.

Endd,

I p.

[Hid. FIT. 76.]

3e.

COBHAM to [?] WABSIN

I cannot well tell how to give you sufficient thanks for your earnest joint dealing with my Lord Treasurer about my salt to hev Majesty. I find I have need of all my best friends* favours ami persuasions to induce her to ' yield' to give me relief, I am deeply

FOBEIGN PAPEBS.

m

A D 1582>

' "

sorry she has hearkened to the whispering and b ^ b i t i n g of those who have very unjuatly delivered reports, as it seems, to the prejudicing of'her iett/r opinion toward, me• Herem I have received as much money as you have answered truly in my behali. I am now again constrained, with an unwilling mind, to importune her Highness with this enclosed letter, beseeching her to make an end of that good work in bestowing that benefit she can resolve to ™ S m e . Otherwise I must presently sell such other porkon of my 'living' for 500Z, which hereafter may be worth the double value to me, and great to my discommodity and discomfort besides. I beseech you to advance my suit, and to help me out of these cases, which unfeignedly do grieve one, that I cannot have my mmd so free in her Majesty's service as were convenient. Doubting I have tired you and all my best Mends with this answer of my continual importunity, being well weaned myselt to be pressed with the necessity thereof, which, makes me iind tne place and all other things 'extreme unpleasant' to me.—iaris, 14 May 1582. IKS—I have written as earnestly as there is, methinks, cause offered me 'on that her Majesty has been informed,' having abstained for [sic] troubling her. I beseech you to supply all things with your honourable dealing in my behalf. Add, and Kndt. gone. 2 pp.

May 14.

37.

\_UM. VII. 77.]

HASINO »BL BENB to "WALSINGHAM

What I wrote you about Geneva and the Swiss is going quite otherwise than I said. So far from the Swiss having retaken the bailiwicks, the Duke of Savoy has garrisoned them, and. also at the passage of Cluses, all which things give reason _ to think that he wants to attempt by force what he could not obtain by craft. It is much to be feared from these modes of acting that many others have an understanding with him; and for my part I have always held that the patience of the Bernese might do them a good deal of harm. Nevertheless, if the other cantons, those they call Catholic, are not in this conspiracy (intelligentza), their affairs can only pass well; but there is great reason to fear it, since they are directed by a Lueernese called Pfyffer, our colonel, who at the cost of his country's liberty, has a great wish to make himself head of a party. As for us, I know not how we shall understand it, but I know well that the matter touches us very nearly. In the Court it appears that they have resolved to send M. de Bellievre to his Highness; I do not yet know what he is to treat of, but I say to myself that it is as we say the song of the birds, or as they say here, that of the rebound 0u iicoehet, i.e. the okl Btory). He will be here within two or three .days. If I can learn anything more, 1 will let you know, as I will also do if on the arrival of the Queen Mother, who it is said will be here again at the end of the •week, I can hear anything generally aboxit all matters. If the

ELIZABETH.

8g

A.D. 1582.

Queen Mother keeps her promise to me, and sends me to his Highness, I shall like it very much, both for my reputation and also in order to make the journey at the king's expense. If not I am determined to make it anyhow, being very ambitious of being buned among those who in opposing the greatness of the King of bpam are exposing their liyes to the peril of death; which thing, n* moderate account is made of me, I will do with a more resolute and constant mind than ever. If not, I will return to my poor house, to pray God for them. And as I said in my last, I hope to pass over to you yet once more before retiring to pay my respects to her Majesty, in the hope that my actions for ten years past have been and ever will be such as to blunt the edge of evil tongues, and above all, and principally, to'see yourself.—Paris, 14 May 1582. P.8.—Do me the favour to kiss the Queen's hand in my name, assuring her that no foreigner will ever be better affectioned to her than I. Those of Solothurn and of Friburg, Catholics both, are joined with the Bernese in this and in everything else; but be it how it will, if that accursed fruit (?) of diseord enters in among them, they will go amiss. Add. May

18.

.

38.

Encld. ltd.

2 pp.

[France VII. 77 bis.}

MENDOZA to the QUEEN.

I wrote a letter to the Great Chamberlain begging that your Majesty would be pleased to grant me audience. In his absence, Secretary Walsingham had it, who said he would communicate it to you. He has sent me in reply, in your Majesty's name, a message by a third person, the substance of which was that I must endure it, because the Queen eould not, consistently with her honour, give me audience. And since this point is of BO great importance, and peace or war between the two Crowns may be the result of ife, I beg your Majesty to be pleased to let me understand, for my quittance, if it is a ease of admitting me and hearing, in order that I may communicate to you the matters which concern the service of the king my master; because if not, I shall take it for a clear indication that you wish to break with him, and shall instantly advise him of it therewith, and when you give_ me a passport, I shall at onee leave England without waiting till the harquebuss-shots find me out.—London, 18 May 1582. Add. May 18.

Endd, Span. 2 pp.

[Spain I, 95.]

3 9 . Commission from the Duke of Anjou to ' messire johan, Baron de Nortz' [North] to rake 1,200 men in England, in 8 companies of 150 each, to wit, 13 officers, 3 gentlemen targeteers (mndasehiers), 47 pikemen, 12 musketeers, and 75 harquebuskrs, the most seasoned troops that he can find. They are not to be assembled at any place in Brabant or Flanders without the express permission of the Estates or Members of those provinces, but when a small number have arrived they are to be marched straight to the duke's camp wherever it may be. Nothing is to be demanded 15077

0

PAPEBS.

North is to recognise him as such; etc.— Copy, hy P. Yammkmt, notary. EmU. and Fl. XVI. 18.] May 18.

40.

Fv.

3 &>.

The DEBT to the QTJEBN.

The burgomasters and aldermen of Antwerp are grieved to hear from Mr George Gilpin that in spite of the equitable defence made

onThe part A , t i , her Majesty intends,tolevy on t h e "

their townsmen trafficking into England the interest of th sum ot £28,757 and also security for the payment of the P ™ W ™ which she is bound, on behalf of the States-General, to Jallavicmo and Spinola. In all humility they say that according to the written promise given by them to Mr Gilpin they made every possible endeavour at the last meeting of the States-General to induce them to find the means of satisfying her Majesty. And whereas owing to the great necessity of the war the States were unable to come to a decision, they have bound themselves to do so at thennext meeting, to be held about the end of July. But as to what concerns the Estates of Brabant and this town, the magistrates notwithstanding the calamitous state ot the country have busied themselves so diligently that they have ready their own share of a whole year's interest, according to the proportions fixed for the war and the defence of the country. The payment of this has been agreed to by the Council of this town as an extraordinary measure to show their goodwill and inclination to do something corresponding to the great desire they have to give her Majesty all the satisfaction possible on their part. And * n o ^8^ they would not deny the endeavours made by her ministers, and by divers assemblies, and get payment of the interest and security tor the principal, and willingly acknowledge the benefits rendered by her Majesty to all the Low Countries, the Duchy of Brabant, and this town, yet being assured that when the substance of the answers already written touching this matter has been reported to her, and when she has pondered the reasons with her wonted prudence and good nature {debonnavrete), she will be moved to find thein good and sufficient, being based not only on the customs ana privileges of the principal towns of the Low Countries, and particularly of Brabant, but also on written law, as well as reason and equity. They lmuibly beg her Majesty to accept the aforesaid quota for Brabant, in hope that at their nest meeting the States-General will find means to pay all the rest of the interest, and give security for this capital, if so be that she is not sufficiently secured. Meanwhile they cannot but declare humbly that Antwerp, not being

ELIZABETH.

35

A.D. 1582.

authorised to answer for the Estates of Brabant and still less for the States-General, they are not qualified to accept in their name any declaration, insinuation, or protestation touching the affairs of those States; still less now that the Duke of Anjou has been received as Duke of Brabant; to whom the burgomasters and aldermen will make a faithful report of the Queen's will and intention, to the end that by his authority order may the sooner be taken for her entire satisfaction. For the rest, they confide in her Majesty's kindness that the town may be excused in her eyes by the calamitous and necessitous condition of the provinces and the fact of Antwerp bearing in effect the sole charge of all the garrisons of Brabant, from a further burden of calamity and ruin and from being gradually deprived of the means not only of aiding the neighbouring towns in their extremity, but also of procuring satisfaction for her Majesty.— 18 May, 1582, 'in the presence of me, secretary of Antwerp.' (Signed) Oh. de Moy. Copy. EncU. Fr. May 18.

4 1 . " An Extract out of the Begister of the Court of Parlement of the Judgement, decreed against John Poisle, late Counsellor in the Laws, in the Massacre time a great persecutor of them of the Religion." The Court declares Mr John Poisle attainted and convicted of extortions and briberies and other matters mentioned in the criminal process; and for satisfaction thereof condemns him to make honourable amends on both his knees, bis head bare and 3iis hands joined, all the chambers of judges being assembled in the great Chamber of Parlement, and in presence of all to declare that rashly, injuriously and maliciously he has committed those extortions and briberies, and that he asks God merey and the king pardon. And we banish him out of the Prevost [sic] and Yiscounty of Paris during the space of five years and declare him unable to hold any estate under the king, condemning him in the sum of 500 crowns forfeited to the king to be bestowed on the reparation of the Palain, and 200 crowns more to the poor, and declare Ids office of counsellor ' coniisked' to the king, and condemn him to pay the eoste of &e process.—18 May 1582. Translation. 78.]

May

19.

2 pp. {Holl. and Fl, XVI. 19.]

42.

EniM. in hand of Lisle Cave. J }>. {France VIL

WALSINGHAM to GILMN.

I perceive by the letter you wrote to the Governor tnat the States hold on their accustomed coiirae of delays, so that small or no hope is to be looked for of any good from the friendly travail taken with them. Therefore as a matter now desperate, you will not need to use any great instance towards th*mi, more fltati for fashion's sake to keep it in breath, and that they may in somo yiirt understand from time to time how unkindly their dealings mi taken at her Majesty's hands. For further demonstration of this,

FOREIGN PAPERS.

g6

L to have no farther r e c e d e than to them ' as at whose oriy • £ n d 8 ' she looks for satisfaction;, smce they can ;vith moxe expedition and ease provide for their indemnity from the lejt.ot the States than she can, as by effects appears. As ^ o m e °imy former letters, so I again pray you to have a care to i n t o l ^ / ° ™ * when any rich ship comes from thence for these parts, and theieof give me speedy and secret notice, that order may BO be taken for her Majesty's satisfaction.—Greenwich, 19 May 1582. Draft in land ofL. Tommn. f p. On hack mi address out) of a letter to the King of Denmark. \JIoll. mid M. X*1. Slay 20.

4 3 . STOKES to "WALSINGHAM. My last to you were the 13th and 14th. This week all things have been still in these parts. So that there are few speeches to write save these. It is given out here that Bouchain, by some seeret accord with those of Cambray,has yielded the town to them for Monsieur's use. Also there is speech of some hope that Yalenciennes will not be long out of Monsieur's hands; and withal they say that Mons in ! Henogo ' has this week refused to take certain horse and foot into the town, which the Prince of Parma sent thither upon some niisliking that he has of those there. Sundry speeches go here of the enemy's eamp, which all come from Ghent; whence some write that the enemy's camp has planted 17 cannon against Oudenarde and looks for 10 pieces more. Bome write that none is yet planted, and that all their great pieces still lie in boats on the water; so that the magistrates of this town have as yet no certain advice of their dealings there. But ere long they will be known and seen, for by report victuals and forage are so scant in their camp that they must make their matters there short, or else must depart. Bat the wisest sort here think and fear they have some other matter in hand than to besiege Oudenarde, for their lying there is strange to all men, * and to do nothing.' This week one came from Oudenarde with, letters to Ghent, wherein they write they are of good courage and fear not the enemy for these 8 or 4 months, and that they have made great fortifications in the town for their defence, so that it seems it is in very good care; God continue it. The Duke of Brabant's camp still lies under Ghent, where the euemy two days ago gave them the bon jour, and they made skirmish long together, to the greater loss of the enemy's side, who

ELIZABETH.

3?

A.D. 1582.

were forced to retire as fast aa they could, and were followed and driven home into their camp. ' The speech is left' in this town, by some Frenchmen that came this week from France, and are gone to Ghent to the camp, of four ensigns of foot by four sundry French captains, that they had gathered hi Picardy by orders from Monsieur when he was in England; and when these four ensigns were full and ready to march, M. de Creveeceur, Governor of Pieardy, with the peasants of the country, fell upon them and slew them all. These Frenchmen reported further that the army that is prepared in France with the navy of ships that is noised to be for the aid of Don Antonio, it is thought will go to Scotland; and that these men will be embarked about' hable neff [qy, Havre JJeufj or thereabouts, and M. de Brissac is their general,—Bruges, 20 May 1582. Add, May

20.

44.

Endd, 2 W '-

\Iloll. ami FL XVI. 21.]

GTLPIN to WALBINGHWI.

I have delayed these two or three posts to answer your letter, upon hope of some better satisfaction from this town to her Majesty than I had, or as yet can receive. "Which having hitherto failed, rather than incur any ' construction ! or doubt of say usefulness to obey, and endeavour all my duty in her service, I thought it best to advertise of my proceeding and ' success,! In nay letters to Mr Tomson, dated the 6th, 7th, and two of the 13th insi I wrote how I dealt, and what then passed and hoped [sic], to which I r refer me.' Since then, on Friday morning last, taking with me Beynold Copcott as witness, I had audience in the ' college/ and there, after demand of payment for the whole year's interest, showed what I had sundry times propounded and required, and their answers both in writing and by word ; yet nothing to have followed; so that it could not but move very great and just discontentment. If they now brought a new device, to question about the proportion that each province was to pay, it would little prevail to indifferent judgements for their excuse, but force her Majesty to leave the suit for the interest, and begin with the principal, which none of the provinces could exempt or free itself of, bemg bound generally and particularly. I therefore wished them to leave <s& those objections or disputes, and simply to deal tor the best maintaining and keeping of their friends and credit. hen I appearing was b after the customary protestations, assured that t y had done, did, and would do what in them lay: and for m nuuth as imported their (juota or part, it was ready whenever 1 or my thereto 'committee!5 would receive it. And because they hadUM*1 all endeavours this last meeting of the BtateB-Gaieral nuA cauU not finally procure the answer they hoped but the d e »1 1< * a o u was deferred to their nest assembly m July, ^ J ™^* Majesty would hold them excused, and considering the ™»ff* their country is in, not interpret all to the wast, ami deal by

FOREIGN PAPEBS.

S8

.

1582. extremity, which answer, or to the like effect, they promised should be, and so I think will be, delivered or sent me in writing. If I receive it, you shall be sure to have it hereinclosed. Touching the receipt of the money offered, I conferred with Mr Longston and Beynold Oopcolt and resolved next week to receive it upon reckoning, how much or little soever it be ; with reservation of her Majesty's rights and no prejudice to them any way. I trust and beseech you to accept of my travail, letting me or Mr Longston know ( per' the first your pleasure.—Antwerp, 20 May 1S82. AM

May 21.

Endd. lj^jj.

[Ibid. XVI. 22.]

4 5 . FRANCISCO DE yEraiio to GASPAB DB AIASTKO. I mote to you these days, and at this moment I have just received yours of the 6th inst, by which I was glad to hear ol your good health, which our Lord preserve, and give you good success in all your affairs. For the rest, the grief _ su&ces which remains with us from the death of Antonio, upon which 1 will speaK no more, since God ordained it so, and after all he died m His service. And since he actually carried out this enterprise, it seems to me his Majesty is bound to do something towards his debts. 1 have marvelled very much at what you write to me, that in having remained in Antwerp he was blinded by covetousness; because it seems to me, and is the truth, that he had nothing to be covetous about, when you remained with the losses incurred m a different position, to he able to remain settled (entahlado) in his business. I do not want to talk of it any more, for there is no need. The consolation you give me is what I hope ; he is enjoying heaven, having died as he did. For the rest, as concerns .myself, I am satisfied. You wish me all good, and will do what you can for me, as you write. But after that I say that I understand you to write differently and with more will than you perform; principally in regard to the things that have happened, and if in respect to the things that have happened Ms Majesty fulfils his promise to you, as I do not doubt, and that with the resources and the favour which he says, you will have an opportunity three times over (?) to help me and the other brothers in many things. And besides all this, you would intend, by what you so kindly wrote, that I should be furnished with what remains due to me; principally because I understand that you have an opportunity of being able to do it, and further because you are hound for many reasons, if only for the good will I have borne and shall always bear to your affairs, to settle with me before any other. You will have to take order to furnish it to me at once, that I may comply with my honour, and satisfy my creditors, without writing me. I tried to recover it from Yenables and Co., who although they owe you a larger sum, shufHed over it (?) and it will be a big job to recover it, until you take order in your affairs and eome to terms with your creditors. So I entreat again, with all possible affection, kindly to furnish me with the aforesaid, and if it were possible, with what you owe me, which is as I have advised. The aesount of the wheat will if possible go with this, and if not,

ELIZABETH.

m

A.D. 1582.

by the first opportunity that there is now; because if the (piettm) whom they have dispatched from Calais with your things want to return, I do not know if he will be able to do it. The bills for the £2,008 left for payment to John Dinguens I do not pay them, and so they returned protested. I do not know why you say they have been paid at Antwerp, since it appears to the contrary. I have paid them with other peopled money, and they have lent it me, to do good work lor me, and that I might comply with iay honour. I procured it, understanding for certain that you -will furnish me at once with this and the rest that you owe me, which I equally owe to others; and that I may pay them, as is reasonable, I beg you not to fail to furnish me with it, for if you do otherwise it will come very inconvenient to me, and the recovering it here from those who owe it to you, as I gay, will be a big job. I have had much give and take with Stephen Nunez, because he would not pay me the rest of what he owed me on the rebated corn, the £4,408 of the credit note which he sent me, unless I gave him security that at Lisbon there would be no stay, and when I had done what I would with the ambassador and other Mends who interfered in the matter, he accepted my bill upon protest, and has paid it and then they have given me the money here, but he always has an appeal against me if they make any stay at Lisbon. He abated me £78, and so much from the salary of the man wlio went in search of the wheat, because he did not wish to pay them, saying he did not owe them. I shall take steps to recover them, whereby you will not be my debtor for them and the rest, nor under obligation, if you found any intention in me to leave you. I quite believe he will have no difficulty at Lisbon, for I understand there is none up to now, having effected the arrival of the ship j God grout it be so. In Antwerp I understand you have a much greater debt than you said, and the bills which you say you hold for the recovery of it, your owners will have sent powers, and will have recovered them. You say further that yon have written for them to inspect your papers and your books, that you may conclude mtli them. It is very well; but as to my going thereat present, after what has happened, and seeing the manner in which the people there are going on, it would be at the great risk of my life, for BO far as their kindness went, it would not be much. When things get clear and you, as is to be believed, you wUl have money m V^W, aiuntun it, and with the assistance of friends you will be able to aid me. But at present it seems to me it would not be prudence to «o tlusre, and BO you must kindly procure me another stseure ronilw av>m myself of. Look what poor Antonio suffered far mvinfi j>.

[SpoiR I. 96a.~]

MATJVISSI^B2 to WALSIN&HAII.

It ia a thing not to be separated from ambassadors to importune Secretaries of Btate, especially not from me who hold this charge, which I declared to you in Prance I cannot take without your advice and assistance. For this reason if I done anything of any avail, you will be the cause of it. I send you a packet for the Queen of Scots. It ia lot a fortnight past full ol rhapsodies, which have come from frmiee. In bar last dispatch she charges me to bid you remember lifer; tltu further she went forward, the more she recognised you to be a sincere iuM honest man, as she knew Mr Beale to be in the matter of which she had to treat with him. She thanks you both, and begs you to continue. She has also charged me to thank you p&rlHmiarly for the doctors whom you caused to be mni to her, imtfcing ihtit ability («)•(«) and experience as highly as posaiblu. 8m rnnAa me word that whatever religion they may be of she fuids tboiit mmt,^ men ; so that I see she is well content with them. HUe still awaits permission to send into Scotland. It shall be when the Q

42

FOREIGN PAPERS.

A.D.1582.

pleases, whose hands I beg yon when you have opportunity to kiss for a e , and assure her that I have no greater regret than to be unable to serve her. If I can do nothing better, I will by the help of God maintain a good amity between the king my master and her, and between their subjects. As for the ships about which I wrote to you, of which more than 80 are in the ports and havens of this realm, I will Hay no more, knowing' that you require no spur in just and reasonable causes. I am much pressed for the ships of those poor people who are here, and that called I'Hermine of Brest, which has been taken by MiHenry Knollys, with a great quantity of cloths and apples from Britauny. The ship is rotting and going to ruin at Hampton, and the poor children and wife of the man who went mad and died in pursuing the ease are starving, and daily importuning the king and his Council. As regards the little Englishman called Nicolson whom my wife has chosen as tutor, she begs you," if he has not been in fault towards the Queen and the laws of England, to give liim permission to go to seek her and her son. If he has done any wrong, he asks for no^ lenity, and I would myself procure his punishment, I will not ask you to give other than just and reasonable order in this matter.—London, 23 May 158*2. Add. Endd. Fr. May 24.

48.

'dpp.

\_Fmme VII. 79.]

HOHATIO PALLAVICINO to "WALSINGHAM.

I did not think it worth while to write to you before I had something substantial to tell you. Now I may say that by the last letters from Italy I have heard with much displeasure that at Borne they have imprisoned Signer Prospero Spinola, my singular and almost only friend ; having first examined him on my brother's affairs and mine. Since they have thus unexpectedly detained him, I hold it for a very bad sign. God grant they may not trouble him more grievously, for he would of a certainty be much to be pitied. These letters further inform me that at Rome they are expecting news from Naples and from Malta, in which places it appears that some Englishmen are prisoners. Questions have been asked me in this Court also about these particulars from Naples, which makes me think there is some suspicion of something, about which I am sure that my correspondents cannot speak, and I greatly desire to know what it is. On my arrival here I begged the king and Queen Mother for their favour towards my brother's cause. I gave them her Majesty's letter, m conformity with which they have shown all readiness to write, and to send some one on purpose to solicit on his behalf, as I desired, to put more vigour into the business. Having made my loquest 1 offered to bear the expenses, and so things stand at expedition is being made, and I think the man will be J f 8 ! ° ™ l servant toM. M. de Mauvissiere. God grant g S T t ? y B 6 r v e t 0 S e t m y h o n s e out ol trouble. II at Paris to hear how it turns out, and also to learn if my

43

ELIZABETH.

brother at Genoa will come to Lyons, as I have asked him and much desire. M. Lansae in this Court has asked me several ^ e s , and with signs of good affection, concerning her Majesty's health ; ^ t o - d a y heSde,iregd me to dmemth him, where on many « o n ^ ^ very honorable words he 'showed' to be much at her semce, whereof it seems right to inform you. In conclusion I beg you to kiss her Majesty's hands forme; whose!^devSXerv a nU y remain.-Pontainebleau, 24 May 1582. Add. May

25.

49.

Endcl. Ital

I p.

[France VII. 80.]

FBHDBBICK VAN SAK» to WALSINGHAJI.

It is two years and more since I ^ ^ useful and necessary m my « F ^ n for the p ^ ^ J and because I have been hindered from• t ^ f J ^ l S t h a t a this work, it remains uneffected But it appear " » n of such importance, or what depends on it well- woun^,

understood}does not deserve ^

a

woA

J ^ ^ o ^ f ^ h L

any

pelpetual praise, apart from the grBat u M ^ J * £ * ^

,

you that her Majesty, by putting it mto •execu^ , expense to herself or burden to her rabjeote, m ^ therefrom to herself, and to Jiei pooi » J

^ ^

.t

letters of safe-

that we shall wholly content her. The bearer of this, Edward Eliot> whatever he may say from me by 25 May 1582.

May 26.

50.

COBHA.

to W A I ^

Tl,Bam

t0

• These other days past' I ™ « ££& £ & ££\\V4o4l findm mee «**? l fid «**?

know if he might come to me. I ^ ^ ~ a t ^ e when I w to see him. Bo he resorted fc» n«> * g « ^ n o t t I j e n hear •impeached' with other company,, fie»™ to m e a g s l l i i ; what he would say. Ttawtee thisweek b e e ^ jfl when he first began to ' d d n a gj» mj J ^ ^ t 0 ^ that ho owed to her Majesty he thought it his pai* ^ ^ te( t 0 i h t show how the cause of his coming an^iauo ^ m( might

his extreme grief, as he 'j^jntaU

44

FOREIGN PAPERS.

A.D. 1582.

, . , him to think that the Earl of Leicester would not proceed against him in such-manner as he rehearsed, at the Council table, m respect of any particular offence to himself; hut rather it_ might be well deemed that he had discovered some indisposition m him 'intended' towards her Majesty, or the state, though it wasnot plainly imputed to him. Wherewith I also wished him to continue his dutiful zeal towards her Majesty, being her sworn household servant, and that he might abstain from delivering speeches to the prejudice of the aforesaid lord. Moreover, because he had been at Rheims and purposed to return 'thither, I told him I doubted he was become ' affeetionnated' to the Pope's traditions; which he confessed. Upon these words there passed some little conference on the point of the Pope's ' supremesi,' and of their mass; wherein it appeared he was carried more with the traditions and persuasions than with foundation of doctrine. I therefore exhorted him to read the Testament for his better instruction; wherewithal he presented me with a new-translated Testament of Rheims, brought with him, ag I suppose, on purpose, which I send you herewith. Lastly, I earnestly requested him, though he was gone out of the way, that he would forbear to. put himself into the society of the malicious, whereby he might stir up her Majesty's further just indignation. He promised to ' stay his betaking himself any way,' and await the answer to the letters he said he had written to the Queen and some of her. Council. He informed me, notwithstanding, that' living' had been offered him. I have thought it convenient to certify thus much briefly to you, as also to.beseech you that.the Earl of Leicester may know of it, if it seem convenient. I doubt the gentleman is very far carried with the 'opinion' of papistry, with all that belongs thereto.—Paris, 26 May 1582. Add. Endd. 9&pp. [France VII. 81.]

May 26.

51.

R. LEJIACON to WALSINGHAM.

Having just received a line from one of my friends, dwelling on the eoast of Prance, I prefer rather to err by importunity in writing to you than by negligence in saying nothing. Here then are some words from his letter, of some importance: " Meanwhile we have no longer any doubt that this preparation is against Scotland (Caleda)i), and that some of the chief men there are in the game. God aispel all evil counsels both there and here." The bearer iuWs by word of mouth that the powder lately sent has arrived and been received in Scotland, that the fleet was almost assembled at Brest, and that there is a secret rumour that the King of Portugal haa a promise from the Queen of Scots. That is what they say and write to me; you will examine and make use of it, as you please.—London, in your little house.—26 May 1582. Add. Endd•: Prom Monsieur Limason. Fr. f p. llUd. VII. 82.]

ELIZABETH. A.D.

1582.

May

26.

52.

.

4B

PBWIO DB ZXTBIATIB to WALSINGHAM.

As I have mentioned to you before now, I have been two years in this kingdom taking steps to recover the damages done by Francis Brake, and now I understand that until Antonio del Castillo arrives, and comes to a conclusion with the long on the points put forward by her Majesty, nothing can be done about this business. Antonio del Castillo gave me to understand the same, that I should wait till he sent his Majesty's answer. To pay what I owe the merchants here, and my expenses, and to have something to spend in this country, I beg you to stand ray friend with the Queen, that she may order them to give me =610,000 or ^12,000 on account of what Francis Drake holds, and I shall remain obliged to you for this kindness. I beg you also, in reference to the licence which you gave me for three months, which expires within 8 days, to give me another, that I may be at liberty till I have finished and completed the business in which I am engaged. Add. 27.

ETUM.

with date. Span. | jt,

[Spain I. 97.]

5 3 , gTOEEs to WALSINOHAM. My last to you was the 20th, since when the magistrates have received these speeches. The Governor of Bouchain with the captains and soldiers has delivered the town to them of Cambray for the use of Monsieur, who has given them 12,000, French crowns amongst them for a reward, and has ' entered ' 400 French soldiers into it, to the great misliking of the enemy. Since the yielding of Bouehahi, those of Cambray and Bouchain together have taken a strong castle called ' LaLaynne' [Lalaing] which stands within a mile and a half of Douay, The loss of these two places in those parts has put the enemy in great feat. Count Lalaing lies now at Valenciennes, to which town the Prince of Parma sent soldiers this week for its better safeguard. But they of the town would not receive them, saying they have no need 0! them. It is said also that 2,000 reitera have arrived beside Cambray, awaiting the rest of Monsieur's forces from France, who it is hoped will shortly be there. This week, with great trouble and mueh ado, the enemy has mounted 25 cannons against Oudenarde,' at which doing ltlwa cost the lives of three of their principal captains aiul many of then* best soldiers, whom those within the town slew with ta g a t * artillery. Since then they have 'made some proof with thep battery to make a breach, which they find to small purpose. t ho they are forced to remove half those pieces over a water into

46 AJ>.

FOEEIGN PAPERS. 1582. another place, where they now are planting them, being something far from the town ; so it ia hoped they mil little prevail there. Also, by letters from Ghent, the enemy want gunpowder in their camp, for which cause the Prince of Parana went to sundry towns in Artoia and ' Henogo ' to send as mach aa they could spare ; 'who have made answer they are loath to disfurnish their towns of it. Notwithstanding, they have sent some; but it is very little, to tho great discontent of the Prince of Parma. In the enemy's camp there ia a discord between the Prince of Parma, the Marquis of Bisbourg, and M. de Montigny about the coining of the camp before Oudenarde, which is the doing of Biabourg and Montigny only, and altogether against the will and mind of the prince, who from the beginning always niisliked that enterprise. The prince has therefore made protest against them that if anything chance otherwise than well, it will be laid to their charge. This week strait proclamation was made in all places in Flanders under the government of Monsieur, that no person shall have any dealings ' to nor fro' with the enemy of merchandise or victuals nor any other Mnd of thing whatsoever, on pain of great punishment and forfeit of all their goods. This will trouble the enemy very much; but if the French king make not the like ' defence' at Calais and so along the French frontiers, this ' defence ' here will be as much as nothing. The Scots here ' give it out' of troubles in Scotland, and that the Lord Dobignie' of Scotland has all the strong towns and castles in hia hands and keeping .that lie on the sea-coast. Also at Dieppe in Prance there was a Scotch ship laden very lately with gunpowder. 1

In Prance there are three sorts of speeches of the army that is prepared there. Some say it is to go into Portugal to the aid of Don Antonio, some, that it is to go against Eoehelle, and most, that it will go to Scotland. It is also said here that the Duke of Guise has shipped at ' liable neffe' or thereabouts 14 or 20 great horses, which he has sent for a present to the Scots king and other nobles in Scotland. The King of Navarre has sent an ambassador to the Duke of Brabant, who passed through this town four days ago. His name is M. de la Bocque, and it is said that from thence he ! returns ' into England. Further, the speech here is that one M. de Bellievre, a French gentleman, is on the way towards these parts, sent as ambassador from the King and Queen Mother to the Duke of Brabant; and that he will continue here with his Highness.—Bruges, 27 May 1582. Add, Endd. 2J#p.

[Holl. and FL XVI. 28.]

ELIZABETH. A.D. 1582. May 28.

54.

47

COJIHAM to WALSINGHAM.

. u V ? ^ - a s l>em t o m e b y t h e ] d n S > s command, and tells me that his Majesty has considered the information delivered at my last audience, and has made enquiry, but cannot find any such bull of the Pope's as I certified him of, published in print within this realm. As for the declarations I made of the contributions given in this kingdom to the English seminary-men and priests, the king is informed only that some Englishmen had recommended the other English priests and scholars to the Bishop of Paris, using his means towards the rest of the clergy for obtaining their relief in the -way of alms; which gathering did not succeed greatly to any purpose. J

The king ' willed' H. G-ondi further to declare to me that he would not permit any action to pass within these dominions to the discontent of her Majesty, being disposed to entertain her amity by all manner of ways. This "was all I received in answer to the last negotiations I passed with the king. It seems to be of no essential effect for the satisfying of her Majesty. I delivered M. Gondi some of the books and pamphlets which the seminary Englishmen had caused to be printed with the lung's privilege, that he might show them or send them to the king. M. Pinart the other day at Fontainebleau told my servant whom I employ in my causes in the Court that M. Mauvissiere had lately written 'at two sundry times together' that her Majesty was very much inclined to the marriage with the Duke of Anjou; and that latterly he had further certified the king that the Queen had sent me her commands to ' deliver some certainty' concerning the matter. My servant besought M. Pinart to write to me of it but he excused himself; he had then present affairs which hindered him._ I had heretofore given command to my sen-ant to request M. Pinart to write his mind in those causes which in my sort directly concerned her Majesty, since I have found by experience how often these French councillors forget willingly what they say, or upon better advice sometimes deny their words. So I have abstained from making answer to those speeches of M. Pinart to my servant, seeing he did not declare that the king would have any repair to him to deal with me in any matter; observing herein the commands I received in your last letter, which imported only that if the king should treat with me in the cause of the marriage I was to answer as I had received instructions. They have advertised me from this Court how it is given out that the Queen had sent word to Monsieur she was disposed to the marriage, which he then by message ami letters pressed her to. But the Queen perceiving his resolution waxed cold and deaf 121 hearkening to the consummation of it. Bo the king and his mother being informed hereof have said she Horn not deal sincerely, and did not love him, nor help him for any other respect but to serve

48 X.J>.

FOEEIGN PAPERS. 1582. (defoyte) [sic;?] against the Spanish king and to be revenged. I beseech yon this my report of advertisement may not turn me to blame; for I can assure you there was more ' delated,' and the tumour was raised in this town of the new motion of marriage. The papists report that the league between her Majesty and King Philip is to be renewed through the negotiations of Don Bernardino Mendoza, whose servant passed from Spain towards England last week.—Paris, 28 May 1582. Add. Endd. 8 pp.

May

28.

55,

[France VII. 83.]

FREMYN to WAISINGHAM.

Being upon my departure for the camp, I would not fail to recall myself to your favour and tell you that his Excellency is in good health and disposition at present. He has been coming to ' Court to visit his Highness these three days. Yesterday his Highness tilted at the ring, where his Excellency was present, and a great number of people, to see the sport. His Highness had the gates opened to the people while he was tilting. There was an enterprise by our side upon a place, but it -was not executed, owing to difficulties which were discovered, and caused the expedition to be deferred to another time. The enemy remains before Oudenavde. He has not yet battered it en batterie, but fired some stray shots (coups perdms) into the town. He is very strongly entrenched between the town and us, and is making a great provision of fascines to fill up the ditch, which he will not find easy to do. No one knows what to think of the delay he is making in battering the place, unless that he has some other unknown scheme in view to surprise some other place unexpectedly. Reinforcements are coming to their army, 15 eompanies of Italians and 7 of Burgundians, awaiting the rest. Meanwhile all possible forces are being assembled to join the camp, the garrisons diverted ^t fo'iwvihs), to hinder the enemy's designs, which are great. They had an enterprise against Alost, Bergen-op-Zoom and Tretolle [' ter' Tholen]. It was to have been executed on Thursday, which they failed to do. At the same time his Excellency sent with all speed 6 eompanies of his guard to Bergen to secure them. The forces which are being levied in France will not so soon be ready. The arrival of M. de Bellievre on the king's behalf to join his Highness is awaited daily. His Highness has put the Chevalier Breton under arrest; he is imprisoned in his own lodging. The reason is said_ to be that his Highness sent a letter to M. de Fervacc[ues to join the reiters who were coming to him( as soon as he could with all the forces he eould; which, as the report is, caused the Chevalier Breton to write to the Baron de Yiteaux that if he had occasion to avenge the quarrel he had with Fervacques, now would be Jbis time, and that he was very sorry not to he of the party. So it was that his letter was intercepted and put into the hands of his Highness. There are parties (Ugues) in that household which cause these differences.

ELIZABETH. A..D.

49

1582, Colonel Stewart was released yesterday from confinement in his lodging ; I know not on what terms. He is shortly going to marry Madame de Batemburg, and then to Scotland, as he says. Col. Morgan has commission for 5 companies, with the 5 he has, making 10. He is sending to levy the 5 with all speed. Lord North and Mr Cotton are also making their preparations; if they can only agree. Mr JSfonis is not yet come with his troops, nor Count William. It ia hoped they will be here in 15 days. There has been some bad management between him and those of Utrecht and Arnhem over some cows captured in the neighbourhood of their towns. The States-General have granted his Highness 120,000 florins a year, besides what they offered in the articles, for niilitary purposes. The business of forming hie household from natives of this country is put off till they have given him the funds for his establishment. Meanwhile he has up to now employed his own household at his own cost. For his maintenance 500,000 crowns yearly are asked. "We shall see what they will do about that, and also about the good establishment of affairs here, now that it has pleased God to grant his Excellency health and a good recovery.—Antwerp, 28 May 1582. P.S.—It seems that M. de Plessis intends to return to Prance. Add.

May

29.

50.

Endd. Fr.

2_pp. [HoU, and Fl. XVI. 24.]

ANTONIO DB CASTILLO to

I arrived betimes (?) at this port of Plymouth, where it was of such importance to me to be recognised by Sir Francis Drake as in your service. It would be great iugratitude on my part not to beg you to set to his account his courtesy and kindness, with the welcome which he gave me, seeing that I have not, as you will have, the power of doing him a service. It is for you to show him that this office [? letter] was most grateful to him. Among other favours which I obtained from him, besides the safety of my journey, he promised to settle a certain suit that there is between himself and a Portuguese in such a way that there may be no need to talk of counsel and judges. The attorney (proeitmtore) for the Portuguese ia Antonio Gothard, a servant of yours, to whom boiih on account of his Portuguese origin, and for the welcome he gaye me, I am under great obligation. Please show him favour in anything that cornea his way, both as a familiar of your house, and as a Lisbon friend of mine. I will do this duty (sie) more freely. At present I have bad writing materials.—29 May. Add. Endd. ltd. 1 p. [Portugal I.78.] May

29.

57.

COBHAM to WALSMGHAM.

I received yours by Signer Horatio Pallavieino, mA welcomed im with what affection I should do [sic] one eo entirely reeonihim lended to me from you; having not ' wanted' to perform towards mended 16077

FOEEIG-N P A P E E S .

50

him all such offices aa lay in my power in such sort that I hope he is in a very good way to receive all those favours which may proceed from hence to his own desire. I intend moreover to accompany his welfare with all the means and care I can use, with so much the greater zeal in respect of the information I read in your postscript concerning his inclination in the principal point. I send you his letter, which he wrote to me from Fontainebleau, I have stayed this bearer these two days, hoping for the return of my servant last sent into England, because I desired to have seen if any other command had come from her Highness, that I might have answered it together.—Paris, 29 May 1582.

May

30.

AM.

Endd.

1 p.

[France VII. 84.]

58.

MATJVIBSIERE to WALSINGHAH.

It is some days since I was asked by several respectable persons of this realm to beseech her Majesty to pardon and grant hia life to a young gentleman, servant to Sir Christopher Hatton, named Valentine Pollard. Everyone pities him greatly, being of good family; and the fault for which he is today ready to receive the penalty of death, if her Majesty does not use mercy towards him, is the first he ever committed. This is why I beseech you in this letter, for the desire I have of gratifying all your nation, and those who have requested me on behalf of Pollard, to entreat her Majesty to grant him his life at my request. I know of him only byhearsay, as having more virtue than vice. If I had thought I could do more than you, I would have gone to beseech her. If she gives this poor criminal his life, God will lengthen hers.—London, 30 May 1582. Add. Endd. May 80.

59.

Fr.

1 p.

[France VII. 85.]

COBHAM to WALBINGSAHT.

As I was dispatching thia messenger, I had the enclosed letter from Bon Antonio brought to me, which I beseech you may be shown to her Majesty, matter being contained therein concerning her subjects detained. Count Vimioso sent it to me, having come hither in post to confer with the Queen Mother. Prom hence he goes to the king, 'pretending as he seems' to return to Tours again. I hear that Boderigo de Cras_[te?] departed suddenly by the post, upon some discontent, but being brought back is detained by Don Antonio . . . I. receive it. There are also of Don Antonio's cooks . . . . committed into ward, having confessed that they_ were sent irom Portugal to poiaon Don Antonio, at the instigation of King Philip's ministers. I enclose a Spanish small book, treating of the affairs oi Portugal.—Paris, 30 May 1582. Add. EnM.

1 jo.

{Ibid. VII. 86.]

ELIZABETH.

51

A.D.1582.

Enclosed in above :— May

25.

60.

DON ANTONIO to OOBHAM,

I am much displeased at having a cause by which I can give annoyance to the Queen my sister; but since I think that what I have done is fitting for her service, I wish to inform you that I have caused Captain 'Yau' [_qy, Yaughan] and'Captain 'Hylon' [Hylton] to be detained till I know what she wishes done with them, because being under the fortress of the Isle of Wight they took a Flemish flyboat laden with Portuguese goods, after I had expressly told them not to ill-use any Meminga, as may be seen by the regulations I gave them. And inasmuch as the burgomasters of Enckhuysen whence the flyboat came are demanding payment of 6,000 or 7,000 crowns, the value of the goods, they are bound to pay, seeing that the term of the letter of marque which they had from me was expired, and they eould not do it [sic]. Besides this, on their way from England to this realm to see me, they took some French ship, for which I am required to answer. And since I do not wiah her Majesty to hear that I am punishing her subjects without her leave, I am informing you of it, that you may write and ask her what she wishes me to do with them. I do not want to let them go, since I fear that if they go to sea again they will do something worse than they have done, with which I think her Majesty would not be pleased. Please let her be advertised as briefly as possible of this affair, that she may take such steps as seem to her good.—Tours, 25 May 1582. {Signed) Bey. Add. (Royal seal of Antonio.) Endd. in England. Fr. 11>. [France VII. 87.] May

30.

61.

COBHAJI to [WALSINGHAIE] .

I enclose the letter of Capt. Tho. del Bene, which he brought me himself, together with the enclosed note touching the affairs of Scotland. But he would not let me send the same writing that he showed me, but copy it, ' being very desirous to had [sic] it ; because I suppose by the hand ' ortography' you would have judged it to be written \>j a Scotchman or Englishman. He informed me withal how the abbot his kinsman had let him know m great secret that the Duke of G-uise sent to him the other day one Guillielmus to lend him his abbey at Eu, because he to lodge there _ an honorable person from England or Scotland (he ccmlrt not well remember) who was to come thither to confer with the IHike m great secrecy. The said Guillielmus was the schoolmaster who lent the chamber to Mm that shot at the Admiral in Paris. He complained to me of the unkind • intreatment' the Queen MOHMHT gave Mm since her being in this town. And then we parted with promise to have further conference.—Paris, 30 May iJHi. Add. and'ffiidt. gone. 1 $. May 80.

62.

{Frame TIL 88.]

COBHAM to WALSINGIUM-

On the 28th nut. the Qaeen Mother and her daughter the Qnoen oi Navarre alighted and lodged at the house of M. d O, the king o

g2

FOREIGN PAPEK8. late disgraced minion; where there were ' against their coming' the Marshals of Retz and Biron, and the Duchess of Nemours with the cardinal her son. So the queen remains there, and the king with his young queen intends to continue at Fontainebleau. He has lately commanded the ambassadors to repair to Nemours, which they are loth to do; the rather because it is thought the king will not continue there, but take his pleasure in passing to sundry places thereabouts. Marshal Biron has often conferred with the Queen Mother since her being in this town, and seeks to be employed in the service of the Duke of Brabant; but he is not thought to be the fittest person, because he is a man of so great expenses, and overviolent in his actions. The Duke of Joyeuse last week took the oath of Admiral of France. The Queen Mother ' pretends' to the king's minions that her lodging at M. d'O's house was to 'procure' the Queen of Navarre to nke and buy it. The King of Navarre keeps in Gascony, staying his return into these parts till he sees how the ' prepared army' by sea is disposed. Considering the enterprise of Geneva, the intended murder of the Prince of Orange, the making the rendezvous of this army to be about Eochelle, the ' training' of affairs in Scotland by d'Aubigny, Duke of Lennox, the knitting and 'combynding' of the princes generally in Italy with marriages and alliances with each other, as well as the allying of some of those princes with the House of Austria, all these causes concurring thus together show some secret great work in hand to the destruction of others, if God permits it. Through the consideration of this the King of Navarre and all others of the Beligion throughout Christendom may be reminded to be more circumspect in their affairs, and ' are to' find it exceedingly necessary to deal carefully in all their causes for the better service of God and their own preservation. I have been informed that they of Geneva have discovered three sundry practices within their town. They fear a siege, because the Duke of Savoy iB increasing his garrisons and stayed the coming of victuals into the town. Wherefore they have taken in garrisons and are assisted by the Swiss, who ' show to be' very slow in their resolutions. This happens because those of Berne would have them of Geneva so necessitated that they might be constrained to render themselves to them, and under their jurisdiction. There are sundry French gentlemen of the Religion, with one or two engineers, who mean to put themselves in Geneva for the defence of it. They advertise me that young Lansae will needs thrust himself into the army prepared for Don Antonio, ( challenging' that M. Strozzi promised him'to be his lieutenant-general; whereon some sour speeches passed between them.

ELIZABETH. A.D.

58

1582. They write that most part of the navy is arrived at Belle Isle and that Saint-Luc is ' patting himself into : the same army. Some do not 'let to think' that part of these ships prepared for the service of Don Antonio are appointed to sail to Scotland. Monsieur's 'ruyters' are this side of Metes, conducted hy a Count of the House of Mansfelt. Some of his gentlemen are levying companies in Burgundy and Champagne, both horse and foot, to ' accompany along' the said reiters, under the government of Fervacques. It is understood the Prince Dauphin will be the Duke of Brabant's lieutenant-general, and that the Duke has thanked the Prince of Conde for his offer, bat does not desire his present repair to him. Those of the Religion have also sent earnest, persuasions to the prinee to defer his going into Flanders as yet. M. Strozzi has advised the Eochelois to have regard to themselves and to the safety of their town. Marshal Biron importuning the king very much to serve Monsieur in the Low Countries, his Majesty commanded Secretary Tilleroy to answer him that he had cause to doubt he ahould be forced to ' break wars' "with his neighbour. Whereon the marshal pressing Villeroy to know what neighbour the king meant, and the cause, the secretary requested Mm to be content with so much for thai time; whereon the marshal attends on the king's will. The opinion was the king would send Marshal Biron to the frontiers of Flanders. The Queen of Navarre having been a suitor to the king to have the dowry which was assigned to her in Querey, Ronergue, Agenoiw, Condoumois, Bazadois, exchanged for provinces towards these parts, the king has assigned her dowry in the Duchy of Yalois, YillieraCotteret, Creil,' Crepsi,' Soissons, all near la Fere in Picardy. La Fere is given her for her jointure from her husband, valued at 70,000 francs a year. Whereby, together with the ' pannage' out of the Crown of France, and her pension, her ' living' will amount yearly to 270,000 francs. . The Queen Mother and her daughter have appointed to depart hence on Saturday nest towards Saint-Maur, and thence to Fontainebleau, where they will stay till the king goes to his 'baynes,' as it is reported. The king revokes his ambassador M. du Ferrier from "Venice, sending thither M. Meaants [Maisse] cousin to Ghiverny. The Prince of Orange's base son is in this Court, and has delivered sundry letters, as to M. de Biron, and divers others, I received letters from Captain Sernigi from the Tereeras, dated April 24, certifying that all things were 'in good poarti' thare few Don Antonio; as also that there had arrived an English ship with 200 quintals of powder and 70 pieces of artillery; awaiting two others in whieh should be 40 pieces of artillery, and powder.

54

FOREIGN PAPEKS.

AJ>.

1582. I have been requested by the ambassador of Venice to give a passport and letters of commendation to Eugenio Pennachi, a Cypriot, who intends to pass to her Majesty to obtain her liberality for thereleasing of his kinsfolk who are in captivity with the Turk; but I have persuaded him to stay, and send herewith hie supplication to her Majesty. Let me know what further answer I shall make thereon.—Paris, May 30, 1582. Add. and Midi. gone. H pp.

May 31.

03.

The

[Ibid, VII. 89.]

DUKE OP ANJOU to the

QUEEN.

Bonaventura Micheli, a merchant of Lucea, residing here in Antwerp, has informed me that some time ago he loaded on a ship of Middelburg, called the Cygne, belonging to Simon Tabofc, and Adrien Adriencbe, citizens of tbat town, the master of which was Cornelia Jacobz, a certain quantity of brazil-wood for Bordeaux. The vessel having called at your island of Guernsey, Cornells wanted to sell her with her cargo to a merchant of Naiites, although he had no right or share in her. This matter coming to the notice of your officers in the island, they are said to have seized both vessel and cargo and placed them ' under your hand,' to be restored to their owners, or else the money resulting from them. Micheli having heard of these proceedings, would wish to recover the brazil belonging to him, or the money accruing from the sale of it. This is my reason for •writing to you on his behalf, to beg you to direct your officers in Guernsey to have the goods in the vessel which he shows to belong to him or else the money arising from the sale of them restored to Micheli without unnecessary delay.—Antwerp, 31 May 1582. (Signed) Francois,

? May.

AM.

Endd. Fr.

1 p.

[HoU. and M. XVI. 25.]

64.

" Offers which M. THTJB SCHO. [DIETZ SCHOMBEBG] makes

to the QUEEN."

If her Majesty will enter to the extent of 80,000 or 100,000 crowns into M. Sen's. \_qy. Strozzi's] enterprise, whether openly or under another name, she can depute persons to handle the money and employ it themselves on things needful for the voyage. In this ease she will have her share of all conquests, made with the aid [?] of her contribution.

;

If she prefers to lend the same money to M. Schomberg on a very fine unicorn's hom which belongs to him, and which he is arranging to place in the hands of those of the maison de ville of Paris for the prize in a lottery which the king has allowed there, M._ Schomberg will place in the Queen's hands the receipt and obligation which the maison de ville has handed him on account of the horn, with a first charge to her Majesty on such money as shall eoine to him from the lottery, until the principal and interest of the loan be paid.

ELIZABETH.

55

A.D. 1582.

Or if she will buy the horn from him, he will sell it to her for 150,000 crowns; though it was accepted for the lottery at 180,000. Or if she will not buy it, she may lend him 130,000 crowns ujwn it_; the horn to remain in her possession, on condition that he may withdraw it on his return from his voyage for a, like sum. If he dies, it remains her property. On condition that he employs the money which she may lend him on any of the above terms that she pleases, in the proposed enterprise. The hom is seven feet or three Brabant ells long and proportion ably thick. No part of it is missing. In proof that it is a real unicorn's horn the evidence of connoisseurs (maitres ' . « „ „ . Wause not seem likely to anyone who knows the affairs of Geneva, 1because the young duke's father, who was held to be one of the beatwaimrs in Europe* never ha4 the boldness to atte,mp; sueto a n * ™ $ g £ by open arms for fear lest the Bernese their ^ J ^ should take from him all that he has m Savoy because ? well that if the duke took Geneva by .force of arms he wouW stop there, but would follow up to victory and fe"e -

Touching this young duke's wish tobesiege G J M J J _ seem likely, for the reasons stated. ^ f ^ ^ S t h i i u w such as because i a r l y all the victuals and ^ ^ C g 6 S p h e r e by wood and charcoal, and nearly all ^ 0 1e ° an a _* > he the lake ; and if he wants to besiege'f lake,hecannot, would have to have fortresses for,tb.e 20nirf»d£ta ^ are on one side and the other, and he &aS'3 i«lS?T °n nd beard that some 6 g h o o d a la la file, file, and S Z> road to P ? ?y y™ ^tt hh teeh e ccc ^ighbom-hood and M. d f were SS > i^^ ff ?? - ^^ S m a i l ™ Ceoeur ™ aa nn dd of of M M. de Creveeoeur,

f ?rders

"**- [Boll and Fl XVI. June 18.

9 7 . Passport for the Low Countries, valid for two months, granted by Don Bernardino de Mendoza to Francisco Cortes.— London, 18 June 1582. (Countersigned) Joan de Mandojana. Wndd, in Wahinghata's otfiee, Sf&n. Broadsheet. {Spain L 98.]

94

A.o. 1582. June 19.

.

FOEEIGN PAPERS.

9 8 . ATJDLEY DANETT to WALSIKCIHAM. I can advertise you of no new ' accident' in these parts since my last of the 17th inst. Oudenarde yet holds good, but I fear will in the end be yielded up, because I can hear of no likely succour to give them relief. Some say they have already had one parley with the enemy; which I dare not affirm to be true, because that were a manifest presumption of their distress. The Duke and the States would have no refusal at Mr Norris's hands, but he must needs to the camp, and join his force with M. de Eochepot, notwithstanding his sufficient allegation of unableness to do the enemy any annoy, or the distressed town any good, because of their small number of foot and less of horse in respect of the enemy's forces, which exceed them very far, but especially in horse. There is great expectation of horsemen under the conduct of the Prince Dauphin, and fresh speeches given out of reiters for Monsieur's service, and they are daily expected to be sometimes in one place, sometimes in another, upon the frontiers; but yet none appear, nor no likelihood to have them here in time to do Oudenarde any good. Yet to satisfy Monsieur and the States, and somewhat to content the Gauntois and the countries thereabouts, Mr Isforris repaired with his forces to the camp yesterday the 18th; but, finding their whole force so far unable to ' levy ' the siege, I think not with any purpose to fight, unless they find the enemy at some very great advantage. If either the town were able to hold out, or the States' forces strong enough to raise the aiege, men of good judgement here are of opinion that it were such a ' mating' of the enemy that he would not be able to bring a new camp into the field or otherwise this year greatly annoy the States. And surely if Monsieur's forces could come in any time, especially his horse, there were great likelihood to do some good in this time of service, and something would no doubt be attempted. Monsieur has stirred little abroad out of his own lodgings, except once, or twice to the Prince of Orange and once to the Prince of Epinoy. His Court is very slenderly furnished with gentlemen, either of this place, or of his own country, "and those few of the French that have been here, depart daily; whether to levy some force in France as some say, or for what other cause, I know not. t There is some speech here that Marshal Biron will shortly come into these parts, to attend continually about Monsieur; but this report is not easily believed by the French, and I think will be worse liked by others, beeause he is said to be one that has always by cunning practice deceived those of the Eeligion in France and being so 'notoriously deciphered' there that he can no more abuse them some will fear he may be an instrument to do the like in these parts.

By the enclosed I trust you will understand more particularly and more certainly the state of things here; for these from me are but mmores populi; which I pray you to take in good part as a signification of the duty I owe you.—Antwerp, 19 June 1582.

ELIZABETH. A.D.

96

1582, P-S-—This evening, the 19th, by certain persons of good credit arriving from Ghent, it is reported that on Sunday last Oudenarde was very hotly assaulted at one ravelin, being the weakest part of the town, and valiantly defended by the inhabitants, the enemy being repulsed with the loss of 400 men at least; and if haply they can hold good 10 days longer, the States make account to give them succour. Add.

June 19.

Endd.

2£pp.

\Uoll. and Fl. XVI. 39.]

9 9 . VILLIEES to WALSINGHAM. I have received the two letters which you wrote me through Mr Danett. I will do what I can for him, both because you recommend him, and because he is an old acquaintance of mine. As for Mr Norm I am bound to him by the friendship which his father bore to the late Cardinal de Ghatillon, and for the good reception which he and lady Norris gave me after St Bartholomew; also because Mr Norris deserves it, insomuch that I have always said openly to all who have asked of me anything to his prejudice, that I should be for him, as I have done and am resolved with the help of God to continue, although just now his Highness being in these parts I have not had the same means as heretofore. As for our news I can tell you nothing save that those of Oudenarde continue to defend themselves well and the enemy to lose heavily. Our people are encamped four leagues from the enemy, and will today be reinforced by Mr Norris'e troops. The succour which his Highness expects from France wae on the 14th inst. at Crevecceur, two leagues from Cambray. I think it will soon join, and that the enemy mil then be compelled to raise the siege with shame and loss; if he is not so sooner, for other reasons which paper cannot carry, hut you will be able afterwards to hear. There are coming to the enemy from Naples 18 cornets of cavalry, and 3 of Burgundiang, who have arrived; also two tercios, one of which has started from Barcelona and already arrived at Genoa, and the other is to leave Sicily by sea. To fill their place the King of Spain is levying 6,000 landsknechts in Tirol, There is no doubt that the Duke of Savoy is trying to make his profit out of them against the Swiss, but they are well armed and ready. Anyhow, the duke disavows the enterprise against Geneva. The Duke of Saxony and other princes are oii their way to the Diet at Augsburg. The Emperor has been ill, and they say has been stopped by illness. The Bishop of Liege has proclaimed the Inquisition. The Dake of Lorraine is banishing all gentlemen of the KeKgion from bis territories. Those of the Confession have presented a request at Cologne to have • temples.'—-Antwerp, 19 June 1582, Add,

Ettdd. FT. %Vp,

[BolL and FL XTL 96.}

96 1582. June 20.

A.».

FOEEIGN PAPERS. 100. HEBLE to WALSINGHAM, Last Friday those of Ghent sent to his Highness persona of 'principal condition,' to 'show' that on the Wednesday mght before those of Oudenarde had made fires ' out of the town' to declare some extremity they were in ; wherefore they came to ' bespeak his aid and advice. To which it was answered by him that upon his credit, before 15 days from Friday at the furthest, the place should either be really delivered from the siege by forces 'apt' to remove it, or by such diversions as should stand them in stead. Whereupon those of Ghent returning home chose 5 resolute fellows to bring this assurance into Oudenarde, of whom two entered on Monday before day and made signs acceptable to the beholders, that they of the town were willing and able to endure a longer time without precipitation of aid before it were thoroughly ready. But the enemy ' presently' that Monday gave a great assault to the town, prevailing little, saving that they would weary the defenders with continual labour. Upon the same Monday* Balagny, Governor of Cambray, sent a gentleman of importance to signify to the duke that the reiters were come to Cambresis and not to Ghimay, in number 1,500, accompanied by 800 French lances and 4,000 shot. He desired that they might not be removed thence suddenly, in respect of an enterprise of importance that he had in hand. This is confirmed, and other forces are come to the frontiers before Gravelines to pass that way, said to appertain to the Prince Dauphin. There are in Cambresis 1,000 footmen more to accompany these reiters, and 400 lances with other troops that daily arrive, but no pikes. This number cannot be defeated in their march hither with any 'parcel' of the Prince of Parma's army, unless he remove his ' whole power, and frustrate the siege of Oudenarde. The opinion here now is that the French king does in good earnest mean to 'make lame' the King of Spain's encroachments and ambitions. The King ol Spain will have, as they say, 200 sail of ships ready by the middle of M y to defend Portugal and to offend those who are not well affected to him, ag appears by letters of 29 May from persons of importance at Lisbon. From Italy it is confirmed that 5,000 Spaniards are coming hitherward, and 8,000 Italians, footmen, and 2,500 horse; besides the forces from Germany and Burgundy which, are come and coming. On this side, they most look to three things substantially. First, thatOudenarde be not taken, upon which the Prince of Parma is obstinate, by reason that his enterprises hitherto in besieging have had good luck, and now ' stands him most upon,' to prevail or to be rained. The second is that their camp do not disband for lack of victuals; which is very 'near' to follow, if they provide not

ELIZABETH. A.D.

97

1582. better and sooner. And the third is, that, those companies be not defeated by the way before they join the body of the camp. If Monsieur's army be once established, there will be nmnv reyolters on the enemy's side; yet some great and secret mischief is in hand, which will horribly discover itself within short space. There are 4,000 pioneers in preparation in Brabant and the united provinces, of idle fellows to be employed in the camp. The Prince of Orange is again troubled with his catarrh, which will be dangerous if it falls inwards, as it threatens. The duke also, with this moist weather, is keeping his bed" of rheum since yesternight.—20 -June, Antwerp, 1582. Add,

June 20.

Endd. ljjjp.

[Ibid, XVI. 40.]

1Q1. WAISINCHEEAM to COBHAM. This bearer being sent by my Lord Chamberlain to conduct his dwarf over, I could not let him go without my letter, to let you know that I hare received your last, sent by your nephew Kerton, and have acquainted her Majesty with the contents of it. Considering she has here declared to the French ambassador that you had commission to answer the king in ease he should either deal with you or send to you about the matter of marriage, which you have also been directed to signify to M. Pinart, she greatly marvels that hitherto she hears nothing of the matter; especially since it has of late been given out by Bellievre in the Low Countries that the king was for his part willing and ready to i)erforni whatever was required of him, and that the stay grows from hence, which gives her cause to conceive that the Icing has now no more disposition that way. For my own part I think that he mistrusts her meaning in the matter, and that makes him keep off. It may be, too, that h£ finds her years to be so far spent that he does not perhaps think it convenient the match should now go forward. NeTOi-thttless it will be well, where you have any convenient opportunity, to put M. Pinart in mind of the direction you have to satisfy the king upon any motion made by him to you; being not convenient for her Majesty, her sex considered, that she should seem to offer herself in the matter, or press it forward. Meantime they in France, as you may see by the enclosed copy of a letter which" I have received from M. de Yilliers, seem to be very desirous of our friendship, which considering the terms we stand on both with Spain and Scotland I for my part find it very necessary we should make our profit of. Bnt such is the common course of all our proceedings here, that whim we want the friendship of the great princes or neighbours we lament that we have not sought it, but when it is offered us, we una&o little aeeoimt of it. I have had this letter now about eight days* in ray hand, lm% can as yet draw 110 resolution from her Majesty touching the terkinty of

FOEEIG-N PAPERS.

08

A.». 158 . ^ T h e x h a y e ihongM g o o d to send you that you may both perceive how the French now of themselves affect the amity which I was sent thither to treat of last year, and also know the cause of M. Bellievre's ambassage to the Low Countries. For the Earl Bothwell, you may there use him with all favour and courtesy, and let his governor understand (to whom I pray you I may he particularly remembered) that if the young nobleman pleases to paBS this way at his return homewards, he will be very welcome, and receive all good usage at her Majesty's hands.— 20 June 1582. Draft, Endd. by L. Tomson. l$pp. June 21,

[France. VII. 108.]

102, MASINO DEL BENE to "WALsnsaaur. I wrote lately to you, and tried to refute with, the best reasons I knew the opinion which you wrote me was held concerning the king's mind in regard to the affair of Geneva and also of _ Scotland. In order that you may see with regard to Geneva how his Majesty proceeds, you must know that Lucerne was the place where five Catholic—that is, fanatically Papist—cantons held. a diet; where, at the persuasion of Phyffer and some others in the pay of the Duke of Savoy and at present perhaps of the King of Spain and the Pope, it was resolved to aid the Duke of Savoy in the enterprise of Geneva. But afterwards, in the general diet held at Baden, the authority of our king was of such force that the representations made on his behalf by his ambassador to that nation brought those five cantons back to the opinion of his Majesty and the others, and the twelve cantons have sent a magnificent embassy to the Duke of Savoy tending to such end as you will see from the copy of the article taken from the original as it was resolved in the diet aforesaid. Those of Bern did not send, being interested in the matter ; to whom his Majesty has sent word that he will be ready to observe point by point all to which he is bound by the treaty for the protection of Geneva, namely 15,000 crowns per mensem, and to let his subjects go freely to their aid and service. His Majesty has also written privately to Phyffer and others of the more factious to warn them that if they do not abstain from doing these bad offices towards him he will use all the authority he has with the nation to get them chastised as for a thing that may breed the rtiin of the whole. Albeit it appears that the Duke of Savoy persists in his intention; but it is hoped that when he sees the resolution of the diet of Baden, he will take a little more heed to what he does; and the number may possibly increase of those who have found themselves the worse for attacking that nation. Meanwhile he has a report spread in his Court that he has done nothing without well knowing his Majesty's will thereon; wlueli, in order that no doubt may remain, his Majesty will easily cause to be declared by his ambassadors how it is in regard to _ what was done in full Diet. You may believe me that in this matter the king is walking honestly (va di buon piede); and that the others are fuming with rage at seeing that contrary to

ELIZABETH.

9f)

. 1582. what they thought we are about to ally ourselves more closely than ever with the Swiss, Not being able to hinder it, they would like to _ stir up civil war among that nation in order that it may be ruined, and we consequently left unsupported (? prki). The Bernese are not asleep, and Geneva is provided with victuals and munitions^ for a long time, and every day soldiers pour (piovano) thither, with good testimonials from their ministers to their life and valour; nor do they lose heart a bit. Our king has been amusing himself for the last two months, without however neglecting business. The Turkish fleet departed at last from Genoa on the 10th. They say that it was going to Negroponte. There had appeared 140 galleys, and others to the number of 200 were arriving every day and taking in biscuit there, in order to start when the general arrived with the commission for the enterprise. This and the other fleet from here are keeping the mind and the plans of the King of Spain in suspense, and gave and will give us much convenience. God grant that we may recognise it It is full four months since I pointed out there that it was necessary his Highness provided some good chief, and that if he thought to conduct his affairs in the same way as last year, he was mistaken, and hia affairs would go to ruin; that in this kingdom there was no person more to the purpose than M. de Biron, whom I had so disposed that I felt sure that if his Highness asked for him he would make up his mind to serve him in any way soever. On this point I had great difficulty, the gentleman in question being very ill content with his Highness for the small account he made of him. To do these offices with his Highness, I addressed myself to the Prince of Orange, from whom I have never had any particular answer; only in a general ^yayby one of Ms he tells me that he has received several letters from me full of good advice and advertisements, of which on occasion they will make capital, .without however saying anything else to me of it. His Highness lias written to the said gentleman by MM. BelHfevre and Villeroy, asking him to write to him, with commission to Belliftvrc to press him to consent. This he has done, and has brought back an excellent answer. If his Highness had done it when I advertised Mm, with a great opportunity for the waters with a chief like him, there would no longer he siege laid to Oudenarde. I wished to tell you of this, assuring myself that her Majesty will be pleased with it. The gentleman in question has not acted like them; rather he has hud a good remembrance of the trouble I took over it, and as soon as lie received his Higlmess's letter, he sent it to me by a Secretary of Ins, and sent me word that I should go and see Mm ami he would tell me the rest. If I had wished, as they say, to look at tli« matter minutely, I should long ago have made a retreat with very good cause, which I had done at the time vrhun you were here; but as it is a question of ruining the Pope and Uife Spaniard, I must at once put myself in the traces again; and in the hands of that gentleman I saw a letter from a personage who gimfew all the uffitira of his profession, in which in these iomiss he bids him have patience

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FOKEIGN PAPERS. .

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. • , " , ,

h propos of some discontent of his, and that things between the neighbour and us were in such a state that they eould not long stay so. I beg you to keep me in your favour, and to make in my name humble reverence to her Majesty.—Paris, 21 June 1582. (In French.) "Touching the warlike movements whieb. may '' supervene between our allies of Bern and the Duke of Savoy,_ we " have dispatched a notable embassy to go and visit his High' ness, and admonish him to peace, and to withdraw the garrisons ' which he has placed on the frontiers of our confederates. "We 'have made a similar representation to our allies of Bern. If ' they liave any claims the one against the other, let them dis' charge them by the way of justice according to the conventions f that they mutually have. We can in no way tolerate the conf tinued stay of the garrisons on our frontiers, and we hope that. ' both parties will accommodate themselves to our representations. " Otherwise our lords and head men (superimrs) will take steps " that our common country may remain in peace, and that our " neighbours be not disquieted and disturbed." Extracted from the acts of the Diet; where it befell, very amieh to the purpose, that our ambassadors happened to be. Add June 21.

Endd. Ital.

103. The

5 pp.

[France VII. 109.]

KING OF DENMARK

to the

QXJBBN.

We have received your letter in which you aim at testifying to the goodwill which you have shown towards settling the business of Herman Oldensel and John Elmenhorst, citizens of Lubeck, commended to you by us, and then show the reason why it was not your fault that it was not finished. The substance of this letter having by our order been communicated for their information to those whom it concerns, they replied that they would not deny that you put forward no uncertain arguments to show your devotion to their cause, for which they expressed suitable thanks. But if their demands have failed to obtain the issue that was meet, they do not lay the blame on you, but only upon those to whose care and good faith the cause was committed. For they affirm that Backford, the .accused party and their opponent, is so backed by the patronage and good will of his relations, who are in high favour and authority at your Court, that it is hardly probable that the business and the arguments on both sides have been honestly reported to you, much less conducted with them. This they would prove by the fact that you mention on the evidence of others, a w °Uf « ', t I i a t tlie >' W 0 I l l d u o t accept the sum of money ottered them unless they obtained from you the right to export ~uo cloths free of the usual payment. For they say they did not propose this as a eondition in the present business, but by way of-a petitaon, that having been several times spoiled of their goods, and detained there so long over this case, while the exportation of cloth *as generally forbidden, they might have leave to send over >>00 pieces on payment of your customs' dues

A.». 1582. As for their refusal to accept £tM 14s. 4d. as compensation, it was because that sum did not equal the amount of their expenses and losses, much less the value of the plundered goods, and therefore they could not honestly subscribe that condition. Also at that time they declined to prosecute the case further, both because they are unable to bear the necessary expenses, and because the accused with his patrons was their superior iu authority and favour, which though it ought not to do so, usually has great weight in judicial affairs. But since the accused calls for law, not because he relies on law, but that he may entangle the accusers in legal complications and so exhaust them and compel them to drop the case, they have to ask [•>] that they may either obtain their rights against the accused without a i^rolix jirocess of law, or by an order take their case elsewhere to a court which would have fewer suspicions agaiust them. So, as that misfortune befel them in our waters, they have called upon us for permission to have that tried by our leave [?]. We have preferred however to intercede with you again, that you would first see to the clearing up and removal of all the suspicious matters with which the defendant's case appears to be packed; and next, since the owner of a pirate vessel is bound by universal [covimiuii] law to [make good] all property stolen and damage done, even if only a part or none at all has come into his hands, and his agents have fled away, and it is clear that Seckford was the author and chief doer of the crime, and thus the case is plain and open, and needs no further explanation in the law-court, that you would seriously induce Seckford, setting aside any longer delays and other dodges [praestigiis] which he and his patrons are seeking by process of law to compensate them for the goods stolen and damages incurred, and let them have no reason for further eomplaintj or the adoption of other methods. Copy, Endd. with date. Latin, %$pp. [Denmark I. 14.] June 22.

104.

DUKE

CisraiR to the QUEEN.

George Zolclier, a citizen of Strasbrarg, having represented to me the services which he has done, and wishes to continue, to your Majesty, begs me to intercede for him that you would appoint him some annual pension, with the post of eoiu-ier or messenger to yourself. I beg you to give him a share of your favour.—Fridelsheim, 22 June 1582. Add. June 22.

Endd. Fr.

% p.

[Germany II. 82.]

105. HEKEY EICHABDS to WALSINGHAJI. Tercera, 22 June.—I must let you understand the arrival of Monsieur Landrew [PAndereau], who came with. 8 sail of small ships and pinnaces, in which he brought between 600 and TOO soldiers. Shortly after, in the road here, ha brought two snipes more, about the' burden of 200 tons apiece: one he made I its

102 A.D. 1582.

.

FOREIGN PAPERS.

. . . / ' admiral,' the other his ' vice-admiral.' Having so done, and refreshed himself and his company, he determined to set sail for St. Michael's, where myself and another English captain called Sackfilde, in two small ships, accompanied Monsieur, being our general. Coming { thwart' Eoad of St. Michael's we discovered 6 sail of Spaniards at anchor under the castle ; two of them great galleons, being admiral and vice-admiral to the other four sail, they being caravels, yet very well provided. It was agreed by our general to 'put in with' the road, and he to hoard the admiral of the Spaniards, commanding his grapnel to be cast into the Spaniard, he being off the shore, and ' accorant' [qy. a current] against our general, was [_sic] put to leeward,. and could not ' fetch u p ' the admiral, so that he did little good. M. Truiie ('>}, vice-admiral, boarded the Spanish vice-admiral. In boarding, the captain of the Ifrench was slain, with 60 or 70 men the most of them slain. She was extremely spoiled with great shot, so that they had great ' care' to keep her from sinking between St. Michael's and this place. There were aboard together [or qy. to get her] 6 only; and for my own part and the English captain, we discharged that we agreed on. judge divers of the Spaniards were slain; they came from the shore with fresh men aboard the Spaniards. This was all we did against St. Michael's. Daily we look for the coming of M. de ' Stros.' It is reported he comes with 50 or 60 sail of ships, I doubt his coming, for the island is of such force that if no more aid comes, we hope to ' defend' the enemy. Add, Endd. 1 p.

June 23.

[Portugal L 80.]

106. M. DE HAISSB to the QUEEN MCEHEB. Considering how much it imports the king's service today to be faithfully informed of all movements and their causes, I would not fail to dispatch to you my brother, the present bearer, to advertise you that his Holiness, taking the same road which he is said, as I then gave you to understand, to have essayed last winter, a fortnight ago made very pressing advances towards the ambassador of these bignioi-B at his Court, about a league offensive and defensive of the Catholic prinees, and for' two consecutive days treated of this business alone with him, deeming that he could thus conduct it more secretly than in full' senate/ as would have been done by the other. Wherein, among other persuasions which he used to attract them, he is said to have assured him that he would make the Catholic king intervene as principal executor, towards whom he was to that end dispatching Signor Odescaleo. He felt sure that his Majesty s good will was such that he would not fail to enter into this plan (parti). He had moreover offered to give these Signior s as tt perpetual security for this league the territories of Ravenna, and Oervia, they handing him for them 300,000 crowns once for all. Benig advertised by their ambassador of this negotiation, after noiding several councils on this affair they have let his Holiness

ELIZABETH.

108

A.D. 1582.

know that as regards the league offensive and defensive they have by no means resolved to bind themselves to it, both because they wish to remain at peace with all the princes ' comprised by it,' without making further enquiry about their religion, and because tney see that the affairs of Italy, and particularly of their own state, are so tranquil that there is no need at this moment to have recourse to defence. Having dispatched [sic] a courier to Borne upon this resolution, the Pope has thought it well not to content himself with the first refusal, but to return again and more hotly to the charge by Ms resident legate here. This was done four or nve days ago, in such wise that their dealings about it are very close and these Signiors occupied in making up their minds. _ I will not offer any judgement on this proposal, nor on the intention of his Holiness, because you have been, and will in future be, able to see something of it by the recent action compared with the preceding words and promises. It will be sufficient for my duty to warn you to be on your guard lest in this affair there be something concealed; inasmuch as in all that has been or is being discussed here, no design or basis has been mentioned of aiding France, bat simply of making a conjunction of the forces of the Catholic princes, to attack and to defend themselves against states and princes who have accepted another religion, which is a thing very remote from aiding. It has caused these Signiors to walk cautiously, fearing lest under a generality of words and without specifying anything, it is desired to bind them, in order afterwards to compel them to declare themselves so far as, and against whomsoever, it may seem good to his Holiness, who, accordingly, is not likely to get from them an answer other than the first; all the more so that any instance to this effect has proceeded from the Mng, and they cannot think, seeing the good credit which he has in this Signiory, that if this practice tended solely to the assistance or good of France, it would not have been set on foot, or at least aided by his Majesty's favour. Hereupon, Madam, I feel sure that in whatever position affairs here may be, you will know well how to command me what you will, when you perceive there is need of it. Meanwhile you cannot enlighten yourself better than by having attention diligently paid to the doings of Odesealco, in order to compare them with those of the ministers who have been sent to you from his Holiness to entertain you '_ upon' offers and words, while he niakes every effort to conclude this league ; and for the defence of Avignon to put as many troops as possible in Provence, whieh are aids and remedies that sometimes result in great local inconvenience, principally where by internal divisions foreign armies are nourished and swstainea, Which may G-od not permit, but as it is hoped here give yon grace to conclude bj your prudence a final agreement between tlwrn peoples, to the great good of the king and the trauyuillity of his realm.—Venice, 23 Jane 1582. P>S.~-There arrived in this town a fey days ago a servant of the Duke of Florence. He hats this morulng had seeret audience of these Signiors, and pursued the same subject na the legate of his

104

FOREIGN PAPERS.

A..0.1582.

Holiness is doing. This makes me humbly bog of you to let me know the king's intention and yours, for the hope I have of bringing the Signiors to a complete settlement herein. (Signed) Hurault, Copy, made in France. Endd. in French; Duplicate of the letter which the ambassador of the King of France at Venice wrote to the Queen the 2Srd June 1582. Fr. 3 pp. [Venice I. 5.] .Tune 23

107- COUHT DA SILVA to WALSINGHAU. I have always much wished to write to you, but I lament the business which I have ; which is such that till today it has not let me have an hour to do it. Now I have desired to steal oue to remind you that in this island I hold myself so ready to your service as you will plainly see ii you like to send me word wherein I may serve you, or occasion offers in which I may show it. I hold myself bound to do this for you, aB I am your debtor on behalf of the king my master. And how delighted I am with this, I trust in God to show you clearly when I get to Portugal, where I shall bo better able to do it. I shall be happy if meantime you will send me word to this island of anything for your service, that you may understand the good will with which I will see to it, and the desire I have to have an opportunity.—Angra, 28 June 1582. Add. Endil

June 23,

Port. £ p.

[Portugal I. 81.]

108. HORATIO PALE,AVIOINO to WALSINGHAM. Since my last to you I have heard more precisely what were the tortures that my brother and Signor Prospero Spinola had in prison at Bonie. So grievous and eruel were these that they could not move "even though four weeks had elapsed, and my brother could hardly sign his name so that the characters (litvratm-a) might be recognised. He still remains at Borne, not securely confined, not daring to write to me, and has informed of his state through a third person. I doubt above all things that these most reckless and cruel people will never let him go, and that he remaining subject to their lack of judgement (indmreaione) will fall from one mishap to another. If M. Arnault does not help him in so small a matter as his release from the aforesaid confinement, I skajl judge that it is hopeless anxiety, and shall take steps at once to set myself free and to be independent of them in things small and great, and be entirely free without prejudice to my brothers, to whom I have explained the necessity m regard to this, and I ought soon to have a decision trora them. Letters from Spain of the 12th inst. are just to hand. The king who had been IHWM ou Fadrique, Bteward to bis Majesty. Don Alvaro de Yenavides,nephew to the Marquis of Sta. Cruz. Don Pedro Ponce, son to the Marquis, born in Granada, Don Pedro de Acujte. Don G". de Guevara. Don Her*o del Aquilo. Don John, de Granada, Mareelo Curvehulo. , . Don John de Venavides, administrator of tiie hospitals for the hurt and siofe. The licentiate Maiquero Figueroa, administrator and auditor for the men of war.

There remain in the haven of Lisbon for the coast, 13 galleys and the 2 galleasses that eame from S great ships, all well furnished and appointed. Emld.

2 | pp.

[Hpahi L 99.~]

of the , Mid 5

110 1582. June 27.

I0BEIGN PAPEBS.

A.D.

113. CGBHA^I to WALSINGHAM. Having 'procured to obtain' access to the king by means of MM. Pinart and Grondi I could not aa yet' attain ' thereto. But M. Gondi has now promised me and the other ambassadors we shall get audience next week at the king's return to Fontainebleau; which ia not yet so certain as I could wish. Since leaving off his diet, his Majesty has passed his time very privately, going to many places, but not staying very long in any, recreating himself for the better recovery of his appetite and strength. Meantime some have made sundry judgements upon the king's -withdrawing himaeli from affairs, supposing he retires in that maimer till he may see the proceedings of Don Antonio's army by sea, and what course the Duke of Savoy will run in his new enterprise of Geneva, In this it is said that the king has done some good offices to them of that town, both through the negotiation of M. Mandelot, governor of Lyons, M. ' Hotford' [Hautefort], brother to Bellievre, and M. de FLeury, elder brother to M. de Marchaumont. He has also lately sent to the Duke of Savoy by M. Bourdin, nephew to Pinart, in earnest manner and in appearance much in favour of those of Geneva. Howbeit it is aa yet understood the Duke remains very obstinate in his purpose. _Mandelot and Hautefort have sent wovd hither that they find King Philip's money to have much corrupted the Papist cantons, so much that they ' staggered' from the cantons of the Religion, and those of Geneva, but they are now better united, as it is hoped. The wisest sort in this Court judge that the Duke of Savoy would not have followed this enterprise without assurance had of the pope and other princes of Christendom ; wherefore most doubt it will not take so sudden an end. The Mug, when last at Fontainebleau, entered into some private discourse with his sister of Navarre, wherein he ' showed to have' good liking of the love he understood was between her and her husband; persuading her by all loving ways to continue therein, which she vowed to the king. On this he ' entered' further, and told her he supposed her husband inwardly misliked she would keep about her Mademoiselle de Fosseux, by whom he had lately had a child; persuading her that her husband could not think she loved him since she could be contented to keep about her so large a partner of his affection. The king further showed her that he could not like that a maid ' known of sueh infamy' should accompany the queen his wife's maidens. On this conference, and receiving like speeches from the Queen Mother, the Queen of Navarre resolved to send away Mile de Fosseux; which she did presently. The King of Navarre being advertised of this sent one of his trusty servants to his wife, ( showing' to be greatly offended with her sudden and violent dealing towards that maiden, with a message mingled with bitter words. So the king and Queen Mother, tmdmg the King of Nnvawe to be moved herewith, have sent the Marcus of Cm-ton with very amiable letters in excuse of the Queen of Navarre.

ELIZABETH. A.D.

HI

1582. The King of Navarre has returned to Saint-Jean-d'Angely, to be present at the assembly of those of the Keligion, which began about the 19th inst. When it is ended he is to repair into Languedoc, upon some disorder happened between those of the Eeligion and the papists of certain towns. Meantime the Prince Dauphin continues his preparations for levying certain companies. M. de Laval, Count Bocltefoucault and other gentlemen do the like, the king being contented they should pass quietly without annoying or damaging the country. By letters from Spain it is understood the king has assigned nil the old bands, besides the 10,000 new levied soldiers, to be addressed to the enterprise of the Isles of Terceiras. They are beginning to march, towards Portugal. Moreover the ' distress ' which Don Sancho d'Avila had suffered in Africa is verified by those letters, as also that two akahUs of the King of Fez had been received at Tangier in Africa, by whom it was reported that the said king had sent an ambassador to the Turk with rich presents. Also that the Cortes in Castile began on May M. They further certify that the 'army' sent by the Spanish king to the Straits of Magellan had arrived safely, having taken by the way two great ships which robbed on those coasts. Don Antonio [sic] Colonua is to be viceroy of Milan, and Don Andreetta Dorio [sic] is appointed viceroy of Sicily. The Catholic king has ordered the guard of the viceroy of Naples to be all Italians, which was never before accustomed. Also the ordinary companies within that realm will be placed along the coast of Apulia for its better defence. Count Olivares has gone with the Duke of Florence to Pisa, to solemnise the Order of the Town, which was sent him from the Catholic King. I am told that three Cardinals are repairing to the Puke of Savoy, under the pretence of visiting the napkin of Our Lord which is at Turin. The three are Borroineo, Paleottos aiul Alessandrino. But their purpose is esteemed to be the forwarding of the enterprise against Geneva. It is further signified that the Spaniards and Italians will all repair in small troops for the same effect. They give out in this Court that in Brussels, Mechlin, and Lierre they have introduced the papist religion again. It is also bruited that the States complained to M. Bellifewe that the ting did not ' deliver that demonstration ! towards his brother which it was given them to understand he would perform. To this 31. IMhevre, as they say, answered that it were eonvtmieut for than first to return 'to the Catholic religion, which being done ihey woukt huye proof of the king's goodness. Otherwise he could not p r o f i t m their behalf as they required.

112 A.D.

FOEEIGN PAPEBS. 1582. I send you herewith advertisements from sundry places, on two sheets oi paper.—Paris, 27 Jane 1582. Add. Endd. 5 pj). [France VII. 111.]

June 27.

114. COBHAM to WAIBISGHAM. I forgot in my last letter to tell you how the king has newly ordered his Privy Council, having appointed fifteen o£ them to serve quarterly in. Court, and sit daily together in the Council chamber, besides those who are princes. Also the secretaries are now to be reputed in the number of the Councillors and sit at the table where before they stood. The king allows every Councillor 4,000 francs yearly for the table. He assigns every one of them a key for the Council-chamber, and the usher with a key to stand at the door to let in the princes. Chaplains are allowed, to say their daily mass before their entrance into Council. Moreover the king has caused a window to be made in the Council-chamber out of a cabinet whence he may see and hear what passes, and commands a like window, with glass, to be made in all his ordinary houses for the like purpose. He promises to ' be assisting' with his Council at least once in fifteen days. I have sent into Normandy, wherein I have used the means of M. de Montdgni. One of my own is also gone into those parts, to see how the Dukes of Guise and Mayenne with the other princes of that House pass their time. They departed hence last week to Gaillon hi Normandy; but as yet I am not advertised of those particulars. I have spoken to M. Sehomberg concerning the diamond, and perceive from him that you have yet time enough to send it. He promises me I shall have in writing the course they take in the lottery. I have been informed in this sort of the present affairs of Don Antonio, that M. Strozzi's ships and companies had joined Count Brissac's about the beginning of this month, of which Don Antonio being certified, he departed from Tours the Monday in ' 'Whitsunday week/ taking with him Gount Yimioso and the test of his Portuguese nobility, and his three friars. He embarked on the 15th, and departed nest day, being Saturday, about 4 o'clock in the morning, with his whole fleet, 'compounded' of 60 sail, wherein were embarked about 2,000 men under Count Brissae and almost 4,000 commanded by M. Bt-rozai, besides 1,200 levied at the charges of Don Antonio, commanded by Don Antonio de Meneses. For three days they had prosperous winds and weather, but the winds have since been contrary to their landing in Portugal, which is Don Antonio's intention, if it please God; seeing he is very courageously r 2 " ^ g i , d ° B0BU) e x P l o i t t 0 the prejudice of King Philip. They left Belle Isle together. Don Antonio has taken with him as prisoners Bodengo de Souza and Fran, de Costa, who was lately !**•. t 0 Pettwmde him to eome to some composition with King ilnhp. I hear King Philip has commanded the Marquis of fcfmtft Cruz to draw near the coast of (Micia with his galleys.

ELIZABETH,

113

/ur>. 1582. The Moors in Africa begin to have a, will to pass to their allies of their tribes in Spain. Bon Luis de Tayda, viceroy of the Portuguese Indies, has' carried himself constantly' towards Don Antonio, being his confident minister, upon consideration he sometime served the Infante Don Luis, father to Don Antonio. I have been informed that this king and his mother have disbursed for this Portuguese exploit the sum of 300,000 crowns or more. Don Antonio Brito Pimentel is left at Tours as Don Antonio's agent. I wrote to Don Antonio concerning her Majesty's pleasure touching those English captains imprisoned at Tours, and the letter, I hear, was delivered to him. Now hearing of Ms departure, I have written to Antonio Brito entreating for their liberty, and trust they will be favourably dealt with, Oustodio Leitam is aj>pointed by Don Antonio to repair into England to inform her Majesty of his proceeding, and so to pass into inlanders to hasten away the ships which are prepared there for these causes. This is as much as I have got intelligence of touching Don Antonio and his army. Count Torres Vedras has lately advertised Don Antonio that he can spare him 2,000 shot, all men of the Tereeiras, and yet be able with the rest to defend the Islands. As concerning the cause of the marriage, I hear now no further speech of it, though on June 2 I wrote to M. Pinart, upon the message he delivered to my servant, that when the king pleased I was ready to declare so much touching it as I had received from her Majesty. To this ' purpose ' I have received no answer, though he has satisfied me since on all the other contents of my letter which concerned the English merchants. I shall not forget to put him in mind of it. The Queen Mother and her daughter of Navarre have been at ' Velleeotroy' \qy. Villers-Ooterets] and Monceaus. They are this morning returned to the Tuileries, where they do not stay, put repair to Saint-Maur and so to Fontainebleau. The Queen Mother has put from her Faty, one of the maids oi her bedchamber, a Greek born, who has long been nourished with her, and is married to one of her moitra atache and barque, eommaaded by Capt. Antoine Scalin, who awaited the passage of the fleet at Sables d'Olonne, to join with. 700 or 800 men. It is estimated that when all are assembled there will be 5,000 lighting-men, for there are some companies of 200, besides sundry gentlemen, with more or fewer followers, who are following some of the lords abovementioned, for their own pleasure, and not without a place in the companies. Endd. June 27.

Fr.

2J pp.

[Ibid. TIL 114.]

116. Summary, in the hand of Burghley's secretary, of the news conveyed in Cobham's letters of this date.

[Ibid. VII. US.] June 27.

117.

The KING OF DBSMAKK to the QUEEN.

"We are sending this our servant Eobert Jaeobi, lapidary, to your realm to buy there lapis Alabmtrites which we want for our castle of Cronenborg, now in course of building, and see to the shipping of it across in any vessel whieh he may be able to get for the purpose. But whereas we hear that you have .forbidden the exportation of that stone withoixt your express leave, we have thought it right to ask yon to grant our servant the necessary letters to buy without impediment and freely send over to us, witliout duty, so much as he may judge sufficient for the purpose in question.—Cronenborg, 27 June 1582. (Sipied) Frederieus Bex, Add. June 28.

Endd. Latin.

1 p.

[Denmark I. 15.]

118. HEBLE to WALSIN<MI£M:. I received yesterday from yon a letter of the 24th ins*, signifying the receipt of a packet of mine delivered you by the post. But there is another which you should have had rineo, by one Lieutenant Denys, unless he be too long stayed by the way. lew: charge, that I should continue writing to you, aiiiill ha performed

FOEEIGN PAPEBS.

il6

with the best diligence that I can use. If I may have your countenance here in some good manner, I will do her Majesty such service that she shall have cause indeed to thank you; for such is my poor credit and access that I can penetrate into their secrets, and have as many news, -with reputation to decipher things, as any of my ' cote' may presume. If I were rich, she and you should ' perceive' in a larger sort. I now send my servant on purpose to England, to procure some provision for my charges of those poor things I have there; by whom I also keep promise with you; for herewith you shall receive certain secret observations of mine, which I beseech you to commit to the fire when you have read them, and to attribute 'alonely'to my zeal home to her Majesty's estate the roundness and simplicity that I use therein, without respect had to others. I have acquainted none therewith, but only my Lord of Leicester, and not sooner than now; and have not yet signified to him that which you are privy to, which therefore I commend to your discretion, whereon I repose myself. I have sent her Majesty a 'platt' of Oudenarde, drawn exactly at large, and the country about it, with the breach that is made near the ravelin of ' Gawnteporte.' Neither the Duke nor the Prince 'have' the like plan, nor was any made by the governor, but the same by my own procurement, which is approved to be a very perfect one. It might please you to recommend it to her Majesty as a mite that is presented by a zealous poor servant of here.

.

The state of the town at present is thus. They have beaten down the curtain, ravelin, and part of the gate aforesaid, on the north side, where in the plan you may see them enter to the assault; and have filled up the ditch along a great space, even to the point of their battery eastwards, with faggots brought from the wood under the hill on the south side of the town. They were 15 days filling up the ditch, by reason that the stream of the river, increased by the inundation, ran so swift that it carried the stuff away faster than it could be cast in; and until they with an extreme diligence had made an infinite number of bags of their tents, which being of ' gross dowlayes' and filled with earth were cast in, which suddenly raised a mighty wall that resisted the course of water, they could advance nothing. But then it was easy with faggots and rubbish to occupy the place, and make it a firm passage, between the (argyne ' of bags and the gate of the town. By reason of this, they brought their assault under cover of their trenches to the very breach, without danger from the ravelin, which is now won by them. Yet those within have so countertrenehed the breach that the enemy has given over the hope of doing any more good there with his ordnance, and therefore leaves shooting and deals at the foot of the curtain by way of mine, to overthrow the gate and the wall along, to make passage that way, and to cut between the ravelin and the town. But to meet this, those within have made a great spacious half-moon, well flanked and draped (?) at the end of two large streets that meet before that gate, whereby

ELIZABETH.

117

A.D. 1582.

they fear their mine the less, unless it should break inward undiscovered ; nor do they fear the loss of the gate and ravelin, having thus provided for the -worst, having by good hap detained two engineers within the town when the siege first began, who now may stand them in good stead. The house that receives their waters and river, in nature of a sluice (marked with a yellow Eoman T), is the preservation of the town, for thereby they overflow all the green pastures about—the river of Grhent staying also the river with them, causing it to swell upwards to the advantage of those of Ondenarde—which bars the enemy ' to ' annoy them in more than two places, and BO they are not ' subject' to disperse their guards, nor weary their people overmuch. Within the water-house the Duchess of Parma's mother was bom, daughter to a crossbow-maker that dwelt{ there. And where the water is reduced into a round pool, and written upoii, Seheld f.' there is a house over against it, marked with the figure of 50, having three green trees before it within an ' harbour,' in which the duchess herself was born ; who, for the favour she ' pretends' to her birth-place, sent them of Oudenarde three weeks ago a ' blank' to ' write upon' their own conditions, so they would surrender themselves to the king's government. The first battery was at the foot of the hill and wood ; by reason of the abundance of water, it beeame vain. To that wood and hill, since Mr Norris eame to the camp, the Prince of Parma's horsemen have retired, who before ' lay at large.' The enemy's camp continues within trenches, 3 English miles full [sic]. The prince himself lies among the • Allemaynes,' lodged at the abbey with two steeples. On Tuesday, Vffliers, marshal of our eamp, with 1,200 foot, of whom 400 were ' armed pikes' of our nation, marched under the cover of woods, well guided, till he 'made atto' within half a league of the enemy; and 'thence sending' Eoger Williams with 80 English lances and a dozen argolettiers to discover the camp, lie very valiantly charged the enemy's corpsth-t/arde, consisting of 3 cornets of Albanese, and chased them within pistol-shot of the Marquis of Eisbourg's tents, where taking four brave prisoners, M returned in safety to Yilliers, who should have seconded him jviUi 300 Flemish lances, but he was so ' respective' [of his own saMy, eratol] that the Prince of Orange bade B. WilliamH, ftt his coming hither today, 'that' another time, if the other troops M not charge with him cheek by cheek, to suffer them to go on lutntdy themselves. The alarm was terrible in the enemy's camp, supposing that our whole forces were eome to eharge them, TVIIK-II matle a great confusion. Our camp m to remove t» tlw Castle of Oavw*roaworthe enemy, and tomorrow the time aspires ' t h a t ' Monsieur promised upon his honour to relieve Oiideiiarde, either by ' dn-ertmeiit or Infighting with the enemy, and yet nothing done.

118

FOEEIGN PAPERS. The enemy five days ago sent 22 cornets of horse into Artois, to observe the reiters. We had an 'exploit' upon Armentieres, and upon Corttriek, whither Eochepot and Captain York were addressed, with 400 horse and 1,000 foot; but miesed both places. At Cortncli they made three several sealados, and were repulsed with a loss of 150 men, ot whom two were captains. Thus our ' divertments' have become vain, as at Aersehot also; for either the providence of the enemy is great, who sent horse and foot to aasist these places, or our purposes by lightness discovered before we begin. They have another enterprise a t ' Bollduck' in hand, but it is followed by ' practice ' rather than by surprise. It has been long a-managing, but nothing effected. And now they have sent' StralT the { Amant' [fy. Amptman] within these four days, with one of the colonels of the town to do somewhat there 'of new,' who are not yet returned. In these terms stand we at present, for Oudenarde and other affairs; the duke having procured with much ado that the town has undertaken, yesterday, to furnish 6,000 guilders, and Flanders disburses 100,000, to muster therewith our whole camp, new bands as well as old, at Ghent, for the reiters are already paid, and to give them a month's pay, that we may know our forces, and consequently how to employ them. Today is arrived here the Count oi Mansfeldt, conductor of our reiters, greatly welcomed by Monsieur and the Prince. He came from Ms troops (who are 5 comets, containing 1,500 horse, well filled with gentlemen) to Boulogne, and thence by ship to Dunkirk. His troops lie in Artois, accompanied by 800 French lances, 200 argolettiers, and 400 French, horse, who came before into CambrMs. There are also 3,000 (foot shot.' The footmen lie at Marquyon, a strong ground by reason of the marshes, and the horse at Arleux and TEscluse, making daily incursions to the gates of Arras, spoiling and ' branscatting' the whole country. They are also attempting to win Vys [Vis-en-Artois], a place of strength within 2J leagues of Arras, though it be not held pregnable without the cannon; which therefore is to amuse and divert the enemy. Fervactiues is by this come into Cambre"sis, and brings bis ( band of ordinance' with him and 500 horse, with the footmen of Normandy, accompanied by M, la Ferte. Also Laval is looked for daily wrfcli his troops at Oambray, being well onward in his way a-marching. For the Smteers that Monsieur should have, it seems that they are stayed by their Cantons at home, sinee the enterprise against G-eneva was discovered. The new forces that lie in Artois should take their journey, in their march hitherwards, by Beaumont, over the little river Scarpe to ' Bibbeeourte' [Libercour] and to'Mount en Pewle,' leaving Douay on the right hand and Lens on the left, proceeding to Pont-a-Bouvines, to Neuvilie and Hall&wyn, and so to ' Mennyng/ upon Lys, a town of our own; a fair ready way, without impeachment of livers or strong places, yet leaving Lille two leagues on

ELIZABETH

119

A.D. 1582.

the left hand. From Meenen is hut 7 leagues to Oudenarde, and 10 to Ghent. But the sure way hither is by Ypres, Dixniude, and Nieuwport, and then along the seaside to Bruges etc. It is thought that the Prince of Parma's horse, joined with the garrisons of Artois, will either fight with the reiters, or ' eogte' them, to take some advantage. The French king's promise for the shutting up of the passages of Mezieres and Calais is not performed, which discourages those of Holland and Zealand, and breeds great languishing to these affairs. Sundry Frenchmen come to Monsieur daily, and depart as they come (like the humour of that nation), which they account here but entertainments, and thereby mistrust the rest of the French assurances, both for the contribution that the king hath promised, and for the aid of his ' hands of ordinance' etc. Whereof we conclude that his favourites, and some more seeret cause, lead him, more than judgement or regard of his outward composition doea. It is excused, notwithstanding, that the king defers things for the best, and may not discover himself before he have planted forces in Burgundy,much are ' ascending' thither,they say, to 'preoccupate' plans of defence before the Spaniards and Italians come that -way. Passage is demanded of the Duke of Lorraine for these Spaniards and Italians to march through his country, but nothing granted as yet. At Cologne huge preparation is matte of munition and arms for the( Prince of Parma; and those of the Beligiou there demand of their magistrate' public places for the exercise of their religion. If it be denied, they mil be strong enough shortly to urge it. The means to have money here for the maintenance of the wars, and for the ( answering' of the contributions promised by the States-General, grows harder and harder. Some begin to accuse the ill choice of officers that this Council of State hiw established in the finances. [Note: The Council of State, by nu agreement between the duke and the States-Gteneral, are ckuiged every nix mouths]; and that unless the husbandmen be defended from the enemy, and rid from the soldiers that are lodged upon them, the towns onlv are not able to bear fcho burden of these principal «mlri)>utions. And withal by the departure of Mr Norris from ChwMerland, that whole country is like truly to be lost; for Yerdsigo's forces are increased, and the nobility of (hielderland ill devoted to this State, and • do urge * the Religions rr&te: besides that he who is once master of the field there, commands the towns in like manner. It will be a great wound to this State, and a maim in their finances. There are other piques and inward jeutotis-aew that begin to rise in this town and elsewhere, whereof yon shall shortly hear more. And if Oudenarde withal be not snceotiml in time, both Monsieur and the Prince will taste of a tae l&atiloii eyes mo3iey is the ebief errand they would toive. Monsieur would atmd over to her Majesty a present o£ tapestry (which I have mm), to the value of 18,000 guilders; but lie would have mma yoort enterprise succeed iii'si, to recommend hiw present the mor«.

120 A.D. 1582.

'FOREIGN PAPEBS. ,. . , ,, . Du Piessis had his dispatch yesterday for his journey to this Imperial Diet, being first directed to the Dlike of Bouillon; who Uc. dix Plessis] is principal commissioner for Monsieur, to negotiate at the said Diet for him and the causes of these Provinces United. (One part of his instructions is to confirm these two ' Gntzes [Kreise] or circles of Low Countries, under the obeysance of the Empire, in all duties and rights, and then to demand the duke's investiture as a prince of the Empire. The rest is the justification of the States ; which I am promised -with the other articles the week it comes in. Yet by letters from great personages of Germany, it cannot be perceived that there is any certainty of the time when the Diet will begin. Sainte-Aldegonde is returned from Zealand, and his ' Tysyck' continues. Col. Stewart was to have departed a se'nnight since to Batemburg, and thence back to ' Oamphine' \_qy- Kampen] to take ship into Scotland. But a warrant of Monsieur's whereby he should have received 10,000 guilders has been deferred in the payment, which may stay him here longer than he would. He should return hither with 600 or 700 soldiers; but there is some special matter in handling besides, from the Duke and the Prince, by him with the Scottish king, whereof please have good regard; for Stewart is a creature of d'Auhigny's, a ' favour' of the House of Guise, grounding his master's greatest interests upon that family, if his title in England shall be either quarrelled with or delayed. I'o conclude, he is French in affection, and scarce lukewarm in religion, whereof I can tell you more when you shall please to hear particularly so mean a one as I am. In themeantime I am glad that our men among others will have some training here against all events that might happen at home. I assure you that Mr Norris is a person of great sufficience for his years, and of singular judgement and silence withal; being much humbled and reformed since the loss of the battle in Friesland. Yet Monsieur intends not, either for his merits, or forJ what the Queen has written earnestly in his favour, to ' continue him any other title of honour or prorogation than that of colonel over the English regiments, so that the name of General, or Campmaster, must cease. Colonel Morgan also has the reputation of assured experience in. martial affairs, very honest, and of as much ' value' as may be joined with counsel. You may please to take some occasion to let them understand that they are beholden to me and that there is account made both of my speeches and person, which may serve as matter hereafter to do good in, as well for my countrymen as for my_ further credit, wherein you will receive some service also; which I commend to your good consideration and favour, especially to cherish this nursery of soldiers that be here, a number truly of proper valiant mm as may be seen, Lionels o f feh? n e w ^ m e a t s and the old are partly ' qualified and reconciled; but there are bad instruments among

ELIZABETH.

121

A.D. 1582.

them that enkindle new matter daily, which the folly of the one side cannot eschew. I have done good office therein, though I be hardly rewarded of some. The new English soldiers of Mr North's regiment and Mr Cotton's, having neither money nor meat at St. Bernard's, where they were put into an empty place, and not allowed any other quarter, have now mutinied and taken prisoners and spoils, which breeds much ado. Mr Norris's new bands and Col Morgan's are well provided for. Don Antonio's declarations now published here tend ('in'imitating those heretofore of Zealand and Holland) to make profit by selling licences to merchants that traffic into Spain, of what country soever ; who, purchasing their surety this way, are borne in hand to be well protected. But this ' proves not in sequel' that many become buyers of these licences, notwithstanding those great assurances 'pretended'; but rather it has discredited Don Antonio's actions, whieh they suppose will be now converted into piracy or 'imposture.' Hereupon is risen a speech that this declaration had ' his' birth here and not at Tours, and that Villiers the preacher's counsel was therein, who being well paid for his labour designed and fashioned the declaration, to the shape it is of. Don Antonio's navy threatens to meet the West Indies fleet returning hi August. Advertisement is even now come to Monsieur that those of the castle "of Lalaing lately submitted to his government have procured those of Douay to follow their example; who, it- is said, upon certain conditions of their liberties and reservations of their religion, have ranged themselves also under Monsieur. But this is doubtful, both because ' Chartyers' is the instrument to speed it, who has given out other untrue things heretofore, and because it carries neither likelihood nor necessity; 'being' a vehement papistical town. But I fear me rather there is some present danger impending to Oudenarde, which they will (' ill' following a common ruse used here) ' counterpoise' within [sic] such news of sis days' continuance, to cancel or qualify such loss. And I fear me further that the enemy at Oudenarde may have some secret mine, beside that which is ' pretended' outwardly, to lead him into the inward parts of the town, whence lie may surprise it by a sally when he sees his time. Those of ' Vyllf ord ' are not yet reconciled, which is a great eontempt of authority, and a danger witlial. At Brussels there is great stir about the lieUgbut rrnte, and the town divided. They have sent a couple hither to solicit Monswur roundly to grant them their churches; who were ^tending upon Chartier (a fit instrument to maintain these divisions) for Him answer, when suddenly the Councils of this town apprehended them, and sent them prisoners to Brands. Other weohnues arc committed daily, with small regard of thti duke, «r of tin majesty of justice.—Antwerp, 28 June 1582. Add. Eiuld. 7£ pp. [#«#• a'td Fl> ATi.

122 A.U.1582. June 28-

FOREIGN PAPBES. 119- JOHN NOBEIS to WALSINGHAH. I have lately received two letters from you. One concerned Mr North, who having at my return to Antwerp satisfied me with better terras of those injurious words he gave out against me, I am therefore content friendly to entertain him; the rather at your and my Lord of Leicester's( most earnest ' shuot' [qu. suit] and the good mediation of Mr Knowels.' The other was on behalf of Mr Fitzwillifimsj -with whom you shall well perceive I will deal according to equity and justice" and satisfy in right to the uttermost; always provided that those gentlemen and soldiers who served under hig brother may also have their right, having none to claim it of but me, and deserving it for their service rather than those who coming over make claim to be heirs to such commodities for which they never ventured. Howsoever you may be informed in such matters, I will be always accountable to you to give every man his right, and wholly remit myself to your direction and judgement. M. de 'lamma,' Governor of 'Hackling,' should have surprised Aerschot; but as it is thought for want of good directions, some entering the town, the rest not following, the enterprise failed, to the loss of some of our men. Vfe have some hopes to relieve Oudenarde, if Fervacques with the French troops and Count M&nsfeldt with his reiters come in any good time.—Antwerp, 28 June 1582. Holograph (?). Add. Endd, 1 p.

June 28.

[Ibid, XVI. 46-]

120- JOHN NOEEIS to WALSINGHAJI. After sealing up my other letter, I bethought me of a matter wherein I beseech yon to give me your advice. In our service at the eamp, I perceive his Highness means to give the command to M. de Eochepot, and M. de Tilliers to be ' Marshal of the field.' And since I have served longer in these countries than they, and iu a place of charge since my coming, I cannot but think it against my credit to be commanded by any of them. Yet for all that, I will readily follow such course herein as it shall please you to direct me; beseeehing you to send me your advice by the next convenient messenger, and in the mean season I will so temporise in this matter that I shall be fit to follow your direction. Not long since I sent you a mare of this country; and as at the first there was a fault in the messenger, who delivered her to my father, so now I am lately given to understand that there is another error, because the mare is sent to my lord of Leicester, contrary; to my first direction. I mean by my next to signify the same to him. —Antwerp, 28 June 1582. Add. Endd.: Mr John Nome, precedency. 1 p. 45.]

[Ibid. XVI-

ELIZABETH. 1582. June 28.

123

A.D.

121. AUDLBY DANETT to WALSINGHAM. I thank you for accepting of my writing to you, as I find by yours of the 23rd rast. received by the post, I will not fail to use it with diligence as occasion shall be offered. There is little alteration in the proceedings here since mine of the 23rd; only the news of Aerschot was believed here a little too soon, for although the town was gained, yet the enemy having retired into the church, being the strongest place in the town, issued out soon after, and finding the States' companies earnest at the spoil, caused them to forsake the place aud retire, not without the loss of 10 and 12 of the States' best soldiers. Last Sunday, the 24th, the States of Brabant jffesented Monsieur with a benevolence of 50,000 guilders, which he accepted thankfully, saying he would immediately send it to his soldiers in the camp. The English companies will tomorrow receive some pay and depart to the camp, where it is thought the whole forces will have a general muster a fortnight henee, and then be presently employed for the relief of Oudenard, upon the arrival of the French forces, which are said to he ' sometimes' about Cambray, SaintQuentin, and Greveceour in Picardy, but are so long in coming that the wiser sort do not look for them yet. Many things are given out to satisfy the common people; one, the approach of these French forees, Monsieur's going to the eanip in person, the taking of Cortrick and Armentieres (which proved false the next morning), the good estate of Oudenarde to hold out against the enemy for many days, and such like, because the people will be much discontented with his loss of that town, and impute it chiefly to Monsieur's careless security. At least something must be done for a show of rescue of the place; for the people say already, how shall other places dare to withstand the enemy, finding themselves devoid of all succour and relief abroad, when they happen to be besieged ?—Antwerp, 28 June 1582. Add EnM. 1 | pp. Danett, as is the last.)

June 28.

122.

COEHAII

[Ibid. XVI. 47.]

(In hand of Audky

to WALSIKGHAH.

I have been advertised that the king has * received knowledge' from M. Mandelot and his colleagues that the Swiss are loth to renew their league with him, till they see he will effectively aid Geneva, which he has taken into his protection; whereupon M. Mandelot has sent back to Lyons the king's money which should have been paid to the Swiss, and the .French commissioners, I mean Mandelot, Hautefort, and Henry, are returning with nothing concluded. 1 have been further advertised that the i>uke ofBavoy is ranforcing his army, and now by letters from Hikn it. it* Oji'tifatid tiiaii

124 A.D.

FOEEIGN PAPEES. 1582. there have repaired into that duehy about 2,500 horse from the kingdom of Naples and the Pope's territory, and about 4,000 Italian foot, who ' pretend' to take the way into Tranche Comte and La Bresse; whereon it is suspected they of Geneva will be put to great pain, if this king deal not well by them. Within this fortnight sundry express couriers have come to the ambassador of Savoy resident in this Court, on which he has pressed very much to have access to the king, but hitherto has not obtained it. The ambassador of Venice has received such a dispatch that he seeks by all means to be admitted to the king's presence. The king has desired his princes and marshals, and other chief personages, to repair to Fontainebleau; where I am informed he intends to receive their opinions and advice for the course he has to take in these great causes now on foot: his brother's action in the Low Countries; the enterprise of Don Antonio, with his mother's title to the kingdoms of Portugal; and the affairs of the Swiss, together with the Duke of Savoy's invasion and forcing of Geneva; all wliich are causes of high moment to this realm, whereon depend many other matters of great consequence belonging to this Crown. M. Gondi is now eome to me, to let me know that the king intends to be at Eontainebleau about the end of this month, and that I may have access to him on July 3. So I purpose to be at Court that day to perform the commands you sent me from her Majesty.—Paris, 28 June 1582. PS.—The Duke of Savoy has summoned all his knights of San Lazzaro to serve him against Geneva. Signor Carlo lluti has left Eome with many gentlemen-adventurers for that service. Add. Endd. 2Jj>j>.

June 29.

{France VII. 116.]

123. THOMAS LONGSTON to Since mine of the 16th I have not dealt at all with any chief magistrates touching the money required for her Majesty, nor heard anything from them in that respect till this evening, when Paul Auradt came to me in this house, and told me that he and other of their merchants here had attended these last foiir or five days to have audience of their magistrates; who today have at full heard their griefs and the loss likely to grow to them in England by reason contentment is not given'to her Majesty as it was meet. In the end the fault being laid upon their pensionary Van der Werke, who then was absent, it was agreed that they should return on Monday next, when also Van der Werke would be present, and then tins cause should be so dealt in for her satisfaction, that their merchant shall have no cause to be aggrieved, nor to fear any loss m this respect; which I rather wish than look for, but I told Paul 1 would signify his endeavour and diligence herein.

ELIZABETH.

125

A.D. 1582.

I have had regard this -week to learn what goods of value have been laden here by their merchants for England, but cannot see what might serve the turn. Kor shall I see it here competently, for besides their c turning, they have means here to prevent and ' lay open' any that shall seek to effect ought that way. But I suppose the value of their goods in each ship may best he learnt at the hands of Mr Smyth, customer in London, with whom they enter the quantity and quality of their goods.—Antwerp, 29 June 1582. Add. June 30.

Endd.

1 p.

{HolL and Ft, XVI. 48.]

124. ETEBSTNE LESIEXTE to WALSINGHAM. On the 2 3rd I wrote to you from Dordrecht what I had up to then, Bince my leaving the Prince of Parma, negotiated touching Mr Rogers. I hope that my letter was safely delivered. Among other things I sent word to you in it of the sum of Mr Eogers's expenses, amounting to about £900 sterling; of which I hope in two or three days to send you the details. In my last I besought you to let me have a reply thereon, which I again request; and that I may be able m future to regulate myself according to your commands. I also beg you to consider that at my departure on Feb. 14 last, by your means £80 were handed to me, which is very little for such a journey. It has cost nio a good deal more, and will cost me, if I have to pursue it.—Antwerp, lust of June 1582.

Add. Endd. Ft: $p. June 30.

[Iloll. and Fl. XVI. 49.]

1 2 5 . Dv PLESSIS-MOBNAT to WALSISGHAM. I have received your letter, and thank you for the news you impart. Here we have nothing for the present but the siege of Oudenarde, winch his Highness will try to succour, and to that effect is awaiting Ins army from France. His reputation m tins country is much at stake. The King of Navarre is at Saint-Jeau-d'Angely, for the assembly of the Churches, with a view to the consolidating of the peace. 1 am writing some details of the embarkation, which you will learn, if you please, from M. d'Anquerqne. When there is more to say, I will write more at length.—Antwerp, last of June 1582,

Add. Endd. Fr. } p. June 30.

[IUd. XVI. 50.]

1 2 6 . FBEMSB to I wrote to you last a weeli ago. What is going on in (how countries is that the enemy is still before Oudenarde and is employing all his powers to reach the rampart of the town by sap. He has managed to get as far as one gateway, where ho in m&pag. Those of the town have made a strong entrenehment m roar, of half-moon shape, with two platform*), being well determined to

126

AJ>. 1582.

FOEEIGN PAPEES. ^ t h e m s e i T e B . The enemy fires little, but uses all his energy in trenches, pontoons, fascines, gabions, and other similar things, to attain his object, if he can, and if he is not soon hindered by his Highness's forces, who are advancing well, l h e raters are 8 or 4 leagues this side Oambray, and are doing the worst they can in Artois, awaiting the other forces from France. These are advancing from the region Uartier] of Anjou as well as from Normandy; besides 7 cornets and three regiments of French foot, who are near Douay There is an opinion that that town is at his Highness^ devotion, as well as Bouchain, and others that are being praetisea. M de la Bochepot had an enterprise in Courtray, to surprise it. He went there with 500 horse and 1,000 foot, whom he took from the camp, and added some infantry from Bruges and Meenen as he passed that way, making a great round to arrive where he intended. Nothing came oi it, inasmuch as the enemy was advertised ot it; and in giving a camisade to Courtray at 3 in the morning, our people got a good dressing, for the enemy was quietly (a pied coy) waiting there for them, and we lost some good men very inopportunely. Thus a retreat was made. In this direction our people had an enterprise on Aersehot, which also failed. Our men having got some way into the town were turned out for lack of leading. As for our camp near Ghent, it is still there, in poverty and misery, without money or victuals, It is said they will be mustered next week and have one month's pay, in order afterwards to strike camp and go nearer to the enemy, who always keeps close and fixed in his eamp. Whatever excursions and ambuscades we give them, right up to their trenches, they never move, unless they see some great opportunity to their advantage. We capture their foragers, and they ours. That is how all goes on so far in the camp. Count Mansfeldt, commander of his Highness's reiters, arrived hi this town four days ago. His Highness welcomed him well, and had him honourably served by his officers at his lodging. He will soon set out towards his reifcers, to carry out the intention of his Highness. M. du Plessis has not yet started for the Diet. H. de Bouillon is to be of the party, for his Highness's service. The journey _ is delayed, inasmuch as the Emperor and princes are long in arriving at Augsburg. This delay is very displeasing to M. d.u Plessis. It is some days since Ms Highness made him draw up a memorandum for the journey. It seems that they are awaiting the meeting of the States-General, which is to be at the beginning of July, m order to settle the resolution upon it. Everything goes slowly. There is a doctor here, eome on behalf of the Bishop of Liege. He had addressed the letters * To the Duke of Brabant,' inasmuch as when heretofore he put on the superscription f To the Duke of Anjou,' they sent them back, saying they were not addressed to his Highness: so he has now corrected it. This doctor is come to complain of the raids which our soldiers make on the bishop's territory, and of their ill-treatment done to the people In the villages where they pass and other such things-

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1682. There is also here a Scotchman called 'Gufcay' ["Goodrichel a mihtary eommiSSiu-y m Scotland, sent by the 2 n g L S f l £ to congratulate Monsieur on his new promotion to the L S S of their countnes. Ho is from St. Johnston, and is partly sent also

about

he

^tter erf Col Stewart, who sent'in all h a K EStaft

when he was ordered to confine himself to his quarters for the mar -v S

*** . 1582. Spain here. His business is not known, but they say it is to demand something touching the Low Countries. You shall hear news with the next. 2

July 3,

lindd.: A copy of a Welsh letter sent from Lyons to Paris i 2>1>-

[France VII. 122.]

1 3 8 . EOGHE WILLIAMS to WALSINGHAM. I have nothing worthy to trouble you at this time. Finding this gentleman ready to depart for England, I could do no less than show my duty to yon. Oudenarde is in great .necessity. The soldiers have good courage, and promise to hold good to the last man. I hear this morning the Italian ' suckers' ai'e either arrived or too near at hand. If it be so, we lost a fair time. The last day being out, our soldiers shewed great courage, especially the English ; I assure you so much that some proffered to hazard to enter the town. We are so governed that I fear me the town will perish. We look every day for our French force; then we hope with God's help to try who shall be master of the field. I think within few days we shall see who will turn the bridle. Desiring you to think me a poor man that will refuse nothing for your service that I am able to perform etc.—Ghent, 3 July. Add. Endcl. 1£ pp. [Holl and M. XV. 54.]

July 5,

139.

PEBMYH

to WALSINGHAH.

' There i s ' M. du Plessis who has orders from his Highness to hold himself ready for his departure, which may be within 10 days. He takes his journey through France and is going to join the lAtke of Bouillon. They will travel thence into Germany to be pmsrait at the Diet at Augsburg, where, as they write, the Emperor and the princes have already arrived. All things go on as usual in these parts, the enemy doing all lift can before Oudenarde. He mil have won the gate. The btsaugtid are very well entrenched, and have very good courage. Xevortheless it is to be feared if they are not soon succoured that they will come to terms, on account of the delays which take place. _ nowmet his Highness lias a great desire to aid them, and is _ using all diligence to get his forces forward. There is M. de fcJaint-Ltigor, governor of Monfort, lately come here: to whom his Highness*) has

the minister. There is some enterprise in haiwl to siM those of His Highness has made two English companies, of Cotton a tooop, march towards Diest. Something is* also to be done with the otlwv garrisons. We have as yet received no money or victuals at the

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'

. camp for our men, who are in. extreme poverty. Things are not going as they ought. Count Mansfeld is still in this town; he too is to go and join Ms raters—Antwerp, starting for the camp, 5 July 1582. July 5T

140. TEEMS of OAPETULATION for OUDENAKDE. The Prinee of Parma, having seen the articles proposed by the governor, magistrates, captains, and burgesses of Oudenarde, although he has it in his power to reduce them to the obedience of Ms Majesty by force, yet desiring to treat them gently rather than rigorously, grants the points following. The governor may depart freely with his wife and family, and take away his goods whether by cart or otherwise wherever he likes, with safe-conduct and escort. As for the officers and soldiers, his Highness, who always sets store by soldiers, permits • them to go out with arms, ensigns, drums, and goods, and will give them escort that they may withdraw in safety whither they would. As regards the townsmen, he is content to pardon in the king's name all that has taken place; promising on the faith oi a prince to ask no questions nor let them be asked about anything past. They may live in the town as long as they will do so without scandal, showing obedience to his Majesty, and conforming to his ordinances. As for those who would sooner go, magistrates or others, they may depart within eight days, taking their goods, with safeconduct and escort, and no hindrance shall be offered. They may, if they think good, sell or alienate (distrawe) their real property for their own profit within the next 12 months. Those who retire into neutral territory have the option of selling their property, and receiving the rent through people residing in the town. The governor and officer shall go out tomorrow before dinner, putting the town into Ms Highness's hands, with the artillery, powder, and munitions, and his Highness will from today place a garrison in the Castle of Pamele. The inhabitants shall pay 30,000 florins in part payment of the costs of the siege.—(Signed) Alexander, (and below) Parrder. The Safe eonduet, by Adrian de Gomieeourt and Jehan Richardot. Copy. End4.

July 5.

FT. l%pp.

[HoU. and Ft. XVL 56.]

141. "WAIISTSGHASC to OOBHMI, This bearer ' follows' the cause of Mr Alderman Osborne and Mr Stuper(?), merchant, who crave some favour in your careful following of it. Her Majesty has written on their behalf to the ting, to address letters to the Pope in their favour, and likewise to recommend the matter to his ambassador resident there, to be carefully solicited. Pray give them your help for their speedy

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dispatch there, for otherwise, if they should be much deferred, ' it would follow very evil,' not only for their ship and goods, which are of great value, but also for the men, who are about 50 in number. The state of the matter I refer to be related to you by the bearer, for I mean not needlessly to trouble you; only requesting this much, that the parties who are interested therein may understand by their speedy dispatch from thence that my recommendation has not been unfruitful to youwards in. their behalf, whereof I nothing doubt. Draft in hand of L. Tomson. Endd.: To procure letters from the French king to the Pope, for release of Alderman Osborae's ship, stayed at Malta, fp. [France V1L 123.] July 6.

t

1 4 2 . AUDLBY DASETT to WALSINGHAH. On Friday the 6th, about 4 or 5 A.». there came an alarm to this town of Ghent that the enemy was come to the trench of the camp, being about a mile distant from Ghent The general of the .English troops, and such English gentlemen as lodged that night in the town, repaired immediately to the camp, and leaving a sufficient corps de garde about the grade, joining their forces with the French and Scotch companies, marched towards the enemy, and in a fair field, about three-quarters of a mile from the camp, put themselves 'in battle,' looking where the enemy would eharge. But finding our troops in so good readiness and order they retired, giving two volleys of shot, so that it appeared they were no small number. These men were the first that brought the news of the loss of Oudenarde, which was not f by and by' believed, but is since confirmed to be true; for so have 1 been willed to assure the general, from M. de ' Biova,' governor of this town, being sent to him upon some other business. The place was yielded by composition on Thursday the 5th, between 3 and 4 A.M» upon what conditions is not yet certainly known, because no burgher nor any person within the town is yet come hither. The. people here are much discontented with the loss of this town, that no succour was sent to them in time ; and. speak very broadly of the present government. The soldiers here are growing to a mutiny for want of pay, having scarce bread or drink, being barred from all relief of foraging in the country, which is kept, and lately burned, by the enemy. Our new English troops have stayed for theii* pay at Antwerp, and are not yet arrived here, but are said to be marching hither, having received one half month's pay and no more. This evening are arrived here great numbers of the soldiers in Oudenarde, who were permitted to depart with their arms, bag and baggage, and are now suffered t& refresh themselves in this town, but are received with very hard terms by the burghers.

There is great speech of great eompanwfi in fe enemas eanip, both horse and foot, given out by these Oudenarda ©assigns &ai have arrived here, and a certain assurancefeythem of Mondragon's

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A.». 1582. arrival very shortly with a supply of great forces, and an intent of the enemy's forthwith to besiege Brussels; but it is thought these people have lately been taught their lesson, and therefore no great credit to these reports. Captain Williams with his cornet of horse, and others, is this evening gone towards the enemy, to' understand as near as he can the certain number of their forces, and their purpose for their nest enterprise. By the next convenient messenger, which will not be found here so readily as at Antwerp, I will trouble you with such further matter as I shall have touching their proceedings.—Ghent, 6 July 1582. Add. Endd. 2 pp. July 7-8.

[Holl. and M. XV, 57.]

1 4 3 . HBELE to WALSINGHAM. Last Sunday the Prince of Parma gave a terrible assault to the tow a of Oudenarde, not without great slaughter on either side, for those of the town lost above 100, and the gate withal that hitherto they had so well defended, whereby they were driven to 'keep within their ,new fortification, made before the gate, wearied with watch and travail, and continually beaten with great ordnance that discharged upon them. The day following, the prince offered the town a parley; whieh on Tuesday- had eonie ear given to it,' yet not such .that the governor would consent they should proceed in it. Wednesday about 5 P.M. there arose so vehement a storm and tempest (which we had also here), of thunder, lightning, wind, hail, and rain, the day therewith being changed as it were into night, and the hailstones were of the compass of English shillings, in some portion flat, yet thick and hollowed on one Bide. In which boisterous storm those of the enemy that were within the ravelin and gate, before the new trenches of the town, entered that part while the guards were withdrawn to ' give place ' to the storm, and upon this opportunity ministered (the ' harquebusery ' and great ordnance standing them within in small stead), became masters thereof before they could be repulsed. Yet with a valour that is worthy of perpetual commendation, the burgesses and town soldiers continued in that place fighting the whole night and patt of the next morning, till overcome with weariness and fresh supplies of the enemy, that won upon them by 'inchmele,' they were forced to retire to the inner parts of the town, divided from the rest by the river and its branches. The bridges they had broken down before, to assure their town from irruption,' But being thus reduced to the place of their last refuge, without more hope of relief, ifoey begun to consider of their state and danger, and compelled their governor J du Burgh,' whom else they would have slaiti, to harten to a treaty, by which, upon certain conditions, not yet known, the town, was delivered up the same Thursday; and thereupon a bravado made before our oamp at Ghent by the

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enemy's horse and foot, who offered proudly to have entered the camp. This bred such a confusion within Ghent, and such a division withal, that if our camp had not been near, some great discord would have followed; ' which yet is not well assured/ in respect of the number of mutinous and ' dyssalltered ' number of inhabitants within it. All the pioneers that could be had out of the land of Waes and the places near thereto were sent for, to fortify the camp speedily. This town is become so passionate for the loss of Oudenarde, that it openly ' exclaims of * the French, and of Monsieur, uttering plainly that they find nothing but treasons and deceits in them. The Prince of Orange is also charged with insufficiency and want of good dealing, which is a shrewd presage oi the alterations and revolts that may follow, and of the decay of the means to furnish money withal. And at present both our friends are discouraged, and the States waver in their resolution; also Guelderland is lite to become Malcontent, and they ' deny J to pay any more excise or impost. Bruges sues to have some English ensigns put in garrison in ' their' town lest they be surprised or besieged; whereto Col. Morgan's companies are like to be employed. Cotton's ensign, and Dalton's are sent to Diest, and the war on our side reduced to be defensive. The French king, as he has ' drawn things in length,' and not performed the shutting up of the passages of Mfei^res and Calais hitherto, may be ready upon this ill-luck, and beholding Italy, Spain, Germany, &c. to be banded against us, to abandon us altogether; which is the fruit of 'connivencies,' and oi the council which he retains as most secret to himself. The Count of Mansfelt departed hence towards his troops on Thursday. Monsieur has promised him a month's pay on their arrival. They are now but 1,000 horse 'of service/ 700 French horse, and 1,500 French shot; Fervacques being said to be as yet at ' Muntz' [qg. Mons]. It was ' delivered' here that those troops would not pass from Marcoing and Arleux, through Artois and Meenen, aa was first intended, b u t ' plain west' to Auxy on the river Auihie, and thence by a great' wyndles' to ' Mutkell' [Montreuil], and byBonloimois and the country of Oye to Gravennes, where on Thursday at the morning ebb they were to come over that passage to ^Dunkirk. But it will be easy for the Prince of Parma to be at the seasamls before them, and if he defeat them, he will cut off the hope of our camp, and designs for this year; with an inevitable loss to these countries and the reputation of the government. The Bisnpp of Liege has ridden in post to Germany, and the Prince of Parma has 8,000 foot and 600 horse, BurgWKiimiB, eome to him •within these two dayH. His Italian and Spanish forces are on their march hitner ; so are eei'tein regiments 0! horse and foot from Germany, with pioneers from Bohemia.

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- Our assembly of the States-General proceeds slowly, and at this instant with small devotion to do good. Those of Holland and Zealand are come, but the rest of the countries beyond the ' Mose' are not. Monsieur was much amazed yesterday morning, at his going to mass, when the news was brought him of Oudenarde; wherewith he left ma&B and all, and went suddenly to conference with the Prince at the castle.. The old and new bands of French in our eamp were like to have been in arms among themselves, for difference of religion. . Mr -North's companies at St Bernard's are in .mutiny, and have refused to march with the rest into the camp. His lieutenant, Salisbury, arrived here this afternoon from England, having brought over soldiers. Italian letters contain that the King of Spain has made Mareantonio Colonna governor of the state of Milan, John Andrea Doria viceroy of .Naples, and another Italian viceroy of Sicily; whereby may be gathered with what favour and confidence the king seeks to hold Italy in. Sundry great personages of that nation come down to these wars, in honour of the king, and in respect of religion and justice of the cause. The Imperial Diet will now have ' his ' course, and Plessis is stayed till the 14th; it being judged that now the Diet, when it beholds King Philip's forces here in the field, his right and power joined together, will the easilier 'judge of his'side.' Bu Tray is by Quinaay's means ' discharged into ' France, to serve there from henceforth as superintendent over the Duke's appanages, which has troubled him very much. He is to depart next Tuesday. One thing may happen to trouble this victory in the King of Spain's army, which has happened "often; that is, mutiny for lack . of pay and booty. One Goodricbe, commissary of the Scottish king's guard, came hither sis days since, with letters of credence to Monsieur, carrying superscription to the Duke of Brabant. His message was oongratu^ latory, with many good speeches of affection and friendship, and desiring that his Majesty might be- in perfect good intelligence with Monsieur, as his ancestor had ever been with the House of Yalois, but now by a double respect. He spoke particularly in favour of Gol, Stewart, so charged by the king, touching the difference between Stewart and the captains of his regiment; and withal for his leave and dispatch to come over to bcotland, What else Goodriehe may have treated privately of, either from the king or d'Aubigny, or for making of provisions of munitions here, I shall be able to < understand ' and will advertise accordingly. I find some ' matter to presume of,' for one George Hackett, factor for the Scottish king, and ' eonserge of the nation,' is come from Zealand with Goodriehe hither, and has been since eonfemag with some principal * aoers' in munition. Both Stewart

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and Goodriche have been found to complain that the king their master is very hardly dealt with by England, and so were the principal ministers of Ms Council; which -would force the king to make other princes judges thereof and to ground his own estate better. In conclusion, it is evident that d'Aubigny nourishes in the . king the worst humour that may be towards her Majesty, and stirs up others to the like; striving indeed to come to matters of execution. The Duke of Guise and all that House are at present assembled together in Normandy, for special consultation. They sent a messenger within these three weeks into Seotland very privately. Boger Aston is here in Qoodriche's company; and wrote a letter to my lord of Leicester from Leystoek [Lowestoft] where they touched in their journey hither. Col. Stewart departs towards Batemburg tomorrow.—Antwerp, 7 July 1582. July 8.

Postecriptum, 8 July 1582.—St Aldegonde is appointed President of the Privy Council, but he. has not as yet .accepted the charge, which is his modesty. When the new Council is sworn, I will send their names, and certain intercepted letters, which are to be printed. Our camp at Ghent is not mustered. It moved yesterday towards Bruges, there to join with the reiters, leaving certain garrisons in Ghent, to assure the town. It was debated yesterday in Council to have Monsieur in. person at Bruges with the camp; but the better part judged it neither convenient nor honourable to thrust him out 'to the field-ward* before he was master of it. There is no fault or imperfection that can willingly be noted in him, which is not now openly objected to him by the people; crying to have the French ' frippons' and thenmaster to be (discharged by billet' to their country again. The Governor of Oudenarde with Ms captains andsoldierfl, except Captain Vermyll, who was slain, came to Ghent yesterday, xsey made an honourable composition, departing with arms and ' necessaries. The burgesses have 3 months' respite to order their things, and then to depart whither they would. Bach as submitted to remain there might have their former privileges and state. The preparation of Don Antonio's fleet here is '^uylled.' You understand by s Christovallett' his secretary, now arrived m England, when his master ' departed' ffranee, and itow aewmpanie'd. I shall humbly desire you to impart this letter ' wi&' my ted of Leicester, to whom I have not at present written, by reason of the hasty departure of Wm Paige; and.also became he told me onee that he desired not to hear too soon of ill news. Add.

Endd* S#p.

[HoB. anfrM. XT, 58.}

142

A.D.1582.

July 7.

July 8.

FOBEIGN PAPEES. . .

x1_

1 4 4 . THE DUKE OF LUTZELSTEIN to the I have commanded my 'present' son, Duke George Gustavus, that after having aeen Hungary, Italy, France, and other countries he was to go into England, Scotland, and Ireland, to present you both his and my very humble duty, and also to learn some of the virtues of a young prince, in order that hereafter he may the better do service to you, Madam, to his country andfeoChristendom. Wherefore, knowing that there is at this time no princess in the world so endowed with the virtues and other graces of God as yourself, and remembering the good affection you have always shown to the princes of.our house, especially those who have the heart to serve you in your honorable desires and designs, I have repeatedly commanded my son not to pass through England without saluting you and assuring you of what I have said. I beg you to regard him as recommended to you, and believe that neither he nor I will ever forget any favour that may be done him.—Pfalzburg, 7 July 1582. (Signed) Georg Jehan, Palatine of the Ehine, Duke of Bavaria, and Count of Veldentz. Add. • Mndd. Fr. 1 p. [Germany II. 33.] 145. The KING OF SWEDEN to the KING- OF POLAND. John 111, by the grace of God King of Sweden &c, to Stephen, King of Poland &e>, health and increase of goodness. Most serene Prince and beloved cousin; whereas by your former envoy you made most unjust demands of us, even tojthe point of threats, we leam from the later one that you obstinately persevere in your most unjust proposal. Whereat we cannot sufficiently wonder, seeing that it is not only contrary to the bond of kindred that is between us, but also to all equity, and what we deserve. For you demand of us the Duchy of Esthonia, part of which we are defending at great cost from the Muscovite tyranny, and part we have even taken from the enemy, and it has nothing to do with anyone but ourselves, as could be proved if need were by documents. But having given your envoys a definite answer, whence you can understand our mind, we do not think it necessary to repeat that here, especially as we are and shall be of the same mind, and so you may be altogether persuaded, seeing that our cause is most equitable, and. based on justice itself. We have heard to,o that there are some who charge us with negligence for not sending our envoy to that pacification. But how were we to do that when not only were we not informed in time by letter or messenger from you of that meeting between you and the Muscovite (Moschum), who was then the common enemy of us both, but we never had the least idea of entering info any peace with the said Muscovite until he had with the divine aid, nolens vohns, complied with your will and ours, as we had already expressed our mind on this point. For we saw it was not then the time to make any terms with an enemy who would not be able to press us any further if you had consistently continued the war in our company; but rather that we should utilize our fortune against him, until we had turned him out of lands .and provinces, or made him subject or tributary; whereby the peoples' divinely

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placed under our rule might enjoy not a three years', or ten years', but a perpetual peace. Nor need you think that we regret nothaying sent any representative to that pacification; for what could our people have done there when both of you were standing against us. But how well on this principle you consulted the interests of your own reputation, to say no thing for the moment of what we expected, and what you promised, you may see. But as for what you write that such things have fallen from its behind your back as are wont to sunder the closest friendship between nearest allies, as if we had not before, both in writing and by your envoys signified that everything should belong to the party in occupation, and that we were willing to hold and defend what we had occupied from the enemy, you must also know besides, that we did not attack our enemy from the rear, but from the front, not secretly, but openly, and took fortresses and munitions from him. Nor was Plescovia (? Pskov) situated so directly between Moscow, Novgorod and Narva that the Muscovite eould not, if he had dared, have come • thither with his army; or as if we had not with our army tried an assault upon Narva Tbeiore ever Plescovia was besieged by your • army. And if we could have occupied from the Muscovite rall the fortresses in Livonia we should be under no obligation t> give an account of our action to you or any living man. This being ao, we seriously exhort you to abstain in future from this most unjust demand, which in itself is absurd and unfair- It is surely a great injury which has been and still is being dono to us by the States of Poland and yournelf, and cannot but be most highly displeasing to God and men; it ia now therefore time that we should receive some appeasement, not that we should be in any way further ill-treated. And although we see that you hold ns and our realms cheap, you will nevertheless see that we do not fear your threats. But if you still wish to cultivate peaee and friendship with us, take steps as soon as possible to satisfy us, and advertise us thereon by letter or envoy. Unless this is done, let no one wonder if we try all . means appropriate the circumstances.—Upsala, 8 July 1582. Copy. Mndd. Latin. 8

-

146.

%%m}- \8weden L 2.]

STOKES to WALSINGHAM.

My laat was the 1st inst., since when there is evil news happened here, which I am sorry to write you of; and that is, upon Thursday last, the 5th of this present July, at 3 r.iu the town of Oudenarde was delivered up into the hands of the Prince of Parma by agreement, viz. the governor and captains with the soldiers to pass out with their ensigns, arms, and weapons. They were 6 ensigns ot toot and 50 horse, who all came into'Ghent on Friday afternoon. Ana the burghers of Oudenarde, all their lives and gootoan pardoned and saved; but they must pay'within 8 days 40,000 guilders m ready money, and until this is paid, none of t h e [ ^ f ^ J ^ J depart, but when it is paid, they may depart mfch their goods •whither they will. By all reports &is town of Oudenarde might haw been kept yet a month longer, for they wanted nothing m the town. But it

FOREIGN PAPEES. A.»,1582.

. '

,,.

.,

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.,

. ,

seems they had no letters or, advice from this side m three weeks time; whereby a great doubt entered into the burghers' heads that they could not be succoured, whereupon they cried daily to the governor and soldiers to take the agreement that was offered. Besides, there was some discord between the soldiers and burghers. So the town is lost,, to the great grief and discontent of all the commons in these parts. The Gandners are greatly moved at the loss of this town, and use marvellous bold speeches against Monsieur and the Prince, but specially against the Prince ; so that it is greatly feared the loss of this town will turn to some further displeasure, lor generally the speech goes here that it might have been succoured. The day after Oudenarde was lost, in the morning, at break of day, the whole camp of the enemy came 'hand' to the trenches of Monsieur's eamp under Ghent, and called to them to come out to Oudenarde. But M. de Eochepot and M. de Yilliers would suffer no man to go out; so they returned quietly to their camp. Now that Oudenarde is lost news is eome of 2,000 horse, reiters and French, and as many foot, that are come between Calais and Gravelines for the aid of Monsieur. These, if they can, will pass over the river of Gravelines; but it is doubted they will hardly pass that way, for it is thought they are not so many in number, not by a great many, so posts are sent to hasten them forward with all the speed that is possible. God send them well into the country. There are also many speeches here of great forces that the enemy have coming from Italy; ' which that' and other doubtful dealings make all those of the Religion and others that bear good will to the cause fear very much their estate, so that many secret fearful speeches go here. And though Monsieur be in no fault for the loss of Oudenarde, yet the loss of it has lost him the hearts of a number of the commonB. Surely there is here a great ' alteration' among them ; God send it better, for a great number, Protestants as well as Catholics, are going out of the country, most of them of the chiefest and of good callings.—Bruges, 8 July 1582, IKS.—Pray have me in remembrance for my licence of beer, according as my brother in London has presented it to you. Add. Endd.- %pp. [mil. and Fl. XV. 59.] July 8.

147. STOKES to W^LSMGHAK. On a sudden the Prinee of Parma has sent his whole camp that lay before 0wta.:arde in great diligence towards Gravelines. They passed this night through Corttriek, to keep the passage at Gravelines, that" Monsieur's forces which lie between Calais and (rravelines might not eome over. Also this afternoon at 5 o'clock the whole of Monsieur's camp that lay beside Ghent passed through this town in great haste towards Dunkirk* to. the number of 48 eusigns of foot and 20

ELIZABETH. A.D.1582.

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14?

-

comets of horse, esteemed to be about 3,000 loot and 1,200 horse; for the ensigns and cornets are not as full as they ought to be by a great many. These companies are going to join with those that lie between Calais and Gravelines, if they can, to the end the rioters may the better come over ; for it seems the enemy will do what he can to keep them asunder. Further, this afternoon the magistrates of this town have reeeived etters from Antwerp that Monsieur will be at Ghent witlu'n 3 or 4 days, there to be sworn Earl of Flanders. There he will not tarry above 4 or 5 days, and thence be "will eome to this town, and here it seems will remain a long time, because he will be as near his forces as he can. The Prince of Orange and all the Council of State come with his Highness, BO the magistrates are preparing lodgings as fast as they can.

•

Advice is also -written to the magistrates of thiB town thai those of Ghent-have written his Highness a most friendly letter, that notwithstanding the town of Oudenarde is lost, he should not despair nor lose courage, for they, for their parts, are at his command, and will spend their lives and goods to the last man to maintain his enterprise. This letter is very friendly taken by his Highness, and also as strange to all men that the rude Gantners have -written so friendly to him; by which it is hoped they will amend their rude conditions. M. de Bochepofr, M. de Villiers, and General Norm are all past with their troops. God send them good speed,—Bruges, 8 Jmy 1582. . p.S.~General Norris most humbly desires you to write him an answer to the last-letter that he sent you. • He would have written to you from this town, but he did not tarry here, l n d y I tear some quarrel between him and the Frenchmen, for I see it goes not well between them.

-Add 8-10.'

Emld, 3 #p. [ffid. XVI. 60.]

1 4 8 . " The note of the numbers of the Spanish king's army which is embarked for the enterprise of the Isles of the 1 «aeres , of which companies the Marquis of Ste Cruz goes for-^pwa-g*™ both by sea md land, and general of the Spanish galleys winet departed from Lisbon the 10th of July 1582." The tersso of Don Lope de Figueroa, cootaining That of Bon Francisco of Bovadiglia . . The companies of Estremactura.. Three companies.of Ohriatofafio de Erasso The. companies of j y O t The Allmaines

1.527 soldiers 1,806 497 530 620

They which are entertained, serving out of the ^ bands, whereof 80 have accepted pay, the others wzw without wages, which we all in Bomber 16077

£46

"

.

•

- JK*U£4iiiiui.>

PAPEBS.

Gentlemen and private persons who go without wage or entertainment . * Servants of gentlemen adventurers, being able men -

1^0 5,442

There are, beside the 31 great ships appointed to carry this army, 2 great Portuguese galleons, - 7 zabras, 4 caravels, with 1,904 mariners Total

- 7,846 men

This army departed victualled for six mouths, with much artillery and munition, carrying with them 50 great boats, m every one ol which may, be shipped 100 men, which are to be rowed with 8 oars on a side, having certain high boards to he set up upon occasion on the sides ior a defence to the soldiers at their landing. The other navy, which is gathering on the coast of Andalucia and in the Port of Sta- Maria, ' are' compounded of 12'Spanish galleys with 21 great ships, whereof the lesser is of 400 tons and. some pass 1,000 tons. In the same navy there go the two galleons of the Marquis Sta- Cruz; in all which vessels they have embarked 3,000 soldiers in 19 companies, of which li ^are levied in Andalucia, commanded by Antonio Moreto, the master of the camp, and the other five are of the ' Tarze' of Don Hernando de Toledo, which have served in "Flanders The mariners in this navy are in number Total of this army

-

- 4527

This last navy left the Port of S'8- Maria the 8th of July last, victualled for a year, well appointed with artillery and munition. The men-of-war in both these armies amount -to the number of • And the mariners amount to - • - 3,541 which are in all

-

- 11,873

There are in both navies of great ships with the 2 galleons of Portugal, 54; Galleys, 12; Zabras, 7; caravels, 4 ; great boats •with eight oars of a side, 50, In L. Cave's •writing mid endd, by him. 2J pp. July 10.

[Spain I. 100.]

149'. COBBAM to [WALSINGHAM], About the latter end of May there came to me one who called himself John Gower, apparelled after the manner of the Jesuits, when they disguise themselves to pass abroad somewhat unknown. He gave me to understand that he was one of those who took arms in the Xorfch, with the Earls of "Westmorland and Northumberland ; which he did then, provoked, as he said, only for the affection he •bare iu his conscience, to the Pope's religion, and not upon

ELIZABETH.

14?

A.D. 1582. unloyal malicious intent towards her Majesty. So then, escaping out of the realm, he had sought ever since in the most part of this time, by reading, for the further knowledge of the papist religion, which he professed; saying he had, notwithstanding ever abstained from those who were factious and seminary men. A year ago, by the means of his friends, especially Lord Chief Justice Wrey, he had recovered her Majesty's pardon, having, whilst he continued. the same conversation among the Catholic priests, through reading and studying the Scriptures, grown to doubt OE some points which they hold for religion. Lastly he same to this town with a letter from Dr Allen, addressing him to Dr Darbishire and other Jesuits, to obtain a supply of money to transport him into England; and resorting to those Jesuits, according to their accustomed order in the like case, they demanded his opinion of certain articles. To which he said he answered something contrary to their expectation, rendering them doubtful of his opinion, whereby he at that time failed to receive relief at their hands, and thereon began with himself to think to repair to me, beseeching me he might have means to go into England, and enjoy the benefit of her Majesty's gracious pardon. After he had tittered thus much, I asked him what were the points he found in reading the Scripture, whereon he varied from those of the papists' profession. He told me he thought not well of their having candle-lights, bells, and their images in churches. . Then I told him I was glad the reading of Scripture had in any sori: benefited him; and demanding further what he thought of • the Pope's authority, he answered that he esteemed his power was as other bishops'. Then I enquired what s his opinion was of the mass. He told me that he thought it was a high point to answer resolutely,' but desired that through, conference and disputation he might grow to some settled opinion. {Thereon I further said that since he was coming to G-od, and also showing' to have a mind to be restored to her Majesty's favour, he was right welcome to me. I exhorted him to he of good courage ; for I would not only seek that he should have conference with some -well-informed and learned in the Scriptures, but would also give him means to pass into England. He then declared that he suspected the Jesuits would seek means in some sort to trouble him. I desired torn not to fear. So he went, and resorted to me again in the afternoon; - when I went with him apart into my garden, taking W us the New Testament both in English and Freneh. _ We turned to the places concerning the Lord's Supper, beginning j i t h St. Matthew, until we eame to the place of St. John, tU chapter, where it is read how ' It is the Spirit that 4 ^ the flesh profiteth nothing1 etc. upon the showing « ™ J words he grew vehement and obstinate. Therewith I left dealing with him concerning the Supper of the Lord, and «»«?*» to enquire of him his opinion what he thought o H ^ authority of the Bishop of Rome. [Note hi margin;, popery.] j ^ toWme that that bishop had been taken of long time by to be the Head of the Church; wherewith he alle Scripture Tu. es PeUrm [sic] «t«wp*r kan% U d k mmm. I showed him they were only

• -"-./..FOREIGN PAPEBS. A.D.

1582,

,

,.

, „

ij

for the confession of Peter's faith upon the question before asked Of all the Apostles, so that it was no particular grace to Peter more than to the rest, because Christ gave them all the Holy trhost. Notwithstanding, Gower remained,' apacionnated' m the opinion of the Pope's supremacy, through which I was moved to say to him that he varied from the speech he had delivered me at the first meeting, wherefore now finding him wavering in his doings, it made me ' doubt of his dissembled meaning.' Bo I said I could not deal further with him then, until he resolved to speak more overtly, and that with 'trawthe.' He then very earnestly persuaded me to have some learned person to dispute with him on the points of controversy in religion; which I showed I could not now yield to, because it appeared he came pot to me with a clear mind, nor resolved in the principal points which concerned her Majesty's high authority and his due obedience to his natural prince. In this sort we parted. I have been informed that afterwards, upon the Jesuits' complaint, he was put to the Bishop of Paris' prison, where he has been kept secretly in such manner that I could not have him spoken( with, and! lately has been."removed to. the Gonciergerie. Now recovering the copy of his examination (see No. C6) I thought good to send it to you, that upon sight of it you may direct me whether I shall by way of complaint to the King, or otherwise underhand, procure his liberty and so send him into England, or else leave the said John Gower to himself. I attend your pleasure. I have deferred to write anything of this till I had understood thus much of their manner of proceeding with him; the rather because Gower and his disposition was altogether unknown to me. —Paris, 10 July 1582. Add. and endt. gone. 4 pp. July 12.

[France- TIL 124.]

150. COBSAM to WALSINGmM.

.

.

Having had access to the king on the 5th inst. at Fontainebleau I informed him of the advertisements the Queen had received that certain gunpowder had lately been transported into Scotland, sent from Dieppe out of his Majesty's storehouse; ( inferring' further to him that, since his pleasure had been to promise the Queen his assured singular amity, she hoped he would think it to be to no email purpose that such acts should be done, which might breed doubts in bis friendship toward -her. I alleged further so niueh as I was instructed in your letter. The king said there was nothing which he more embraced and accounted of than her Majesty's amity ; but for the transporting of the powder, he knew nothing of it; howbeit he would be well informed therein, and then meant to satisfy her. He added how he understood only that the Duke of Guise had lately sent horses and a present to the Scottish king, I showed him how under colour of the same occasion, the powder might have been passed likewise, • ., '* ^

149 A.D.1582.

After thus much said, the king entered into wishing for the good success of the marriage, showing how greatly he desired it. To this I answered that her Majesty was thereto disposed, and found for the present no greater difficulty than that through the accomplishment of the marriage, she should be overburdened with the great charge of defraying the expenses for his brother's wars in the Low Countries. The king said he found those expenses so difficult that he could not undertake them, I showed him how in seeking the accomplishment of the marriage he was to accommodate that difficulty. He willed me to inform him if I knew any remedy to ease the defraying of the charges; wherein 1 showed him I could not obey him, in consideration I was servant to her Majesty, and because likewise it seemed rather to appertain to Monsieur and Ms best friends to seek the remedies which might; effectuate the marriage; wherein, none could do more than Ms Majesty. He said his desire was such to see the conclusion of the . marriage thai he would presently enter into consideration- of the defraying of the charges. After this I moved him in behalf of the English merchants of Rouen and other of her Majesty's subjects. Whereon he called Secretary Piuart to him, telling him of the matter of the powder, and then declared to him what he had delivered to me concerning the marriage. M: Pinart 'charged' me h o w 1 Mauvisaiere had written that her Majesty had given me commission to declare her resolute disposition in the marriage without any difficulty. I told him I had informed the king so much as I was commanded, which ' • I would have sooner have performed if I had got opportunity to come to his presence being moved-in the cause, as was written by me in my late letter to M. Pinart. The king lastly said again he would presently enter into the consideration for the defraying of those charges. Then I went from his presence to the Queen Mother, whom I found so «eH disposed that incontinently after I had done my reverence with a few words of compliment, before I could ' enter 'to show her what I had delivered to the king, she assailed me with earnest «™«**i concerning the marriage, in which she gave me to u she could have no longer patience to see it BO im her desire being so much increased through the of her Majesty's bountiful and gracious dealing "'• told her it was much to be marvelled to hear her their desire in their earnest words; and yet to remedy those difficulties which in all reason an her Majesty's consent to conclude the marriage delivered to her what I had spoken to the king matter. The queen said she hoped he we" ' whereon I wished she could persuade him fa and make open show of bis brotherly lave

150

,

EOBllGH PAPBBS.

A.D. 1582.

since King Philip had got what -he could, she meant to ' take the ways' to get something if she might, and in favouring Don Antonio her meaning was likewise to help herself. I informed her of the transporting of the powder, wherein she assured me the king would not suffer anything to he done which in any sort might be disagreeable to her Majesty. This is as much as I could for the present ' receive ' of the king and MB mother. The king gave audience the day before niy coming to the Court to the Pope's nuncio and the ambassador of Venice, to the ambassador of the Duke of Savoy, and to M. de Chatillon, the duke's gentleman sent extraordinarily with a message touching the affairs of Geneva; wherein he desired the king's good liking, considering the town of right appertained to him. To which 'purpose,' as I understand, his Majesty answered with many fair words of compliments, rehearsing the kindred and alliance he had with the duke; but as for the enterprise, he meant to deliberate what lie should best think thereof. It is thoxight he will temporise till he sees the humours of all other princes, before he discovers his open intent. I have been otherwise given to understand that the duke has sundry gentlemen of Auvergne and Provence •who offer their service for that enterprise. Ho has employed sundry French gentlemen to pass into' the town disguised, to discover how they carry themselves hi Geneva. It is thought that Piceolomini with most of his banished men will be employed in those wars against Geneva. The ambassador of Savoy gives out that the Elector of Saxony has not only sent a. comfortable message to his master, but has also dispatched a gentleman to the Cantons to recommend to their good consideration the Duke of Savoy's title and right to Geneva. I have been informed that M. ' Cahors,' the most favoured person about the Duke of Savoy, and the chief .' carrier' of this enterprise, has passed disguisedly to this Court, and had conference with their Majesties. _ On the same day the ambassador of Savoy had audience, the' king dispatched M. ( Langrone,' belonging to the financeg, to his commissioners still remaining among the Swiss with good satisfaction to their requests, and in favour of those of Geneva, as I have learned.

-

;

Advertisements are come to-day that the Duke of Savoy has entered the vale of St Martin, beside the vale of 'D'Angrone' [Angroynej, where he has caused those of the Eeligion to be murdered, contrary to the composition made by his father and him •with those of the vale of St. Martin. The duke has got 2,000 from the papiat Cantons to- serve him, who have already marched about by the way of Piedmont. The Duke of Mantua has lately seat a gentleman to this king about the private controversies between him and his brother the Bute of Meyers.

ELIZABETH.

151

1582. The General of the Franciscans, who is of the House.of Mantua, had audience of the king on the 3rd inst. in the Queen Mother's outer chamber. There were present hard beside the kiag, to hear what he said, the Cardinal of Bourbon, M. de Bellievre and M. de Chiverny, The General informed his Majesty he was come to accommodate the disorders of those of Ms own order, but would not deal therein till his Majesty's pleasure were known, nor yet resort to Paris unless he first gave him leave. The king answered he liked very well his manner of proceeding, intending to take advice of the ancient fathers of the Galilean Church, what they should think meet to be done. This was the sum of what passed between the General of the Franciscans and the king. An Italian friar has been sent to prison by President de Thou, because he began to ruffle with the Parisian Franciscans on the authority received from the General. The king has deferred the meeting of his princes and chief personages till the 22nd. The ambassador of Spain has given out that in the Portugal Indies they have chosen a governor in the name of King Philip, contrary to what Don Antonio's faction affirms. I understand from Eu in Normandy that the Duke of Guise has erected a little house for the Jesuits, as this bearer ean more particularly inform you. I used likewise the ' other meanJ you advised me; by "whom I was advertised that there is no extraordinary novelty nor shipping in those parts. It may be that M. Bacqueville seeks to spoil the Englishmen in respect of Mme de la ! Granache/ whom it has been thought he would marry; because he has been condemned in the Courts in certain sums of money for spoils done to Anthony Garvet, Howe, and Castelyn, with other merchants of London. I was visited by Earl Bothwell before his departure, He is at present at Rouen, with intention to pass by sea mto Scotland He shows himself zealous in religion and much affected to her Majesty. I have seldom seen a young nobleman of a better behaviour and of more considerate speeeh in the state and affairs of his country. Lord Hamilton was also with me yesterday, returned trom Germany ,* where he has seen Skasburg and other places. Me nm takes his ioumey towards Bouen, where Earl Boflwrell fifags for him, there being great good friendship between them, Theam Lord Hamilton goes, as he informs me, into Hormandy, there to pass some time before returning to Paris. I am given to understand by a Scottish gentleman, a Head of mine, to whom the Bishop of Glasgow said and assured that the Scottish king 'conformed himself with his mother? meaning, both to run o n t course/ how that all the meonvmwncw u r i matters passed were accommodated.—Puns, 12 July J&WA Add.

EnM.

5 Pi), {Frame VU

J

PAPEES. 1582. July 12.

A.D.

151. HEELB to WALBINGHJUI. I send you herewith a copy of the capitulations of Oudenarde [see No. 140], and a book newly printed of letters intercepted. On Saturday our camp moved from Ghent towards Bruges, leaving a garrison behind them, to foin with the reiters. The enemy followed, to cut between them and the other companies, which would make us desolate, if any defeat happened to us. In their march- from Bruges to ' Owdernburgh' the English soldiers mutinied, and took Mr Norris and the rest of the captains prisoners,! ' pretending' that they had received 3 months' pay, and ' answered them but half a month.; which forced Count Bochepot to march with the Boots and the French, God knows unwillingly, towards Dunkirk. This moved the English' soldiers, in respect of their honour, to appease themselves, and to follow Eochepot with speed. But the advertisement of this disorder coming hither bred such a care in Monsieur that he deemed all to be lost if these forces should be thus separated from the rest in such a time of danger and service. He therefore dispatched Pruneaux, Bonnivet, and another in diligence to them with his own letters, to admonish them of their duty. But they were in good terms and mar eked away before Eochepot was gone far before them. The reiters are between the country of Oye and St. Onier's, burning and spoiling the whole country to the gates of St. Omer's, appertaining to the enemy; yet still keeping themselves beyond the river ' Ha.5 It is to be feared lest the enemy surprise them before the other companies arrive; and then are they all in danger,, for the enemy has 56 cornets of horse in the field, and has from" Cortriek to St Omer's but 7 leagues. It is determined here, when our companies are joined together and may return unbroken to Bruges, there to' * address ' our camp, to keep the country called the ' F r e e ' and the coast of Flanders that way from the incursions of the enemy. Also it is, determined that Monsieur and the two Princes, of Orange and Epiaoy, •with the States-General, shall tomorrow depart to Flushing, and thence either by Sluys or Hardenburg repair to Bruges, there to 'hold state' and provide for the affairs of the camp and for all that may occur; which is done to content the people, who are without measure moved against the French for Oudenarde and for the proceedings o£ this time. If her Majesty or the French king do not in good earnest help with money and with the other forces promised, speedily, the king of Bpahi will make a great hole this year into the country, and things will grow to extreme confusion. The French king has assembled the great persons of his realm to consult how to proceed in this affair, for things may be no longer disgtiised. But yesterday Monsieur received a little ' ticket * from France, by whieh it was advertised that the king was so sick that it was doubtful whether he would recover or no. Hereof some 1 _mate construction ! that if it prote so indeed, he will from Flushing (where it is meant to sojourn till the camp returns to Bruges), depart for France to'set order in his. things,5 This

SLtZABMH.

'

A.b. 1582. accident of the French king's death (if it happen), behoves [sic! her Majesty to foresee the inconveniences depending thereon beforehand. I speak in duty and zeal, hoping that your wisdom will pardon it in me.

.

On Sunday I saw letters from the French c ligier' in England assuring Monsieur that the Queen was never so fervent in desiring marriage as now, having hy oath assured him that in case the French king would 'discharge' her of those wars, she would roundly conclude marriage with Monsieur. This is received here as matter of ' entertainment' to draw them in, and to free ourselves. i We look for the l)uke of Aerschot and his son the Prince of Ghimay here forthwith, understanding that the. prince has heeome a Protestant, and has received the Communion at Sedan; but the race is very light.

The Scotch commissioner is liere as yet, and has some private dealings with Monsieur, which I shall shortly learn. He and George Hacketfc have ' been in hand' for some munition and arras, but I do not see their credit nor purse answerable. I will observe what follows: assuring you that the discontentment of Scotland grows more and more, and d'Aubigny urges it incessantly. The whole house of G-uiseis together in consultation in Normandy. The burgesses of Oudenarde did not do their devoir as well as the soldiers, for rthey were won to the enemy by practice, whereof ' Lochingam,' S de Pamele, who was within with them, wag the author. Nor was there so great resistance as Monsieur was informed of, ' in the order' as I wrote to you by the last post. They- of Malta have taken a very rich English ship in her return from Constantinople. I wish Mr Osborne and the Company would fee me well to solicit in her Majesty's name the delivery of this ship and goods; to which journey I nave good disposition, or " to any service I am capable of.—Antwerp, 12 July 1582.

12.

Add.

Endd.

2pp,

152.

COBSAH to

[Hott. and M. XVI. 61,]

1 have delivered to Mr Doyly, and to a French, gentleman, the money I received by, your order from Signor Horatio Palkvieino, assigned to he delivered to Mr Champernori your servant; hy whose letters I understand that he has lately been siek, but is recovered of his ague, remaining a^ yet somewhat weak. He has . given me means to send to him from time to time, Mr Doyly departs presently towards Eouen. It is signified' to me that the Duke of Savoy Has * givea order' in this town to win the Chevalier Breton to Ms devotee, if he resori hither. So I thought good upon the knowledge- thereof to put you

154

.

FOREIGN PAPEES.

.

A.D.1582.

in mind how if 'the said Briton' should go for the Duke of Brabant's service, and be entertained by the l)uke of Savoy, he might be ' compassed' to do her Majesty secret service at the Court of Savoy, where much intelligence might be had of matters ' pretended' against her and those of the Eeligion, now that that duke is entered so deeply into the confederation with the Pope and the Catholic king; ' presuming' I have an acquaintance who will win the Chevalier Breton to her Majesty. I know not whether you will think it good that by Monsieur's * means the Prince of Geneva, son to the Lady of la ' Granache,' might be practised out of prison, -where he lies at Paris; so that he might be 'raised up an opposite instrument' to the Duke of Savoy and those of the House of Nemours. Mario Birago, being lately come out of Flanders, is levying 500 or 600 soldiers in Paris and hereabouts for the Duke of Brabant's service. I am given to understand by a personage of quality, conversant with this nuncio and the Spanish agent, that those two are assured the Prince o£ Orange has such an indisposition that he cannot continue alive above a. month or so. Dr Beufcrieh, I hear, has written to some of his acquaintance that the Imperial Diet is deferred till the end of August. The Emperor having started on his way had returned again, upon advertisements received a practice was to be made against his person and dignity. The King of Fez has sent letters to this king with great offers of his favour, and all other means, with promise to send an ambassador to this Court. My neighbours about Carnavalet's house whisper that the king has, since his diet, enjoyed the overmuch favour of Mile de . Stavay, one of his mother's maids. Shoute came yesterday with her Majesty's letters and yours; in which cause I will use all diligence and expedition. The Duke of Guise went hence yesterday to Fontainebleau,— Pans, 12 July 1582. Add, EnM. July 13.

8#p.

[France VII. 126.]

1 5 3 . CUSTODIO LEYTAM to WALSINGHAAI. The Queen gave me permission to speak with her last Tuesday, but being pressed to eaieh the tide had not time to hear what I was charged by the king my master to say. She said it should be for today or tomorrow, and that I might go to you, whom she would cause to let me know her will. I seed this bearer to ask if it will be tomorrow morning or when she pleases. -The ambassador s letter will be with this, I took it to Greenwich, but yott were gone. Excuse delay.—London,-12 July 1582.

AM; a l l . Walsingikh Endd. Fr. \p.

[France VIZ. 127-]

ELIZABETH. A.D. 1582. July 13.

IBS

1 5 4 . EOGBE WILLIAMS to WALSINGHAAI. I wrote you the last day bow the French and we could not agree. ' Aster ! Ufy. yester] day we were together in the wars; 200 lances French, led by Mr de 'Tilleny,' 500 shot led by Dalyne [?]. I was with them with threescore English lances. We met with 200 lances of the enemy within hall a league of Bourbourg, and had them in chase to the gates, retiring with no loss. At a bridge a league from the place we met Mr de Yilliers, who had been to view Pettin [ay. Pitgan], where we meant to camp this day. He left 100 shot at the bridge, and commanded all the cavalry to march ' afore' with all the rest. We would have had 100 horse to stay with the 100 foot, he wonld not. His reason was because he would have the enemy to follow, and those shot should take a house which was hard by. Before we were a league from the place the enemy had engaged them in such sort that before they could • recover' the house, ran [sic] through them and took some 80. Some ' friend of us' told them that it was the horsemen s fault. Before we were at our camp they fell • a-raihng at us rnsueh sort that we began to fall out. Hearing us speak English jmonat them, when they came to the camp laid [we] most part ot the fault on us, knowing nothing of Villiers's command I tear me within few flays we shall fall all by the ear. Although the honest men and gentlemen of both nations agree very well, but fox jealousy of their honour in service, yet there pass such giea abuses betwixt the common soldiers, that unless at be redressed ' presently' it will fall out shortlyThis night enter the camp 14 Bngliah and j^mtoys ensigns>; I mean the 11 ensigns which came from Fnesland ^ ^ continue yet in their humour to our shame all. Today * » RuMJ cranes to Bruges • then there is no doubt but he will make Z fd general a hundred times bare ^ £

commended. T h e r e arrived here yesterday 5 cornets o f - j g

shall see what will come of it Ifear I must t r o u b l e ^ lord, yourself, for dinner and suppeiv well to speak to hex- Majesty to give me

A.D.

1582. P,S.—When I earn© out of England there was many gentlemen willing to breaklancea for the honour of their 'favours.' Let them come hither; I will be bound to them they shall have their wills within 10 hours. - .

Add. Endd. ipp.

[Roll, and Fl, XVI. 62.]

July IB.

155. Copy of the above, not quite complete. Endd. %pp. [Ibid. XVI. 62a,]

July 18.

156. COBHAM to WALSINOHAM.

•

Receiving your letter by Jackson, I thank you for not only making me. in it understand your careful soliciting of my suit to her Majesty, but also of your mindful dealings' towards my lord Treasurer for the procuring of the fee-farm, which you perceive her Majesty would not be inclined to grant me. You let me understand, moreover, that you make choice of me to prefer a suit to my behalf which may be more agreeable to her Majesty, and will yield me as you suppose £2,000. I must surely.in this manner of dealing highly esteem the show of your friendliness, and beseech you to frame this matter, and deal in this ease, so that I may have just cause to acknowledge your good deeds. I. only fear but in altering my suit it may prove to my hindrance, or discontent her Highness. I assure you that when she resolves to bestow on me only a suit of ^2,000 in value, I am to gain thereby but labour for my pain, with small comfort. I request you to fashion the suit to be worth to me ^3,000 or more, whereby I may have some good cause to think my time, expenses, and service the happilier employed and mj obligation to you the greater. I wish her Highness had now done me good with that bountifulness that she might thereby have gladded my heart, and not in this staggering sort have dulled my courage. Notwithstanding, I refer myself, to her disposition, acknowledging how much (rod has power in the hearts of princes and in the works of men, |o which divine ordinance I humble my desires. — Paris, 18 July 1852. Add. Endd, l^pp.

July 14,

[France VII. 128.]

157. THOMAS DOTMSY to WALSENGHAK.

'

Immediately upon the loss of Oudenarde, before the enemy had ordered his affairs ' intentife' thereon, our camp marched in great journeys towards Dunkirk to join with the 1,500 'Carabins' of Count Mansfeld, 7 eornets of French lancers and 2,000 PrencJi infantry, and they are already mei The Frenchmen's report multiplies them to a greater number. Being met they retire again towards Bruges, The enemy follows and makes head "towards a place called 'Boialar' [Bousselaere]. . There is great expectation & of tether supplies out of Eranee. Last wfeek Grave tan Hovenlo, alias Halloe, lieutenant for the Prince m. Holland, who as report is will also marry his daughter,

.,. A.D.1582.

ELIZABETH.

'

Grave William van Nassau bis nephew, Grave van Berghe, statholder of Guelderland, who married, the Prince's sister, the Herrvan 'Hofsaeks,' who took Sehenk prisoner, and the Herr of Nynort, a Frison, with their regiments, and the garrison of Nymegen, Zutphen, Utrecht, &c, defeated 4 cornets of horse and a regiment of infantry in Lirnburgj and another regiment, newly raising, hut unarmed. This present Saturday the Duke and the Prince, h conseil d'estat, la chambre de finances and des aides are removing to Bruges by Mushing.—Antwerp, 14 Julj 1582. Add. July 14.

Endil

1 p.

[Holl. mid Fl. XVI, 681]

1 5 8 . " THOMAS-LDNGSXON to WAISINGHAM. '.

The two packets with, your letters of the 5th and 7th inst. I received on the 12th, together with the letters for Mr Gilpin and others, as also copies of former letters, written for his direction, with demand of the interest and assurance required for ' Paulovieini's' money. Wherein the States-General have done nothing at this meeting for her Majesty's satisfaction, though they have been together here more than eight days, and solicited thereto by these Dutch merchants that'' trade England'; but are broken up sad departed. The loss of Oudenarde so troubled them at their meeting that they are said to iiaye dealt in no matters, bat only for ' carriage and provisions •' of their wars. ' Monsieur, with the Prince, &e,ia this day gone by way of Zealand to Bruges, where he is Hie to keep residence for a time, aM where the speedy reassembling of the Estates is expected; so Paul • "' : Auradt is repairing thither to urge them for order to content lier Maiesty, And if it shall seem good to you that Thomas hiokm at Bruges shall deal there in any sort with the Estates m that behalf, I account he will do what you give him order for, as also i m tins place will observe your commands all I can. The packet directed 'for Augsburg to Mr Gilpto' there>, on Tuesday next shall be sent by way of Nowraberg, fox• ao>m his direction. Also those to Mr Daaett and Eremjn are stiU hsw to. . want of bearer agreeable to their commissions. They were at Ghent, and may now be removed to Bruges. The 'rest ot Mta:* ai-e delivered, as by their respective awwfira I teust tbey wU advertise. Antwerp, 14 July, 1582. Add. Eadd-. lp. [HoO. and FL XVI. 64] July 1-1.

159. EOSENSH LESIEUK to I wrote to vou on the 6th inst. sending you the details of Mr

to^araae me for being BO p -t>y tbe length of my operations and the

158 AD.

FOBEIGN PAPEKS. 1582. remaining to me for the proseoution of my task, unless you remedy it. Mr Roger S'B expenses amounted in May last to nearly 10,000 florins, and will increase yet much more if he be hot soon brought away. I hope to hear from you by the nest post, as I shall have to make my arrangements.—Antwerp, 14 July 1582. Add.' Endd. F>\ I p. \Holl. and Fl. XVL 65.]

July 15.

160.

STOKES

to WALSINGHAM.

My last to you was the 8th inst. which were two several letters, wherein I gave you to understand oi all things passed here at that tune.

•

•

Monsieur's troops that lay between Calais and Gxavelines, which were 1,500 reiters, all pistolettiers, 3 cornets of Trench lances, and 1,500 French foot, are all eome over Gravelines river in safety, without, any let or resistance, and have joined with Monsieur's camp, so that they lie all together between Dunkirk and Berghes, where it seems they will lie till the rest of Monsieur's forces come from France,, who are daily expected. • . • Also these 8 French cornets and the French foot as aforesaid were sent as guides to the reiters, who in passing through Artois burnt 15 fair villages and spoiled all their corn on the ground as they passed, and brought with them a great rieh booty of prisoners and ' beastialle.' • • . On Friday last there went out of Monsieur's camp 2,000 horse and foot towards Grtwelines and Bourbourg, and took all their kino and other ' beastiall' that belonged to those two places, and as they returned home they met with one cornet of horse that was at Gravelines, and overthrew them all. At the enemy's coming between 'Bealle 1 \_qy. Bailleul] and * Hounseott' they heard the aforesaid troops were passed over Gravelines river, and had joined with Monsieur's camp; whereupon they returned again to Oudenarde, where they lie, and will not stir from thenee till they are paid two months' pay, which it is promised them they shall have very shortly. That being received, the speech is they will go and besiege Dismude ; for it is reported they are making preparations for it. It is said that Monsieur will be here within 6 or 7 days, but will not yet go to Ghent, because all the enemy's forces lie beside Ondettfufde. He has written to the magistrate of this town to be at no charge against his coming. Notwithstanding, they will do something for the receiving of him; and considering the shortness of the time, it will cost them about £200. and all King Philip's arms they take down, and set Monsieur's in'their place. The day after Monsieur's camp passed through this place, 11 ensigns of General Norris's regiment fell into a mutiny for their pay and service in Friesland, in such wise that none of their captains and oibeers durst come among them. This mutiny chanced within half au English mile of this town, and continued

ELIZABETH. A.D.

• 16&

1582. till yesterday. Then they were pacified and set contented by Colonel Morgan, who took great pains in the matter, and ventured his life among them, for they would speak to no man but him. If he had not been, they had gone all to the enemy, for they were marching thitherwards with their ensigns, for in the time o! their mutiny, the enemy of Corttrick sent to them to come and serve on that side, and they should be paid all their pay, and have good entertainment at their hands, with other fair promises. And as they were marching thitherwards, the simplest Boldiers amongst them on the sudden took the ensigna from them that were the beginners of this mutiny, and returned back; and the rest, about 200 of the best soldiers, are gone with all their weapons to serve the enemy at Corttrick, to the great grief of all these parts, for surely their disorder was very great. Enclosed I send the names of those who began this mutiny, which Col. Morgan gave me, and all those with the double crosses were the stirrers-up of this mutiny. I have received yours of the 8th.—Bruges, 15 July 1582. P.S.—This afternoon the magistrates of this town have received letters that Monsieur arrived at 9 o'clock this forenoon at Flushing, and will be here tomorrow afternoon. He makes great haste to be here to send some order in Ms camp; which God send good fortuneAlsd this afternoon the magistrates received a letter from the admiral of Dunkirk, wherein he writes that M. la Motte is departed this world. He died at Gravelines of a hurt in one of his legs above the knee, which he received at the siege before Oudenarde. Add,

July 15.

Endd.

8sp.

[Holl and FL XVI. £56.]

161. CLAUDE PATJLM-YEB to WALSINGHAM. farm of a A short time ago I prepared a little piece in the far Christian lamentation for the troubles of Prance. I have thogh good to set it before you for the obligation that I have, m general to the whole country, and particular to my good lords the ambassador Cobham, Baron 'Sandie,' Onthon [fly. Unton] and others; testifying in so small a matter the will I have to servei you all m & better action. I am sure that you will receive it with the same good will that oil* Sovereign Lord ever did all the small offerings m His first temple; or His Son, our Savior, the• twowfltoJ &J* poor widow in the Christian ehm-ehjWi* and will endure my imperfection as I know you will attribute all perfection to that Heavenly Father, from.whom proceed every good giving and every perfect gift.—Paris, 15 July 1582,

Add. Endd.: from Claude Panto, trith & . [France VII. 139.] 16.

162.

CCBHA3E tO

Since this bearer, the Earl of S W letters from you, I could not but retain ten

160 " A.D.

FOEBIGN PAPEBS.

1582.

,

'

•

that I have received the king's letters addressed to M. de Pierrecourt, the vice-admiral of Normandy, for the redressing of d'Armeville's roving. I purpose to send them by an express messenger, whereby the perfect and good event of those letters may be truly certified to yon. I am this day departing towards F. ontainebleau, to deal •with their Majesties about Alderman Osborne's ship detained in Malta; wherein I will by all means solicit his Majesty to favour those Englishmen and ship, and get Shewte the king's protection, -without • which the Inquisitors will perhaps extend their malice, for it seems that the Pope and the tribunal of the Inquisitors have extended their snares to entrap her Majesty's subjects. They certify me that this king has consented t h a t ' easily and stilly' the discipline of the Council of Trent shall be put in practise . •within this realm, first on the elergy, and so to proceed to the • laity. As ior the Jesuits, they are now nestled even on the shores next to England; being hived there with hope to s-warrn over into England upon every bad occasion; if God and zealous policy do not prevent their subtle designs. ' It is feared that in this assembly of- the noblemen to be held at Pontainebleau, t h e ' matters of orders' of popish religion will be propounded and advanced. At the least, little hopes of good can be where the Guises-have so many voices, together with those other Spanish and Eomish hirelings. The king likea peace well, and ia content to accommodate himself to save his state and stake • which is to all appearance his course. ^ They persuade him that he is the Pope's eldest son, as King of France, and that for default only of his aeal and intelligence the French have failed of their former credit in Eome and Italy. Hcwbeit, these persuasions are but abuses; notwithstanding the king is induced thereby, and grows more and. more ' ceremonious.' He is haunted almost night and day by one M. Saint-Germain, a canon of Notre Dame, the Pope's nuncio's creature, and an ' entire' officer of the Bishop of Paris. He lodges this priest in Oonrt, and haunts his prayers.' In this humour he shows himself as ' apassionated * as he has done in others past. The Duke of Guise says the Prince Dauphin does not go to Flanders. I have not as yet received answer from Mr Phillips, The Duke of Montmorenoy has taken arms, as I am informed by a near friend of his. , Mr Copley spoke with the Duke of Maine at Rouen, and went to fcrailloii to confer with the Duke of Guise.—Paris, July 16,1582. Add, Endd, ^pp. [France VIL ISO.} July 16. .•

1 6 3 . H-KBLE to WiismeHAir. To the end you may see that I have not written to you without foundation, m my former letter, of the mutiny that was among our men, i send herewith Col. Morgan's letter' touching the same;

• .-. . A.».

ELIZABETH.

16]

1582. praying you. to return it to me sealed in' your next, that I may answer any cavillation that may be objected to me, if speech should come of it. For as I am anxious to do good offices among them, so on the other side there reigns such, ambition and envy that it ia hard to admonish them to that which the honour of our country, • and their service, requires. The camp of the reiters, and of our men, as we understood here to-day, is about the abbey called The Dunes, a league from ' Newport.'—Antwerp, 16 July 1582. - - Add,

July 16.

•

164.

Endd.

£p.

[HoU. and Fl. XVh 67.] .

ATJELEY DANETT

to

' Presently upon the yielding up of Oudenarde' the whole camp marched from before Ghent towards Dunkirk, to join with the French forces so long looked for, which arrived last week to the number of 2,000 horse and as many foot, but vexj poorly appointed, ; Daily forces arrive, and it is said, the Prince Dauphin and If. Fervacques come shortly with more. They remain all together - about Dunkirk as yet, awaiting further direction at the Duke's coming, to this town, which will be to-morrow; for yesterday morning he and the Prince of Orange certainly came to Mushing. Monsieur'iS coming: hither is said .to be to make a general muster of Ms whole camp and to set some order among them, whereof there • is great need; for already the French offer many insolences and great injuries to our nation and to others, which must be redressed, or else some.great inconvenience will ensue. Our people likewise are not of the best government, or oldest regiment; having lately entered into a muting alleging their want of pay. Tie matter is now well appeased, and they marehed with Col. Morgan towards the camp. This mutiny has grown chiefly from the captains, who, imagining that the general detains their pay, which he lias received only in paper, have been the secret contrivers of this disorder. The French have helped to blow the coal, and therein have used Bow. Yorke for an instrument; who being sergeant-major of the whole camp, runs his course altogether amongst them and seems k> be altogether at their devotion. But I think Mr Morris's regiment will not easily be 'east/ although I think the Freaeh will attempt It'what they may'; and some English captains, hj permission that they shall' have the room,' will under hand be as forward as they, not seeing that ere long the Frenca would be well contest* to be rid of them all. • At Dunkirk there are in garrison 7 companies of French,3 of Scots, and 8 of the Dutch. The 6 latter will be removed shortly, it is said, and French to eome in their place.. In this town are § companies, which will be increased at his HighBeass eomm^ : hither; and as it .should appear, the chief amm of the viage hither is to plant the French ia some strength m these ^uaiWs. —Bruges, 16 Jttly 1582.

. /

Add

Bndd, lj-jjp.

[Holl and M.

p"L

162

FOEEIGN PAPEES.

A.D.1582.

July 17.

165, ATJDLBY "DANBTT to JOHN NOBBIS. I was purposed to have waited upon you, to have given you to understand what I have done in your business; but finding this messenger by good hap, and not having as yet procured you any lodgings (which by the good help of one of the Prince's secretaries I hope shall be done tomorrow), I have thought good to write to you, Touching your letters to his Highness, I found the means, by o M. Eoquetaillade, to have them delivered; his Highness and the " Prince being both together. I received answer that he was very well content with your letters, and was glad of what you wrote, touching the punishment of the late mutineers; and this was_all M. de ' Boque' wished me to write to you touching that point. After the Prince was despatched from his Highness, and retired to Ms own lodging I delivered him your letter. Upon the receipt of it, he enquired how you did, &e. I delivered further to him the substance of yotir message sent by Mr Barker. Touching the mutineers he said he was sorry such an inconvenience should fall upon you, being one of his very good friends; but was glad the matter was well appeased, and that you had written in such sort to Monsieur, who had shown Mm your letter. Eor his own part, you might assure yourself of his aid and assistance therein, whensoever you should demand it; and in a far greater matter should find him ready to do you what pleasure he could. Touching the 6,000 guilders, I had no sooner spoken of them, but he said ' I know it well enough, and even now I spoke to Ms Highness concerning that; who tomorrow will take order therein to your contentment.' And because I would give occasion of further speech therein, not understanding perfectly what was his meaning, I said that by Mr . Dorpe'e means and credit you took up of a sudden 6,000 guilders in this town; and being desirous to ' discharge' Mr Dorpe, and to keep your credit, you besought Mm for an ordinance to the treasurer of Zealand for the said sum, whereof 4,000 being due by them of Zealand, the 2,000 should be rendered again out of the money to be received from Holland and Utrecht. The Prince 'made strange' at money due to you from Zealand, and asked certain questions; since when it was due, how much hid been paid, and that they ought but to pay their part. In all which. I was ignorant, and therefore was forced to be silent; only I said I thought 4,000 to be due, because you had given me my instructions to deal with Ms Excellency touching the same. But he said he thought no; because those of Zealand had very lately told him they had paid you all. I durst not reply,, nor trouble him again to explain his meaning touching your contentment which his Highness would give for the 6,000 guilders ; and therefore am constrained to send you an imperfect answer. '-" _ Mr Barker procured yesterday a wagon to Antwerp of the lieutenant of the munition of wagons, as going upon your business; wMeh he beseeches you to take upon you, and to thank the lieutenant foi- it, if he shall chance to repair to you. He further prays me to let you understand that Mr Lester is shortly to repair

ELIZABETH.-

163

A.n. 1582. into Holland about business of his own; and if you like him to deal m your business with the States there, which he is- very willing to do, you would send your commission and direction to him. He would have signified thus much to you at his being at the camp, but he did not remember it. Monsieur and, the Prince arrived here this afternoon ; and although I cannot learn the certainty of their abode here as yet, such as I have enquired of, think they will not depart hence in haste.

..

I received letters today from Mr Longston at Antwerp, dated the 16,th insi, in which he writes it is reported there that the French king is very sick, and not like to recover. Also that the Prince of Parma has retired to Namur, to join the forces coming to him out of Savoy. Tomorrow morning I will 'travail' with one of the Prince's secretaries, called de Hugues (?), who very friendly offers to go to the burgomaster to procure your lodging in this town. Please thank him when you come hither for his friendly travail in tMs behalf.—Bruges, Tuesday, 17 July 1582. Add. in French. Endd. (in WaMngka?n's office). 3 pp. [Roll and Fl. XVI. 69.]

July 17.

leg.

MAUYISSIEKE

to WALSINGHAH.

I am sending to ask after her Majesty, and to know how she is, and when she will be pleased to give me an answer; also to thank you for your great trouble in regard to all the kinds of doge and greyhounds which the king my master wants to have from this realm. I take the same opportunity of thanking you for all your kindnesses to all Frenchmen, and the good cheer yoii lately made me at yotu house. There will also be these poor Breton folk, who go with the bearer to thank you for the good will you have borne them up to now, and to pray you to continue it to them, to the recovery of their ship when it eomes back; which most of them have decided to await here rather than to return. I am also very urgent about the Hermim of Brest, which is in the hands of Messrs Knollys; this bearer having taken steps to solicit for it, I beg you to be favourable to him, and give him a little hearing *, and to command me ia all things wherein I may serve you.—London,, 17 July 1582. Add, July 17, • 1 0 7 ,

Endd. Ft.

lp.

[France VII. 181.]

MAXIMILIAN COBHAM

to Wi.hsmam.is.

Although at this time there are not many noveltiest current in these parts worthy of writing, yet remembering both my duty towards you and my promise to you, I thaught it not meet to suffer this respondent to pass without my letters,

164

•

A.D.1588.

FOKEIGN PAPERS.

The Duke of Savoy's forces increase daily. JLney are placed m villages round about G-e'neva. Some say they are strong 20,000 foot and 2,000 horse. If the 'papish ' cantons hold with him, as some judge they will, his camp will be greater [than] the country •will he able to furnish with victuals. The Spaniards pass daily in great troops for Flanders; they are welcome wherever they come, for they pay frankly. The Pope sent two galleys with ' bandityes' to ' Son Altezze,' which were-taken prisoners by the Turks.' The Duke of Florence has since armed three galleys 'to the Sea,' which by chance 'might' with the Turks that took the Pope's galleys in fight, and took them, and much riches which they robbed from others, to the value of 600,000 crowns. Such occurrentg m this place yields, you shall know from time to time; I would to God my pen could give such grace to describe with what zeal and singleness of heart I have always honoured you; or that you might descend into the secret parts of my mind. Then you should certainly find how I am affected to you. But many word a may breed suspicion of flattery. My love towards you is not so great in affection, as I desire to effect it in action.—Lyons, 17 July 1582. Add. Endd. 11 pp. [Ibid. VIL 132.]

July 18.

1 6 8 . MAUYISSIBEE to WAI,SINGHAM. This bearer, named Jehan de Buse, a poor French seaman, having a small vessel of 40 tons laden with wine, was taken off the coast of Normandy by one Captain Ohatori, and Thomas Parson, of Poole- (fa Poidle), who brought the vessel to Poole and sold the wine to- some gentlemen who were in the roads and others of the country. They kept Jehan de Buse and his companions sixteen days, for fear they should imd out where they were; afterwards they took them back to the coast of France. The vessel on which they took them is Breton, armed for war. Immediately after they had landed these poor people, they fell in with a vessel of Saint-YaMry, going to load salt at Brouage, and put the master to torture, to make him find money. I beg you to hear Jehan de Buse, and have such justice done him as you shall see that the ease deserves.—London 18 July 1582.

.

-P.S. (autograph).—I will here say that I am ready myself to send an answer to the king, when the .Queen is pleased to give me one. I have sent M. ds Marcriaumont an extract from the letter wbieh the king wrote me; and he whom I pointed out to you in the garden (?gmdnn) at nunshis [Nonsuch], M. des Ouches is urgent mfch me for his departure, or to buy here such dogs as he may be able to get for money; seeing that those who have been charged bv his Majesty to provide him find it a long business, since everyone hides hia dogs and curses the French, saying that, they come to take away their dogs, and many bad words, which I wish des Oueb.es had not heard. AM,

MM4,

Fr, . ijp4 -[France VH, 183,]

ELIZABETH. A.D.1581 July 18.

169.

HBBLE

to

WALSINGHAH.

Monsieur and the Prince of Orange, with the whole Court, departed from Flushing on Monday about 10 A.M. and lay that night a t ' the Sluse,' and so to Bruges. Our camp is as yet between Dunkirk and Berges St. Vynoek. The horsemen newly come, the reiters, are but 1,500, the foot as many, very ill-furnished and chosen. There are some of the flower of Mr Norris's companies gone to the enemy, in spite of all that Colonel Morgan could do. The Prinee of ^fipinoy and Sainte-Aldegonde are sent for hence. One departed on Monday and the Prince is to follow tomorrow, as it is intended. There are two places granted at Brussels for the exereise of the Catholic religion; that is, the ' Cowberg ' church, and the chapel within the palace. By this means we hope to have the Catholics more ready to obey and to contribute; and to entertain the Malcontents -with the Eeligioua Frede. There are speeches of Bouehain and Carpen, one in West Flanders, the other by Cologne, that they are redueed to our ' obeyssaunce'; but these are mere tales. Letters are come from Geneva, signifying that the ambassadors of the Cantons are with the Duke of Savoy, with resolution to bring thence war or peace, and to charge the duke with breach of league and promise; wherefore they will seek to.be restored to those four bailiwicks, that some years past they delivered up to the Duke of Savoy upon condition that he should not encroach further. The French king has sent to the Cantons the moiety of the money which was due to them, with promise to furnish the rest shortly, and in-the meantime he renews the league between them. He. promises further to aid them against the Duke of Savoy with men and money, and has sent special ambassadors to the dttke to admonish him to give good contentment to the Cantons and to desist from the enterprise of Geneva; otherwise he will declare himself absolutely against the duke in favour of Geneva and the - Cantons. These letters from Geneva I have aeea, and know to come 'from good place' and written by the consent of the magistrates there.—Antwerp, 18 Jnly 1582.

18.

Add,

EncU.

If.

{Halland M. XVI. 70.}'

170.

The PBOTOB OF CHEHAT to

Having heard of the authority and credit which you have -with her Majesty, I would not fail to send the present, to introduce myself ho your good grace, and at the same time to beg you to have me always recommended to her, wherein jou will do me a gsreafc pleasure, which I shall not fail to recognise on all ocmmms whm it may be your pleasure to employ me.—Jssdan [?#' o6a&aj» 18 July 1582. (Signed) Charles de Croy. Add. Endd. Fr, i # . [IMA. XVI. 71-3

166

.FOREIGN PAPERS.

A.D.1582.

July 18.

l7l.

CUSTODIO LEITAM

to WALSINGHAM.

I should have started but for the letter .which I am expecting from her Majesty in answer to that which I brought her from the Mng my master, without which I cannot write to him. Kindly do me the favour of sending itfcome by Captain Prim. Her Majesty promised to write when I took leave of her. She also gave me permission for the ships that wish to go and serve my master, which will be given to him secretly; but it is long since the ship presented itself (?), as the aforesaid captain will tell you. Please give him a permission in such form as may seem to you good, for him to keep secret according to her Majesty's will; which is the sole object of this. I am very sorry not to have had the pleasure of saying farewell to you.—London, 18 July 1582. Add. Endd. Fr. July 18.

1 p.

[France VIL 134.]

172. A. calculation in Burghley's hand of some part of the Duke of Anjou's revenues—' the Convoy of the town of Bordeaux for three years,' ' the third of the impositions on linen and canvas for three years,' 'the arresting [sic] of the waste lands of his apanage,' &c. Endd.: 18 July, 1582. At Nonsuch. The note of money growing to M. d'Anjou in France. 1J pp. [Ibid. VII. 135.]

July 20.

173.

COEHAM

to "WALSINGHAJU:.

I have now had access to the king and informed him of the detaining of Mr Osborne's and Staper's ship at Malta. I enlarged on it to him as amply as I had received instructions by William Shute, delivering withal the Queen's letter to him, requesting he would take Shute into his protection, who was the party to be sent to Malta for the delivering of the ship; otherwise it would be to small purpose if the bearer of his despatch would not go and return safely. The Mng promised to consider of the matter and to deal on behalf of her Majesty's subjects ao far as he could. He directed me to give the memorials touching the arrest of the ship and men to Secretary Yilleroy, with whom I spoke in the cause. I found from the Secretary the king had been advised of it before. _ I left Shute with one of my servants to ' follow' and obtain the king s favourable letters and means in that behalf. _ And because, after my former audience I received from the king m answer to my complaint against "Armeville" only his letter to the vice-admiral of Normandy to such effect aa will appear by the copy 1 enclose, I thought well again this last conference to move him that Axmeville might be sent for to the Court, whereby the truth of his puraey might the better appear, as likewise that he might be constrained to make restitution of the ships and goods taken from her Majesty s subjects, and be bound to put in securities for his well carrying himself hereafter to Englishmen

ELIZABETH.

•

A.D. 1582. The king found this demand reasonable; and thereon, at my departure out of the cabinet, I saw him call for M. Joyeuse. So that by the time I was a while retired into the ordinary chamber appointed for the ambassadors, M. Pinart came to me from the lung, declaring that his Majesty had referred all seafaring causes and depredations to M. de Joyeuse, his admiral; who, M. Pinart . said, was desirous to confer with me to be informed of the complaints against ' d'Armeville. I offered myself willing to perform therein the Duke Joyeuse's will in such sort as he might think good. Therewith Si. Pinart departed, sending to me after a while a gentleman by whom I was conducted to M. Chiveray'g chamber, whither there came presently M. Joyeuse, accompanied only by Secretary Pinart. I declared to the duke what Pinart had said to me concerning the king's pleasure that I should inform him of d'Armeville's depredations committed on her .Majesty's subjects, which I particularly and briefly enlarged to him; beseeching him that since it has pleased Gktd and the king to place him in that estate of the admiralship of France, he would have in recommendation the just dealing with my sovereign's subjects. He answered that because it had been, the king's will to do him the honour to put him in trust ' with' £he affairs of the Admiralty, he meant, for the discharge of his duty, to take care all things should pass well for the conservation of the amity "which is between his master and my sovereign. He requested^ me to deliver him the memorials! "of d'Armeville's disorderly dealing, and promised that all expedition should be used for the redressing of the piracy. He assured me also he would permit none hereafter to trade the sea with shipping, but that they were first to put in good assurance for their good behaviour towards the king's subjects asd his confederates. He prayed me that upon any disorder done from henceforth to her Majesty's subjects on the seas, I would address my complaints to him, as he in like sort meant to signify to me when any information were exhibited of anything committed amiss on the sea to the French by her Majesty's vassals. Of this I have thought well to advertise you at large, that she may understand the king has referred all his 'admiral' causes to the confidence of Duke Joyeuse. I send herewith the eopv of the duke's answer to mine, in which 1 sent him the memorial of the depredations.—Paris, 20 July 1582, Add. July 20,

Endd. 9|jg>.

[Fmnm VII. 186.]

1 7 4 . P. DBS OUCHES to Excuse me for my boldness in writing to you j it is beoawe wtt kindly sent me yesterday two 'pairs' of tetters, om to W g to M. de Lanssac and the other to M. Oakoy W. I ^*?J*K™ hand them to them. Please do not take it tmm returned the passport which you sent ^ * » brought me the letters and i i The reason is *» or tfciee horses, one for < h Singe' fry. ^ ^ f ^ bought for the king, mi another for myself. Them is no

•IBS

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FOREIGN PAPERS.

A.D.1582.

,

. .

.. •

of horses in the passport. Please put in it also that no wrong is to be done me by rummaging [fouler'] me for the two or three crowns which I carry for/ my expenses, or for my belongings [attivailj which are not very small, thanks to God, the Queen, and you. I promise you shall be thanked for it on the king's partfor the kindness and the honour and the good welcome you have given me. I have also been so bold as to beg you to grant something to this bearer, who goes with this lackey to seek my passport. He asks for a letter from the Queen empowering him to approach the coasts [ienir la mestrige de jouster hs cots;]. He is taking the letter all ready; you will see it, if you please, and if it is a thing easy for you to do, I commend it to you as though it were for myself, because he ia my host, who has treated me well and shown me favour in this town. I will say no more, save that I pray God to give you health for a hundred years, and a hundred thousand crowns every year. —•London, 20 July. Add. Endd. Fi\ 1 p. July 20.

[France VIZ. 137'.]

175. EOGBE WILLIAMS to WALSINGHAM. I understand by a soldier of mine that you have received no letters from me these three months. I assure you this is the seventh letter I have written to you in that space. Had I anything worthy to trouble you, I would every post. I understand you wish to understand the order of our camp. Thus it stands until the Prince Dauphin comes; these are the chiefs' names: . CountRoehepot, general of all; M. de VilHers, marshal; la Pierre, one of the four marshals—we call them in English the four corporals—of the field; he is it alone. Mr Morgan, colonel-general of the English infantry. Colonels of the infantry English, Mr North, Morgan, Cotton; strong at this hour,near 3,000. Colonels' of the Seots infantry, Stewart, Preston, Tryell [TraiU]; strong at this hour, near 2,000. In camp there are. of the 800 colonels of the French, Villeneuye, Dalyne (?) that was la Garde's lieutenant ' Seye chevaT [Saisseval], 'Fackeral' [Funeral], the last to come with the last Freneh succours; strong altogether, 3,000/ There are four companies of his Highness's guard; they may go in the 3,000. "Walloons and Flemings of the regiments of 'Tiger ' [qy. Tiward], Aymon' [qy, Egmoat] and Loker L[qy. Lakerenl, 8 companies, strong 700. (

Cavaky,—Count Mansield, 5 [qy. 15] cornets, 1,500 Miters? ^ ? C ^ S , 3 c o r n e t s > Btwrcg 2,200; 2' cornets of carbines, strong 200. TO the lances, 6 comets came with the reiters and the two

ELIZABETH. regiments. This is all our force at present. I would trouble you with news of our succour a, but that I am sure Herle, Danett, and Doyley do it in far better order than I can. I hear the King of Spain has sent one { Sanekes' [qy. Sanchez], one of good judgement, to proffer the Count and the State of Ernden the government of all that he has in Friesland and those parts. If it be so, he would fain ' layge' his ' arniatho' in those quarters. He ' arms to sea' very strong, assure your self, not for King Antonio, for he has no fear of him. It is either for Flanders or. Scotland or Ireland. In Flanders they have no port. The broils of Ireland and Scotland you know best. I could write a number of speeches from some of good judgement. For ' Strosso' and his troops, they are not for Don Antonio, hut for a show. The Prince of Parma is gone to Namur, 'afore' his own succours. The body of his army lies at Oudenarde. He dares not besiege any place for fear of our forces; but you may be sure by his succours he means to be master of the field. At the Diet you will see great change in the Emperor about Muntier's' entry into these parts. The Duke of Saxony is arrived there already, with 2,000 brave reiters. There are four of them joined together for something; it is thought to 'conteray' the House of Austria. The town where the Diet is kept has levied and taken into it a regiment of 12 companies. 1

The Bishop of Colen made a great banquet to a nmnber of rittmeistera (?) in the Prince of Parma's behalf .—Bruges, 20 July, I eaine here to speak with the Prince, thinking to depart presently. His Highness commanded me to stay this day, saying ' To-morrow thou shalt carry good news to the camp.' I pray God it may be loaves, else I do assure you they will not come from France so fast hither as we shall run away. You would not believe the poverty we are in.—Tours, Eo. Williams. P S.—l told him plainly as the States give me commission for 100 lances within 15 days, he should find me the lances. Add, Endtl. July.

4 pp.

tHoll and FL XYL 72.]

1 7 6 . "The names of the principal officers in Monsieur's camp, and the present state of his forces." Apparently taken frotn the last Utter, in WaMw&am'* $M* Qll• Davison'skand. Mdd. lp. {Ibid. XVI. 72a.j

July 20.

177. ETIBSKJE LESEEUR to I have received your letter, and £30 torn Mr rate of 30 M&nxsh sols to fte pound, I am fM; out for Bruges, to carry M. de ' Maiv^maw1*1 Highness. As soon as I receive her MfpBp« f ^ j T j i Cleves'e letter which vou mention ** aliont to te nut *o

170

'

POEEIGK PAPERS.

A.D.1582.

shall have to use all necessary diligence. You comfort me greatly by letting me know that her Majesty is satisfied and designs to take in good part my humble labour in her service, which I shall hold myself very happy to be able to employ whenever it shall please her to employ me, were, it at the risk of nay life, worse than the journey I have now to make, I am sure that her opinion only proceeds from your favour towards me, which I never merited. On my return to Gleves, I think I shall see the Count of Moers whom I mentioned in my former letter. If you wish me to say anything to him from you, I should be glad to know.—Antwerp, ' 20 July 1582. P-8.-^-1 could wish that you would write to Mr Longston, if I want any more money: to furnish me with it. I have already disbursed some of my own, and this will not suffice, seeing the, occasions I shall have for great expenses. I will give you a good account of them. Add. Endd. July 21.

Fr.

1 p.

[Holl. and Fl. XT. 73.]

178. NEWS FROM CONSTANTINOPLE. I gave you an account of what happened in the square of the Hippodrome up to Saturday, the 9th rdt. Now I will continue until today.

On Sunday, the 10th, the Venetian ambassador and Bailo went to toe Pashas, who were in their box (palco) at the Hippodrome, and having paid them the due attentions and had some agreeable conversation, we went to our own box, whither was brought the ordinary meal, fowls, mutton, lamb, roast and boiled, rice dressed in various ways, some kinds of pastry with honey, and other condiments after their manner, and sherbet to drink*. This went , on till the 10th of this month, when the public feeding ceased. We saw many races of Barbs, much music after their manner, which to us is very ungraceful. One man who had climbed a high mast, in coming down fell when half way, and injured himself all over. JJ ood as above was given to the people, and at the end was a hunt ol boars, wolves, hares and foxes, which was most entertaining. At night were bonfires, and three great castles were burnt, with otner fireworks. thO^ M o n d a y morning (feme mattma) the 11th, food was given in the public square exactly as above, to all the spahis with their chiefs to the number of 4,000, to whom the same kinds of viands were deseribed

SSSLS

A^-

elsewhere, under the teuts above-

mentioned, and dispatched by them in the same manner. After n^dday appeared in the field 100 horsemen, part clad in hairT W ™ , P a ? Tth I l V e r i e s ' a n d P a r t « ti» Eumelian style. These course* after one another in tin's way, A very long mast

l & P K * 1 * ? at t h e tc* of * ™* Panted in thTZddleoi the

Hippodrome, and on one side and the other in a straight line w e evef £? ftl £ ™ twuofaers {or clouts) with a little blank (bullseye) in fhe nnadle, on rods six qnm-te (?) high kom the ground,

ELIZABETH.

171

A.D.1582.

and over against them was extended on the ground a log 61 wood representing a man. These marks were laid in order a good handcast apart. The horseman rode straight for them, and at the beginning of the course drew his sword, aimed a blow at the log, at once replaced his sword, shot an arrow at the ball on the mast, and at once taking another from his quiver shot it at the other mark, almost as the course was ending. This was done by all, always in one course. Then they ran with their arrows only, shooting the first at the first mark, and taking another smartly shot at the mast, and then did the same at the last mark, always at full speed, and returned to do the same feats with the left hand. Then some ran with shields, shooting the arrow with the right hand and holding the shield in the left, and then put the shield in the right and shot with the left, doing all this at unbroken speed. Others, with sword and arrow, shifting the sword to the right hand and the left, did marvellous things. Others after shooting their arrows, drew their swords, and rising from their horses touched the ground with one foot, struck a blow and remounted instantly with much dexterity, aimed a second arrow at the mark at the end of their course, doing it to right and left alike; and certainly very few shots went astray, some having in one course hit all the marks except the ball, but many were Very good were those shots when riding one after another they turned, looking backwards^ and shot the arrow behind them, hitting the mark to the great marvel of everyone. Then they went two on one horse, and in mid-career dismounted, one on one side, the other on the other, holding the pommel with their hand, and with one foot on the ground and the other in the stirrup, they remounted with such agility and precision that they seemed like one man. Two others in several courses did wonderful things. They threw darts standing upright on the saddle, and then with their head on the saddle and their feet in the air. Then they turned somersaults from the cronp to the saddle and back. The courses were ah1 at full speed; and those_ who bore themselves thus honourably had many presents from hie Majesty, who was all the time intent upon all these things. Pood was_ as usual given to the people, a great quantity o£ boxestfeabimtth)of nee, with a loaf on the top, being placed on the ground; and aftsrwatdfl mats, the whole length of the square, with beef in portions on i-neui, and at the sound of trumpets and drums all the people fell tiposx the spoil {si dam dV arm' et alUraphia) and in a moment cleared everything off. This continued to be done from the beginning of these festivities to the end in this manner. At night the same fireworks as above went on till the 5th hour of the night, hifl Majesty always being present, and the square and boxes always lull of people. On the 12th, Tuesday, She same horsemen appeared in the afternoon, and being divided into two cornets, one with a red, one mfea a yellow banner, on the same ground perfe-med many fflfc caracoles (cwaguoty and other feats of homittansMp* They arranged themselves the whole length of tiu field in long Me» m either side, and setting spurs to their hotm passed u» the same order in line one side through the other without faatasc* holing

•1-72

FOEEIGN PAPEES.

A.D. 1582.

• -

. . . : : „ •

- wands on high, as though to strike. After spending much time on these feats, they fell to shooting with the bow, and doing the same things as the day before. The usual meal was given in the evening, and at night, models having been made of the seven towers that are at the western end of the city, they eet them on fire one after another, with such a quantity of fireworks that the air seemed to bum on all sides. This was the festival of the Aga of the Janissaries. The 13th and 14th nothing appeared in the square, so I will only say that on the latter day the meal was given in the morning under tents, in the same order as above, to all the bombardiers, gunners {topigki), and others of the army to the number of 3,000 persons with the same number of viands, and in the evening the ordinary meal was given to the people; but at night were many fireworks, among which a ' mountain ' was burnt, which the High Admiral {eafitaivio del mare)'had had made by the slaves. This was as high as a pike and more, and was brought uncovered into a comer of the square, and there covered up, and by degrees furnished with all the fireworks that went with it, which were in very great quantity; but - they had not much success, compared with what was expected of them, because having been drawn into the middle of the square by slaves, who made believe it was drawn by two serpents, fire was put to it at the second hour of the night which set it all alight at onee, and, all thefireworkswent off so furiously with no interval that they filled the square and the whole air with fire and it burnt up at once. Borne of the other castles were burnt, which succeeded better; and some models of men on horseback, but full of fireworks, were thrust m among the people, and the rockets and other fireworks with which they were fitted took their way through them. Then a great tent was seen to appear in the middle of. the square, all made of fire joined together in such wise that the shape was perfectly kept. Ibis gave much pleasure to the eye, and after lasting a quarter of an hour, suddenly all went out. On Saturday the 16th dinner was given in the square under the same tents, which were pitched both mornings (?) and then struck by toe bigmor's Christian slaves, to the High Admiral, . . . . to those receiving pay a t s e a and all their people, which was very fine to see, tor the order which was kept in dispensing the viands, which was as above, and for the number of the guests, whieh exceeded 5,000. A great deal erf food wfts given them, nor was there anything left ovei. After dinner till evening nothing was seen except many people playing practical jokes and other.mountebank's mummeries. Sunday the 17th passed without anything worth writing. The usual mmeals were p e n to thee people and the usual fireworks at ver pretty tt effect fft off two t ll s H ££ \\ « moo nn gg T™h was Been a very galleys as. long as a gondola whxeh fought together with fireworks for more than an hour so artfully that it gave the people the greatest pleasure because having gradually approached each other one was seen to overcome the other in such wise that it was all burnt, K& X 1 , f ^ M e ^ e a t re3i Spain, to Wre the king und us kait in some sound and Pf*feej' amity, that seeing this treaty of marriage is subject to such difficulties- that the success of it is dotcbtfol, there Bhould not be some other way taken for the conclusion of some •such league as may fend fo the; assurance «f both Crowns against any that should attempt any thing against them. And that you conceive that if the treaty of amity propounded last year by her Majesty had proceeded, good fruit sought have in many ways followed thereof, without any impediment to the marriage, bat rather -might have greatly furthered it. The like speech you should address to such of the Council fcere as you have known to affeet the a i a % between the two Crowns.

A.D.1582.

-

• Her Majesty's pleasure is that you shall most effectually recommend to the king the great necessity MB brother is in of his brotherly and princely support; letting him understand that although she sees that her often and earnest recommendation has not so far prevailed to work #ie effect desired by her, yet she hoped that the natural affection he ought to beax Ms brother, and the great good that the Grown of France will receive by the prosecution of the action he has now in hand, would have wrought in such sort that he would have been otherwise supported than Mtherto he has been. For if the king would only have favoured Mm so far as to have given order that upon Ma frontier bordering on the Low Countries there might have been a general restraint made against the transporting of victims ,to ^he^ Prince of Parma and file Malcoutenfej it would have stood Mm in such stead that the prince would teot haye prevailed in the taking of Oadeaarde as he has Her Highness would further have you let him understand that she ig informed there ftre great mjjnbers both of horse .and foot coming to the succour of the JPrince of Parma; both from Italy and Germany; whereby it is very likely he will be in such sort fortified that the duke's forces will not be able to withstand him, unless the kM-g deals more roundly in supporting Sin than Mfckertohe has done, -especially by givi&'g present ordeJ of the said ¥e0teai»$ of .victuals, .than out. o% the king's dominions, will mrae •* prevail' to annoy the enemy than the furnishing of him with 10,000 men. Therefore, swing this may be done without breach of league or just cause of ©Senses to Spain, her Majesty most earnestly etasires the king to give •orfe- in that behalf. She takes this camse of i3xe date's to heart, foreseeing the danger that may befall to them-both in ease he shall not fee tetter assisted than hitherto by his brother; and therefore she looks that you should deal substantially and earnestly therein, pressing 'with' Ihe fctag and ^tteen Mother to yield you some answer. Her MJajesty is content you should show the extract .to the king, if you see geod cause to lead you to it; and therefore I send a copy of it enclosed. Draft, tiMh oim or tico corrections by WuMnglumi. Endd. with date, 10 pp. i$Ym,ce YIL. 189,] July 25.

1 8 4 . -JotaT NOBEIS to I have received yoffi- two tetters h«re at D r f i r k . f oueMng her Majesigr's pleasure how I shall govern myself in this army, I wrfi m -all lay actions prefer her will before my reputatioa, ana ixowsoew I aan used, it Bhall content me to think how I may do her semee. My brother eas make you the teua deport of fliis tost meeting. I cannot yet learn the foundations of it, but there is great appearance ihat a©me of ihe officers were faulty 'f£' ihe beginning, not ^Making It wouM have growa t-o *hat esieeiBi^y. When I hme d

Si, I mH m ^ e laxgely a&weriAm $&u.

186

.

FOBEIGN FAPEBS.

A.D. 1582.

Our news is that Octavian Gomaga has arrived at Namur j the forces from Italy in the Duchy of Luxembourg being 4,000 Spaniards and 2,000 Italians on foot, and of both nations 1,500 lances. Count Charles is said to march with two regiments of Almans,' Our forces from Prance are looked for devoutly, but we learn no certain time of their arrival. I will, as you write, advertise you when anything happens, of importance.—Dunkirk, 25 July 1582. Add. Endd. ' July-25.

1 p.

[Roll and Fl. XVI. 77.]

185. PEBMYN to WAIISINGHAM. I received your letter on the 23rd, through Capt. Williams, who • gave it me at the camp. It was dated July 8. Touching your commands, I wil] not fail to write to the person in question very fully ; he does things easily for me off-hand {a la Ugere) especially in these matters. And to tell the truth,-1 eannot persuade myself that there is not some great feat to be executed on the part of the Koman Catholic princes, which has been long projected, and is at present, on the table (mr le bureau) if God do not lay to His hand to hinder it. As for affairs here, they do not go as is requisite, but always from • bad to worse. His Highness is at present at Bruges, haying passed through Zealand with his Excellency. The Prince of Epinoy has remained at Antwerp as governor.. Since his Highness's arrival at Bruges, Lamoral d'Egraont has been ordered to keep his house as a prisoner under guard, and others have been imprisoned. They say that M. de Marquette is of the party, and the baron of Saleedo, son of a Spaniard who was killed in the Paris massacre, He was governor for the king of a place near Metz in Lorraine, and had lately come to the camp, two days before it was raised from the neighbourhood of Ghent, He had passed through the enemy's camp, and was at the surrender of Oudenarde, with a passport from the Duke of Lorraine. He has had a regiment in Prance—is a busybody (remue menage) and dangerous ; 28 to 30 years old. As to the deed for which he was arrested, or accused, I have not heard the truth of it.

^ . •-•••••

As for the conduct and government of our camp, not a sol avpatare has as yet been paid to the gendarmery since we, were encamped before Ghent, and there is no sort of brigandage or theft which is not committed by the soldiers who go out from the eamp in search of victuals, besides (gue) violations; and these continue. That is the state, conduct and discipline of our army, with infinite gambling. If his Highness does not set order there sooner or later, we may fear the worst, that some great alteration will eome about. To wish to make use of an army composed offivenations, wifchoutfpay or tolerable food, what is one to hope for from such management ? And to say the truth, since we have been encamped at this place we have lost as many men, deserted or dead, as joined usat Dunkirk, They go away daily, and pass through the enemy's ground to get to France. ™*6e passage is given them at Gravelines. As for the English, young Mr-Nome will inform you mare fully of their state. There

ELIZABETH.

167

A.D. 1582.

.

are at present 25 ensigns in the camp, and 5 of Walloons; 60 French companies ; 6 Scotch will remain; 800 or 1,000 reiters, and 27. cornets of cavalry, such as it is. We await the forces from Prance that are said to he at hand; which again is not a ready thing. Yesterday morning arrived in post a French gentleman, who said he had seen the Prince Dauphin a fortnight ago. He told him that he would not come to these parts but by the king's license and express command, and that he had no forces ready yet. In the evening arrived M. de Saucriaut (?), who said just the contrary. He went to Bee his Highness, and said that by the 15th of next month the force would have joined the army. These are words. Time and the season are passing, with the resources. There are only two or three months of summer left; and the French proverb will come true ' apres la mort, le m&decin,' even if steps were oeing sincerely taken, which most people doubt, from the results which they see with their eyes. To-day 5 of the newly-come French companies left the camp to go into Dixmude with the others of M. de Saint- Seval's regiment. It is reported that the enemy is on the way towards Poperinghen, This is not assured; but he "certainly had some design on Brussels, to blockade it, and reckoned to retake Alost easily, inasmuch as he could get rid of the water from it. The enemy's reinforcements are at hand; and those which were in the neighbourhood of Geneva are on the way thither, led by one named Anselme, who is from Avignon, aad has served the king of France in the Marquisate of Saluces; where haying taken certain places, the king had to pay him 30,000 crowns before he would hand them over. There are also some old Spanish regiments, which have been here before. As for the general of our camp, M, de ftoehepftt, he hae had two attacks of tertian fever and went yesterday morning to Bergiisefor medical treatment, and is lodged at the abbey. M. de villiere commands in his absence. I will not discourse longer to you on the miseries here, of the disorders, confusions, plundering^, robberies, embezzlements (? concussions) , violations of laws divine and human, leaving it all to Mr Nonis; what is going on in this town on me part of the garrison, and other things that mast not be written, l a sum, Sir, we are the scourges of the •wrath of Ood, who will stoke us all for being conduit-pipes for the scum of wickedness; Kviug only by prey, whose end will erown the work.—Dunkirk, 25 July, 3 o'clock in the afternoon, 1582. P.S.—There is no great choice between tyrannies, complains this desolated country, which laments itself. Colonel Stewart is at present in Zealand. He married the Ccrantess of Batemburg a fortnig&t ago, m& is on hm ^ay to Scotland from Veere, where he embarks. AM.

Eitdd. Wr* 8J>J>. iEolLatd Fl, XVL 78.]

FOREIGN PAPERS. A.D. 1582.

July 25.

. •186. GERHASDS: VAN DBM BiRBoira to WALSINGHAM. Although I am not personally acquainted with your lordship, necessity compels me to write tod will excuse my boldness. I have continually and at great cost been for a long time soliciting through my special deputy for payment of the bonds given by her Majesty which the Mayor and Alderman of London promised to pay us the debtors in chief; upon which., owing to my deputy's diligent solicitation, you will not be unaware that I have been for some years entitled to sue. On this I have had to expend a great part of my substance, contrary to my expectation, ffor relying on that old promptitude'of payment for which her Majesty was for many years celebrated throughout Europe, I thought that by the transfer to me of those bonds I held the very gold and silver. But I have been so much disappointed, that in despair of getting anything by any further modesty and civil solicitation, I decided to recall my deputy, especially when I understood that I had hitherto been cajoled (laetari) with the vain, and so costly hope of the payment of interest, promised to Similar creditors, as though I seemed to be held in derision; whence others might snatch occasion to open their mouths for a transfer of my security (? inete actiofois translationi iniuandi). After having thus far at so much expense, tried to get some return from it,' I had no idea of withdrawing, and if any postponement should happen to me, allowing the name of others to be admitted upon it—otherwise, to say the truth, an unusual thing in Germany. • ' . Wherefore I beg your advocacy to enable me to get satisfaction, that I toay not be forced to adopt that method of obtaining payment which is granted by the bonds, and tor which there is certainly •opportunity both among us and elsewhere j and I have hitherto put off using it to my heavy cost. • Wherefore being unable any longer to bear the delay, some months ago I made my protest before the senate Of this out eity, and gave orders for it to be made known in England. Understanding that it has been read by the Mayor and Aldermen of London and others, which is enough for me without farther protestations- or publication (insimiaimie). Before taking furffeer steps, I will wait to see what hope may dawn from this h-amble statement of the case.*—Cologne, 25 July 1582,

• .. July 26.

Add. Endd. hy L. Toms&n: From Gerard Byrboum, for payment of has bonds. He has protested in Colin, and means to proceed aoeordingly in ease he be not otherwise satisfied. Latvn, lJi>jV \Chtmany II 34.] 1 8 7 . GoBHAM to WALSIHGHA31. You May have heard how Capt, Perdin has started from beside .Eoehelle with almost 1,000 soldiers, embarked in 8 ships, with two other ships freighted with' munitions and victuals, 'left behind' Bon Antonio, which have taken their courses towards the Terceras. _ Antonio de Meneses i a s remained hurt tod sick at Bochelle, and is not yet folly recovered. .He is to depart with his S00 men from Boehelle m t t y r o r three slips, as I am informed by one of Don

• A.D.

ELIZABETH..

1582. Antonio's gentlemen left about his affairs. ' Otherwise there is-no certain news oi any act done by Don Antonio, but sundry bruits of little (eficair \ They ol Bochelle, now that they find1 Don Antonio'^ proceedings to- be directed against King Philip,; offer him ships, victuals, and munition. In the beginning of last weak, there passed at Sanseres [gy. Sancerre] 4,000 Gascons, who hasten towards Monsieur. The troops of M. Laval and the Viscount Rochefoucauld have passed- into Pieardy, with 200 horse besides their foot; of whom I hear no certain news.. ,

Advertisements have come to the lung that the- King of Sweden is dead. I enclose, herewith advertisements from sundry places.—Paris, 26- July 1582; Add. . Endd.. \%pp. [France VII. 140.]

July 26.

.

188. COEHAS to WAIiSiNSBAM:. I have dealt very earnestly by all the convenient means I could use to advance the obtaining favourable means in behalf of the merchants' ships stayed at Malta, aa you will find by the copies I will send you by the next; having 'enforced' myself, that the merchants, might perceive your recommendation has had power on me and on my will. The Eouen merchants, Hopton and Morris, are delivered from. Eouen, where their lives were in danger, I have (dealt by means' with John Grower, offering to deliver him" ' ; and succour Ms miserable estate with all- things h§ shall need. As . yet he shows rather to have a will to obey their clergy and" discipline, but I shall not so leave him. One of Count Roquendolfe's servants is apprehended at Eontainebleau for carrying a dag charged. He has been exaanined, because it was doubted he had an intention to murder the king; but as yet the young fellow stands stoutly to- the denial. He is a scholar, perhaps a Jeauit. The, king has,, as I heat-, given the Cuke of Hatpensier the duchy of Chatellerault in recompense for his government of Brjtamiy; and the Duchess of Chatellera.ult, the king's bastard sister, has the duchy of Angouleme assigned her, and the Duke of Mercceui: tae government of Britanny. The Queen Mother has-granted the Queen of Xawje ihe duehy of lois* which she had both in dowry and 'jointer/ I return, by this bearer my servant Jaekson,. Mr Phillips'® dispatch, for I sent him with it to Bcrarges to Mr Phillips. I leave the consideration of the costs, of his journey to you, if you please— Paris, 26 July 1582. . Add. Endd. 2$p. [jphww VIL141.]

190

.

FOREIGN PAPERS.

A.D.1582.

July 26:

• . ,

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189. ATOMY DANETT to WALSINCMAM. Since my last of the 23rd,. sent by the Dutch poet, the enemy •was before Meenen, and sent to summon the town; but after he • had hovered about there two or three days he went towards Ypres, but stayed not long there, but went to a place called ' Poperen,' where he remains to refresh his army, the country, thereabouts being very fertile, and as is yet supposed, will stay there the coming of the. French forces, which he will encounter, if he find his advantage. - It is given out that those forces will arrive here shortly, hut the best believe they cannot be here this month; and therefore whatever is given out of a general muster and a pay to be had presently, to stay the camp, which by reason of their intolerable misery is greatly discontented, I do not think they will receive any relief before the whole forces are arrived. It is commonly talked that very lately money has been furnished 'by 10 out of 27, and by 81 out of 85.'; but I think it is to continue a hope of pay, because they disband out of the camp, and the numbers decrease daily-

The matter :of Salcede, mentioned in my last, has since been thoroughly examined; the process and depositions are sent to 12, and 30 vehemently suspected of the practice; which was to have taken away hia Highness and the Prince by slaughter or by poison, or finding himself strong with his regiment which, he was to ' erect,' by 4,000 crowns whieh he was to receive of the Prince of Parma,, to have carried them both to the enemy. The Count of Egmont is still prisoner in his lodging, having a gentleman of credit belonging to the prince, and 6 of his guard to attend upon him. He is deep ...in this conspiracy-, as it is said, especially touching the prince, and therefore I think it will be hard with him.—Bruges, 26 July. 1582.

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July 26 Tor 271 .

190. THOMAS MOB&AN to WALSINGHAM.

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Endd. by Wahmgham. 1 p.

\HoU. and Fl. XVI. 79,]

I requested Mr Stookes to advertise you of the misfortune that • chanced amongst the 11 * ancients' that came out of Friesland. The . departure of them this gentleman the bearer hereof can inform you, of the 1truth of their pitiful departure, ' and most vemently did • exclaim against the general.' But who put it into their heads God knows, but whom the fault is in I 'knows'not, I have brought those few men into the camp, but yet marvellously, ' discont' and 'daily doth ran away to the enemy.' Truly since my departure from these companies, I find them the [most] disordered men that ever I saw in my life. You will please to understand that I have taken as great paina in the behalf of the general as ever any gentleman could do, and he never gave me thanks at my coming to him for all the pains I have taken for the maintaining of his honour. There is unkindness 7fallen out between us, by reason of certain words, as Mr ' Eno-welles ' should' tell me ; which, words were these, saying that he would write to England that he owed neither captain nor eofficer any money, which I utterly deny, for he owes me a great pi c e °*

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money, that I have ventured my life for, and that he has received for ray pay. This I beseech you to countenance me in, that I have •ventured my- life and goods, for truly, if it please you, in my • opinion there was never a greater disorder or discredit to our nation than has fallen out at this time. ; The soldier exclaims on the-general, the general finds fault with the captain ; but ' who' the fault is, I know not, Eut I doubt not but the truth will be known one day, and I for my part will seek it out to the uttermost. I beseech you to confer with this bearer, who was with ine among them, and he himself was once like to have been slain by them. He will ' show you of' all their proceedings.

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I received your letter touching Mr Carleil, •* which' I am very well contented with anything that is your pleasure. But truly I - have had great wrong. Concerning the news here,—we- have; had intelligence as this present day that' the enemy is come down very strongly, and lie about Tpres and Poperingo, which is not above three leagues of our camp. We lie very strongly between two waters, and begin to entrench ourselves upon the weakest places. We are not in the camp of fighting-men, horse and foot, above 7,000; and they come away daily, of all nations. When the.enemy comes nearer, I' fear they will go away faster.—From the camp by Dunkirk, 27 July 15^

Add. Endd.: ' July 26.' 3 pp. July 26.

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[Boll, d- M. XVI. 80.]

191. EOGEB WILLIAMS to WALSINGHAJE. I was ashamed to write to you touching the mutiny and am loath to do it; but seeing Mr Norris goes about to condemn his eaptains generally without excepting, perforce I think myself greatly injured. Coming from fielder, at the passage of Wier (?) by Utrecht he left me with the three cornets to pass 'for* Maadera, I waited for him till I met him at Antwerp. I passed with such diligence to the camp by,Ghent that' Tillies,' Excellence, States gave me thanks, without losing ' none.' It is well known to the best here (?) that the footmen were resolutely bent at that passage to stay "for 'contentation,'and, not to march further, but that I had embarked the horse before. .11 there lie any of any nation that will say, since our arrival s to ' Flanders, that [they] had the vanguard oftener the three English cornets or fought so often, I will say *Kb ' and maintain {It] to death. • - Touching the money. God knows I know not what was -received, ' nor never talked of it, as all ih& officers of the army will bear me witness that I had as good occasion to call for money;as the rest; for that day I entered the camp I will say no captain tod moi-e lances under bis cornet than I. Since our coming I haTe lost half for want of money. Onr three cornets since we came from Doesborg to tbis hoar have received but half a month's pay. Some told me, within these two days, that no mm, was more beholden to ,Mr Noras titan ,-L ; ¥he gentleman I confess to bo o y

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PAPERS.

talismt and wise,, and* think no man dares do niOTe with a treop of men than he; : I confess myself beholden to him. Yet that day th$i }L& gaye me. a company of foot, Mr' Delannoue.' would ' a had me to a. gone:' with him to. Flanders, promising to Use- me as well as-his son 'Tilleny,' Sin.ee that time I thiak h& gave 'place of captain' to- divers, others, as base minds as myself. I can say I was th& first captain that eves he mad,e, but he cannot Bay that he made me ft?st a. soldier. Sinee my coming to him I qaia prove I was seconded as well here as in England with better- than £700, and 18 serviceable hora.es—seven of them was & crowns, I never saw any crowns or horse of bis for me at. this hour, on the faith of a soldier. In my judgement I am'better than £8Q0 worse than nought.' '.When it comes to proof, if yon will* show tee that liberty to let me come to my answer, I doubt not but von will find Mr Norris in my debt all manner of ways; that. I will prove as the man at the ha?,, by God and, good witness* I desire* yon to pardon me. If I did not fear and love yon, I wouM not write so much.—Afc the camp By1 Bu-nlrirk, 26 July. AM, 1&2.

Mndd, Bap.

[Moll Wrs into Zealand or Holland, which I think could d6 ma no littrt. An"ar6&s, the chief, and now only onei alive of those who spirited the, is yet in prison at Cleves. He travails wonderslow

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I think that, besides all these considerations, Colonel Norris (who has 'left good oeeasionto the Duke ol Cleves to be known here') could do me especial pleasure by writing bath to the duke, atld to the Baron ol Auholt. He might write to the duke how shamefully I was taken in his country, and that upon my letters . written to Mm he had set at liberty the captain of his guard, M. • Edelkircheri, whom he had apprehended hearing that I was taken ia his country • and therefore might require him to see any charges ;dsf rayed, otherwise he should be compelled to seek for them at his subjests' hands, which he would be loth to do. This letter, sent a little before Stephen is to return, would make his{ councillors bethink themselves the better, and so partly by fear objected' to them, and by the authority of his Majesty's letters, I might the better eome out of this misery. After the same manner he might write to the baron, giving him to understand that lot my cause he "had spared his. subjects, whom he should now be compelled earnestly to molest, as also his particular goods, if he caused me not liberally to fee-restored to liberty. .

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Of some of these .things I -wrote to my friend Stephen, who Softs not so well weigh these ' moments ' as my ease requires; for these things were not to be deferred, and-being done at one time would move the duke and the baron more than 2 Mr Horns did not write. My lords the bishops, being moved by you, may otherwise help in this case. Being once delivered, I trust I should recover the charges again at Schenek's hands, .and peradventure something of what was taken from me; for Schenek, besides that he gave away 4 of niy geldings, especially liind'ered me by forging a horrible untruth, saying to the fence ol Parma that 1 I had offered him threescore dollars for my ransom; by which means he made the princes think that I had far other things to execute than they knew. If Schenek bo still in the custody of the Baron of Hohensaxe at Guelder, then I am to desire you io-write to him, and likewise to move the Earl of Leicester to write to hud, to threaten him, that unless he cause me to be delivered he shall pay for all my charges before he let him go. The Baron of Anholt is at present at the siege of Lochem, which is a frontier town on the • bordefB of Zutpnen, wit &* from the town of Eutphen, where He has now; been these 16 days- ^The town is very strong, but there are no victuals, as* is given out, in it. I beseech you be so good as to accelerate this last negotiation for my deliverance |-«hieh being hastened cttanot •bftt bring to gooa end all the careful travail heretofore taken far my sake OJ you, I have sent, to provide against :the wttfifc, cypher to myimafl Stephen, which Mr Tomaon may demand of him to use in eaee <whi!3h God forbid) I should further be fiolden up. I affi as yet in the Bittmaate^B house( here, where I have now been these ten WUBKB, but guarded as nigh' &i ever I was. ^ The fear I have test some of my keepers should perceive nte to wrxte (which I do ra my ' bed) tnakss flle break off here.—Beefed, 27 July 1583.

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July 27,

195. JOHN NOBBIS to WALSIN&HAM. Since my brother's departure I received two letters to you from • Gapt. 'Ereminge,' which I send by this bearer. I do not hear of any ' change of words,' but that it is eaid the enemy means to come before Ypres. Divers have been lately apprehended for treason, • ' amongst whom the young Count of Egmont is one. The bruit is they would have killed his Highness and the Prince; but in my opinion neither for his years nor discretion would BO.great a matter be committed to him. The Trench- forces are not certainly heard oi I am sure M. Eremyn writes you his opinion. Our camp is the very image of Hell, and in it none more tormented than myself; for besides the trouble with strangers, and this shameful disorder, our own chiefs will riot yet suffer me to live in quiet. I doubfe I shall shortly be forced to write it to you more at large.—Dunkirk, 27 July 1582. Add. EnM.

July 2£.

1 p. ' [HM. & Fl. XVI. 83,]

196. JOHN NOBEIS to EDWARD NORMS. Brother Edward,—I received today your letter by Mr Western* The only point that is to be answered is touching those French reports of this meeting. It will not be strange to you I am sure . that most part of them will not spare to lie what they can to disgrace me; and it grieves me not a whit, for I will not be such a one as they shall 'like of.J His Highness, I assure myself, is satisfied, or at least everybody makes me believe so. This is the only letter I have received from him since it happened, which I send you. For the Prince, I think he has had so good proof of me that he will not make any such report of me. Whatsoever all they would say, I can rightly clear myself. I would you could write me some particulars, who has written these false reports, for if I make mention of it generally, I shall be denied and laughed at. Let me know who yon think it necessary that his Highness or the Prince should write to, and I doubt not but to procure it. If you knew the life I lead here, yon would think I need none of theae slanders to trouble me.—Dunkirk, 28 July, 1582. . P'S.—I pray you keep his Highness's letter well, or else send it me again. I send you also a letter of Mr Danett, that yo« may see what he heard of the matter. Mndd. Ip. ilbid* XVL M,2

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28.

197.

THOMAS LONGSTOK to WALSUJGHAM.

By my letter of the 21st you 'may have intelligence' that ^ ° ™ m S to your order I paid here to Stephen Le Sieur the value of 100 «eneh erowns, being £80 sterling, which I desired might be repaid m London to Mr Christopher Hoddesdon, in part of a more sum that I 'ought' him. I a l s o signified in my letter what speech this burgomaster Alostanus had with me, touching the merest for 'Paulovisino' aad" Spinola; via. that Mr Ymane had their commission to * satisfy' m England for them. And as I heard

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1582. in secret there was order given not only for the contingent of Brabant, but also for Flanders and Zealand, and that the Dutch merchants 'trading England' should furnish the money there. If you are not made acquainted •with this by Ytnans, he is worthy. I think, of reproof for indirect dealing ae •well as the others that seek to gain time to prolong etc. [sic] and therefore to be urged for performance of the commission given to him, that her Majesty may be contented so, rather than by way of arrest, which might turn to the loss of our merchants here, while • the Dutch' merchants that should be touched by- the arrests in ; England have here in this town command of the weapons, especially now that Monsieur and the Prince are absent. 2?or though ' respecting her Majesty's goodness shewn toward this country, with the present estate and case thereof, it may seem that what I iear is very unlikely to fall out, yet the experience I have had of their desperate dealings and how these men will help themselves in their private causes, if by any means they can, though with detriment of the general and [sic], I may think they would now do it, yea, and forsake this country rather than be ruined. Your pleasure signified to me by letters of the 21st, received the 2,5", I will observe, in not dealing farther hereabout this matter; as also when I see it pertinent, to give warning that no colourable contracting be nsed. But surely I think our merchants will not take that course, to hurt their own markets by bringing strangers' goods thereto. . The letters directed to Stephen Le Sieur I have at his eoming from Bruges this day delivered to his hands, as by his answer I account you will understand, and also of the heinous treacheries plotted against Monsieur and the Prince, at Bruges revealed and made frustrate for.this time, and the Almighty have praise for it. I will according to your pleasure furnish Stephen with more money, for he desires it, and would.have had 200 crowns at first. So I think he will now have 100 crowns more at least,—Antwerp, 28 July 1582. Enclosed in the above •

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198. ^Articles propounded and laid forth at Augsburg, the 3 July 1582.' 1, That the 'treves' for 6 years against the Twk, consented in ! that .sort ii waa at Eegensburg in 1576 is anew <mpae& to he • consented' for another 6'years. , . : 2, To deliberate upon the means how the troubles ini the : Low Countries may be once quieted and appealed, ^ ™ then something earing for this. Dutehland, all aggers may be avoided [$ie). 3. How.the Empire, pulled away by sundry ^

. (and specially LiefeW), is to be / w t a f ;7 « £ ambasiage formerly required and * contented mto fco be effected or noi . ,

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4. In what sort some faults chanced or fallen into the chamberJustice ' may he reformed for behoof of the said s Chamber-Justice.' 5. To hring into better order the womb or bowels of the Empire and the unruliness therein baring course to suppress or extirpate. 6. To put in order the contentious questions 'eessiones';. and that his Majesty have consideration upon the conclusion and final writings of the impleaded parties to end the same by justice. 7. How the Imperial ordinance for the coin may be maintained or observed, touching the unreasonable raising of gold and silver. '. 8. Lastly, how and what manner the heavy tolls imposed by the Princes. in England, Sweden; and Penmark upon ships and merchandise.may be set off or pulled down. . AM. Evdd. l i and 1 | (smaller) pp. llbicl XVI. 85.]

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July 28.

199. ETIBNKB LBSIEUB to WALSESGHAIT.

I wrote you on the 20th that I should start on the following day for Bruges. I arrived thereihree days ago, and delivered M. de Marchaumont's letters to M. de Quinse, who having read "them said that he would communicate with his Highness upon them. I was answered by the Prinee of Orange that her Majesty's request touching Schenk waa granted. He offered further to do me any other pleasure I needed, and got me a passport from his Highness ' to go to the Prince of Parma,. • During my stay at Bruges there was discovered a conspiracy • against his Highness and the Prince, of which I doubt not you have been amply and truly informed. Still, inasmuch as I was there, and thai last Thursday I went to see M. Marquette, who is my friend, and to whom is committed the guard of Lamoral d'Bgmont, and haying heard myself from the said Egjnont that which he freely confessed I would not fail to writ§ it to you. It was in the form of a conversation, A gentleman of Tournayj in thepresence of Egmont, was lamenting his misfortune, and that such a dishonour had fallen on his house. He replied that he hoped to clear himself of any such suspicion that they had of him, and that meanwhile he would arm himself with patience till the truth was known. Thereupon M. de Marquette replied: "How, M, d'Mgmont ? by what way can you excuse yourself of those four points that you have confessed to m&? to wit r that you settled with Salcedo your departure from hence, the means being that ; he would send 2,000 horse to escort -you; that you wrote to the Queen Mother to that effect, Without informing the Prince of Orange who, has? loved you BO much ; that you tolerated and concealed the insults and evil which Salcedo spoke to you of .his Highness and the Prince; then when the Prince toM ym not to kept company with Saleedo, who was not fit to come among honest people, instead of doing so, you told Salcedo what the Prance had said to you; is it not true?" 'Whereupon he answered-, Yes, and he eould not deny it, even eonfened it. • Egmont showed throughout a joyful face, as though protesting against anything else they might charge him with. During all-the time I stayed at

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•- •;.;-.'" Bruges he did not leave, his. loggings, nqr yitfc h,e examined. That is till yesterday evening when I was going, and then I heard that the procurator-ftseal "was to go there to examine him, and I think if he will not confer that of which the qtiuar, conspirators, accuse him, that he will be shown the torture, and judicial proceedings will lie taken according te hip confession. f W will he, done with the others is not yet known. M. de Plessis departed last Thursday with his family, whom he is leaving in Prance, and he for his journey to Germany. His Highness gave a banquet that day to the Prince of Orange and the . " • States of Flanders, where they were very merryOn my return from Bruges to this town this evening, I received his Majesty's letter, that which yon sent me, With the help of God, I will -make my way to the Prince of Parma in two days, and will use ' my best endeavours in this ch&rgB, so that you shall be content with my services, which with a faithful heart I have dedicated to her Majesty. . I thank you for your care that I may not lack means for my journey.—Antwerp, §8 July 1582, Add. July 28.

Endd. Fr.

1-p. [Wd. XVI. 86.]

2 0 0 . THE MABBU&B Considering the French ambassador'a report, that the Mng his master 'yields1 to discharge her Majesty Of all charges of-war, if she will marry Monsieur,-and that he requests, a speedy answei, it is to be considered^-. 1. To see the very words of the king's letter for at MB commissioners' being here the. like in thisi sort thatii she ^ U marry the day after the marriage there * < ^ b « d f ™ * M Z £ kingJs part any kind of assurance from him that he would declare against the King of Spain. 2. The words already passed in the treaty of mamage axe h

m plain'terms, that by U&m . 1583.

jg to s l l 0 W tig opinion and liking, that her Majesty may see the matter plainly probable, how with her marriage she may keep her realm free from the interest of her husband s war. For this is to be well noted that on her part, when the marriage is concluded there can be no accident to change it, but it must continue; but on the other part, whatever shall be promised by the ting for the discharging of her Majesty may by new accidents be altered and changed and that also with 'probability of pretensions ' bo save the king in honour, though the promise shall not be fully performed. Yet because in such cases princes cannot exact among themselves more than covenants and promises, confirmed by writing, sealing, and oaths, there ia in this matter, if her Majesty thinksit expedient to marry, as much to be foreseen as reason can conceive, that the French ting's promises may be found probable to be performed, that is to say that the same may appear to be: • ' . • . 1. profitable for himself and his brother; and also - . • 2. possible or feasible to be continued by him; _ for without these two respects, the continuance of the promises will be doubtful. When these doubts are cleared on the king's part, then, if her Majesty shall like to marry, it will be convenient that she forbear her ' resolute' answer affirmatively, until she hears from Monsieur in what sort his intention is to "proceed. In Bwrghley's hand. Endd, by him: 28 July. For answer to the French ambassador's message at Nonsuch. 21 $>]). [France VII' 142.]

July 28.

2 0 1 . THE. KING of SWEDEN to the QUEEN. From the letters brought by Thomas Gorge, a gentleman of your bedchamber, and from Ms own report, we have gladly understood the matters entrusted (? demandata) by you to him, which he_has diligently and with great dexterity set forth to us. As we decided everything in his presence,-he knows how to report our mind and wishes to you.—Upsala,'28 July 1582. (Signed) Johannes K.S. Add. Endd. Lat. Wl. [Sweden I. 3.]

Jtdy 28,

2 0 2 . THE QCSEN of SWEDEN to the QUEEN.Although we were unable through ill-health, to receive your gentleman. Thomas G-orge, the greeting which he brought from you caused ue mueh pleasure. We understood further that you were surprised we had not yet written to you. But seeing that all things -were not as well settled between the King our husband and yourself as we could have wished, -we abstained from writing. . Now however that we understand your mind to be better disposed towards oui' htisband than formerly, \i?e hear it with great joy, we hope that this wiU long last, and we have wished to greet you herewith. If there is any way in which we can gratify you, you will find, us yon* most devoted sister and cousin.—Upsala, 28 July 1582. {Signed) Catharine,. Add. Mndd. Latin. 14U. \JBaA. 1.4.]

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