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Nov. 3.
Venice. | 62. Peter Vannes to the Council. It is needless by any kind of
writing to rehearse the joy, gladness, and comfort, which it has been
to him to receive her Majesty's and their Lordships' letter dated at
Westminster, the 7th ult. Renders his due and humble thanks, and
will endeavour during his life, with faith and diligence, somewhat to
answer to the good opinion had of him. On the receipt of her
Majesty's letter repaired to the Seigniory and declared his continuance
as Ambassador. His re-appointment and her Majesty's assurance
of friendship as in time of her predecessors, were thankfully
and suitably received; they inquired of the qualities, degree, and
estate, of each member of the Council who had subscribed the letter,
whereunto he made answer accordingly. They also inquired
the beginning of some accustomed rebellion stirred by the savage
people of Ireland, which had been bruited here by some diligent
writers to be of greater moment than it really was; and when he
mentioned the good provision taken by her Majesty for quenching
it, and that these tumults were founded upon no likelihood, strength,
or power, they all said that it was but fuoco di paglia. All the Ambassadors
with whom he had conversed of her Majesty's prosperous
successes, and the great tranquillity of the kingdom, which was
like to proceed from good to better, have showed to him that
Princes had been very glad to be advertised thereof. Occurrents by
sea and land seem rather inclined toward mischief and war than to
peace and agreement. Repeats his former information as to Corsica
and the assistance lent by the Duke of Florence to the Genoese. It
is said that the Emperor will assist the Genoese in this matter as
much as he may, for it is very necessary to all his affairs that
Genoa, being the key of Italy, should continue in his friendship
and devotion, for if Corsica should remain in the hands of the
French, Genoa will be in a manner as a thing besieged, in which
case by internal factions and banished men of great authority, some
rebellion might easily come to the Emperor's hindrance. He has
sent to valiant Captain Signor Ludovico Vistarino, to be master of
the Genoese camp, and has commanded all his ministers and agents
in Italy to aid them to the best of their power. The Vicerroys of
Naples and Sicily also are to send to Corsica ten gallies and as
many of those of Spain with a great band of Spaniards, which
united force will amount to 50 gallies, three galeons, and 14
ships, under the command of Prince Doria and his lieutenant
Augustine Spinola. Mentions, in addition to the French preparations
in Corsica noticed in his previous letter, that they have sent a
person to Algiers to hasten the coming of the army of Sala Reis.
The Duke of Florence and the Siennese are very vigilant to take
some advantage one against the other; and some small vessels of the
Imperialists bringing succours to Orbitello, a fortress on the coast
belonging to Sienna, have lately been taken and spoiled by the French.
Begs to receive correct information from some one appointed by the
Council for that purpose, of all that occurs in England, Scotland,
and Ireland, and that the letters may be delivered at the dispatching of the ordinaries either to his assured friend Mr. Bartholomew
Compagni, or be directed to her Majesty's Ambassador at the
Emperor's Court, to be forwarded by one of the ordinary couriers
who daily come hither from it. This he requests, the better to
serve her Majesty by tempering such news, whether good, bad, or
of the middle sort, as he may think to stand best with her honour
in his communication with Ambassadors and others. [Seven pages.
Indorsed by Petre.] |
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Nov. 4.
Neiss. | 63. Sigismund Augustus, King of Poland, to Queen Mary. Congratulatory on her Majesty's coronation, and credentials of Jerome
Makowieczki, his Majesty's Chamberlain. [Latin. Broadside.] |
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Nov. 4.
Neiss. | 64. Catherine, Queen of Poland, to same. Had previously
written to congratulate her Majesty upon her succession, and now
does so upon her coronation. Expresses her warm sentiments of
friendship and regard, arising both from consanguinity and similarity of disposition and pursuits. [Latin. Broadside.] |
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Nov. 4.
Neiss. | 65. Same to same. Recommends to her Majesty Lawrence
Fentzel, merchant of Datnzic, who goes to England with Jerome
Makowieczki, of the chamber of the King her husband, to obtain
justice in regard of some merchandise recklessly impledged there.
[Latin. Broadside.] |
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Nov. 4.
La Ferté Milon. | 66. Dr. Wotton to the Council. On the 28th October had received
their letter of the 28th, but in consequence of the King's absence
at Chantilly on a visit to the Constable, could not have audience of
him till the 31st. Had then declared all the points of their letter,
to all which things the King made a very short answer;
expressed his pleasure that her Majesty desired a continuance of
amity, and as the Queen of Scots was of the same mind, he trusted
that much good would ensue from the meeting of the Commissioners.
His Majesty did not speak of the Scottish complaints, or the Lord
Hume's matter, but remarked of the Border custom as to the trespass of cattle, that he thought it was very good, and none could be
more reasonable. As to the taking of the Flying Hart of Ostend,
said, if any of his men had done so, they had not done well, and
desired him to deliver a remembrance of it to Cardinal Lorraine.
Did not make a direct reply to the question whether, when the
offenders were discovered, he would cause restitution to be made of
the ship as it was when taken; but said, when he knew who had
done it, he would inquire into the truth of the matter, and do as
reason should require in it. With reference to the impeaching of
passengers between Dover and Calais, his Majesty said that,
if his men had taken any Portuguese, they had done wrong, and
ought not to have done it; and that he thought it very good and
reasonable that the passage should be free for all nations, and if the
Emperor would consent that it should be free, he was well content
to agree to the same. As for the incursions of the Scots into Ire
land, and the report spread that he incited them thereto, he took
God to witness that he never thought of such a thing. For knowing
her Majesty's desire of peace with her neighbours, he should do all
he could to assist her against such as might go about to molest her.
The Queen Dowager of Scotland is as glad of her Majesty's accession
as any may be, and equally desirous of peace. Had informed the
King that her Majesty did not believe that these disturbances were
done by the privy maintenance of the Scottish rulers, but reckoned
such a report to be untruly spread by those light savage people.
His Majesty will earnestly write to the Queen of Scots to see redress made. Hears that Messire Luigi Alemanni, an Italian, one of
the French Queen's maitres d'hotel, is going to England with a
present to her Majesty; and now remembers that when the Queen
was at St. Germain, Cardinal Tournon told him that she and her
gentlewomen were occupied in working certain fair works and gay
gear, which she was to send to her Majesty. Pietro Strozzi left on
the 1st inst., riding in post to Marseilles, to embark there for
Corsica: the Duke of Soma and most of the other Italians left on
the following day. It is reported that M. de Thermes is revoked, and
to be succeeded by Strozzi; also that the Genoese have sent
14,000 men into Corsica, which island if the French lose again, their
own proverb will be verified: qui trop embrace, mal estreint.
The Constable is well amended, and the King intends to visit him
soon again, when, if he is strong enough, his Majesty will take him
with him to Fontainebleau, where it seems he will lie the rest of this
winter. Sends his further proceedings in the affairs of the English
merchants, and begs their Lordships will cause the Council's
answers to be considered, because in some points they appear to
him to vary both from the law and previous agreement; but for
lack of books of law, and that he has so long discontinued that study,
he is the less able to stand with them in these matters. Hopes
the affair of Winter will be ended very shortly. Has received their
letters concerning the causes of Mr. Maynard, Mr. Calthorpe, and
other merchants; will do the best he can, but questions whether
these can be brought to a conclusion so speedily as the parties look
for, seeing they expect them to be dispatched in post-haste. Hints
as to the law's delays. [Six pages.] Inclosing, |
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| 66. I. "What hath been done in our merchants' matters here
at the Court sith the 14th of October 1553." [Correspondence, claims, and replies, principally in French.
Twelve pages.] |
Nov. 5.
Valladolid. | 67. Regulations for the conduct of vessels and the pay of
mariners. [Spanish. Four pages.] |
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Nov. 5.
Calais. | 68. Thomas Pettyt, Surveyor of Calais, to the Council. As the
season will enforce them to desist proceeding with the works this
year, and the new work adjoining to Purton's bulwark at Guisnes
is 20 feet above the water, it is proposed to discharge all the labourers employed thereon, and therefore requests that payment may
be made to the men. It is also intended to discharge all at Calais,
except forty whom they shall require to keep all winter for filling
the jetties and repairing the sea-banks and sea-heads. [One page.
Indorsed by Petre.] |
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Nov. 10.
Antwerp. | 69. Christopher Dawntesey to the Council. The Fuggers, in
consequence of having lately furnished the Emperor with 100,000
ducats, are unprovided with funds for the Queen's purpose until
their letters, with bills of exchange from Spain, daily expected,
arrive. Meanwhile he has taken up, for the Queen's use, of Lazarus
Tucker 50,000 ducats, that is, 100,000 guilders, to be repaid 1st
Nov. next, at the rate of 13 per cent. Tucker has promised, conditionally on his having no other commission out of Dutchland, to
furnish him with 100,000 guilders more within eight days. If he
fails, doubts not to have it. Desires to know how the money is to be
applied. Has sent the usual copy for the bonds for the sum aforesaid to Sir Wm. Petre, her Majesty's Secretary. [One page and
a half. Indorsed by Petre.] |
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Eod. die.
Antwerp. | 70. Same to Sir William Petre. Repeats the information given
in his previous letter to the Council. There are large quantities of
Spanish rials here, and all payments are made in them: if they
were current in England for sevenpence, and French and Emperor's
crowns at a noble of 6s. 8d., he could advantage her Majesty a good
piece of money. Could supply her Majesty with good portions of
bullion or silver in reasonable time. [Three pages. These two
letters abstracted by Mr. Burgon, "Life of Gresham," Vol. i.,
p. 128.] |
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Nov. 11.
Venice. | 71. Peter Vannes to Francis Yaxley. Thanks him for his letter
of the 11th ult. Expresses the great affection and regard which he
has for him, and his delight at the prosperity of the Queen and her
realm. Occurrents here are few and of little importance, except that
warlike preparations go on. Sienna stands well on its defence, and
the Cardinal of Ferrara and other French agents daily fortify it
and its vicinity. All friends at Padua are well. [Italian. Two
pages. Indorsed by Yaxley.] |
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Nov. 11.
Venice. | 72. Same to the Council. Few occurrents since his last letter
of the 3d, and these not greatly worthy of advertisement. The
last letters from Constantinople signify that the Turk followed his
journey to Aleppo, in the confines of Persia, with a great army; and
the Persians having foreseen his coming against them, had already
wasted and burned the greater part of the country through which
he had to pass, so that the lack of victuals was very serious to him
and his army. They had also taken a large number of the Turk's
ships laden with spices and rich wares, to the great loss of divers
merchants. The Turk had distributed among his troops, according
to their degrees, 600,000 crowns, to the intent that they might the
better endure the hardness and scarcity of their voyage; and many
suppose that this enterprise against the Persians shall somewhat
profit King Ferdinand in the matters of Hungary. Corsican affairs
remain in the same state. It is strongly reported that Pietro
Strozzi is appointed General at Sienna, in room of De Thermes:
being a valiant captain and in high favour with all soldiers, his
coming with a sufficient furniture of money so nigh a neighbour to
the Duke of Florence, will cause the latter to look well about him,
and make him less able to assist the Genoese with men and money
as he has begun. The Cardinal of Ferrara and other French agents
in Sienna daily fortify that town and the adjacent places, and have
in daily wages 4,000 labourers and nine ensigns of soldiers. It is
also reported that the French King has dispatched the Prince of
Salerno and the Duke of Sulmo upon some other enterprise in
Italy; likewise that the Prior of Capua, a very witty and valiant
man both by sea and land, is reconciled to the French King, and,
if so, men think him a very meet man for that King's service.
The Imperialists in Piedmont are so strong in the field that the
French shall be fain to keep good garrisons there, and rather to
augment than to diminish the number of their troops. Deems it his
duty to mention that he understands, partly by his own knowledge
and partly by hearsay, that several people here in various ways
promise themselves of her Majesty's liberality to attain many things
to their own use and benefit, and some have even inquired of him
what they should ask? Has replied to such that he knows nothing
except that her Majesty's discretion is equal to her liberality, and
that she knows how to consider any man's deserts. Further, that
suitors ought to be circumspect and temperate, especially at the
commencement of her reign, the country having been by evil ministers very much indebted, and her treasures greatly wasted and
spoiled, besides her great liberality towards her subjects, in pardoning of the large subsidy lately granted to her brother, the which
of duty was her own; all which requires her ministers to look well
to her rights and revenues. Perceives that many mind to ask
licences, some that they may be free of London, and may custom
both English and strange ware as freemen there, and others that
they may have long days of payment for their gabelles and customs.
Had shown those persons that nothing is so untouched and entirely
kept as the safety of customs. Repeats his request to be supplied
regularly with information of what passes in England. [Six pages.
Indorsed by Petre.] |
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| Nov. 13. | 73. Instructions to Thomas Gresham to proceed to Flanders to
negotiate for the loan to her Majesty of 50,000l., or as much of it
as he can obtain for one year, at 11, or at the most 12, per cent.;
also to take up money by exchange to his own credit in Flanders
for the Queen's use. [Draft, revised by Petre. Four pages.
Printed by Burgon, "Life of Gresham," Vol. i., p. 471.] |
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| Nov. 13. | 74. "A memoriall gyven by Thomas Gresham unto the Quene's
Mate." |
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| 1. The Queen to give her bonds, and those of the city of London
as usual, for all such sums as he shall take upon interest. |
| 2. He shall not give more than 12l. or 13l. per cent. for the sums
so taken. |
| 3. The sums shall be sent home very secretly, in such coins as he
shall think best, to be laden in Antwerp to London or Ipswich, at
the Queen's risk. |
| 4. He may take up money by exchange on his own credit in
Flanders, to be sent to London at the Queen's risk. |
| 5. He shall be allowed the usual charges for diet as in the time
of Edw. VI., and also expenses of posting, &c. |
| 6. He begs the appointment of persons to take account of the
sums which he has received in the time of King Edw. VI. and her
Majesty, for which he has not yet made account. [One page.
Indorsed by Petre.] |
Nov. 14.
Calais. | 75. Lord William Howard, Lord Deputy of Calais, to Queen
Mary. Had lately received a letter from the Council informing
him that her Majesty has appointed him her Admiral, and requiring
him to return to England immediately upon the arrival in Calais
of Lord Wentworth, whom her Majesty has appointed to be her
Deputy there. Whereupon he has not only sent away the most part
of his staff, but has caused to be laid out a great part of his present
half-year's rents for his provision in England. But he has this day
received a letter from Lord Clinton, specifying that he thinks not
to depart from the office; this letter he has sent to the Council,
and begs her Majesty will call for it, as it is very strange to him
that he should have been appointed to the office by her Majesty
before Clinton had been discharged from it. Begs that the one
office may not be taken from him without he shall enjoy the other.
Lord Wentworth has already sent his steward hither to make his
provision. Her Majesty may remember that upon his humble suit
she gave him one of the chains that Henry Dudley had at his
apprehension, which chain had belonged to the late King, her
brother, so that neither the Lady Jane, taking upon her most
wrongfully the name of Queen, nor yet her husband, could give that
which was of right the property of her Majesty. Nevertheless,
receiving a letter from the Council in her Majesty's name, desiring
him to deliver it to Mr. Dudley, he has obeyed, and would have
done so had it been worth 1,000l.; but he thinks surely their
Lordships did not know that the chain was her Majesty's. Desires
to know her Majesty's pleasure. [Holograph. Two pages.] |
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Nov. 14.
Calais. | 76. Lord William Howard to the Council. Incloses letter received
from Lord Clinton, referred to in the preceding; mentions the preparations which he made and the arrival of Lord Wentworth's
steward. Trusts that his long services may be recognized by the
holding of one or other of the appointments, and that they will
take order for the payment of the wages due to him here for a year
and a fortnight, and have his poor retinue in remembrance.
[Holograph. One page.] Incloses, |
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| 76. I. Letter from Edward, Lord Clinton, London, 11th
November. Had received on the 10th his letter of the 3d
inst. If he shall depart from his office, there is no man
in England that he would so gladly should have it as
Howard; but he has not yet been desired by her Majesty
or the Council to forego his office. However, he must say,
that when the Queen and Council know that he has a
sure and lawful patent of the office for the term of his
life, he trusts he may be allowed to enjoy it; for he is very
sure that since the granting to him of her Majesty's most
gracious pardon, he has done no fault whereby he ought
to forfeit or lose either that or any other thing that he has.
Hears that the Queen and Council think the office is
merely held during pleasure, but this shall otherwise appear by his humble suit addressed to her Majesty. [Two
pages.] |
Nov. 18.
Antwerp. | 77. Thomas Gresham to the Council. Arrived in Antwerp on the
17th inst. at 8 p.m. Next day saw Lazarus Tucker with reference
to his offer of 200,000 carolines for a year at 13 per cent. In
consequence of Gresham's delay in answering him he said he had
concluded with Christopher Dawntesey at the same rate and must
pay the money by 30th November. The Queen will thus have by
his reckoning 11 months instead of 12; and the money will stand
her in more than 14 per cent. The matter has been so much talked
about that he dare not ask any man to take up money at interest
until their pleasure be further known. If the bargain be struck
the Queen will get no money under 13 or 14 per cent., whereas by
politic handling it might have been had for 11 or 12. Advises them
to wait a month and not proceed at present. It will be best that
he should have a commission for borrowing money at a rate not
exceeding 12 per cent. Then if Dawntesey's bargain be not concluded, they will want to see this commission and the Queen will
save 1,000l. in 50,000l. Before Dawnstesey came money was to be
had for 10l. per cent., which is no small grief to him. Saw the
Fuggers' agent, who showed him a letter from the Council, by which
it appears that Dawntesey offered 100,000 crowns from him to the
Queen, an offer he utterly denies having ever made. Delivered at
11 o'clock to-day the Queen's letter to Dawntesey, who departed
suddenly upon the sight thereof. Thinks he has done his best and
therefore requests they will bear with him, not being used to
the handling of such weighty affairs. The Emperor takes up
all the money he can get. The French King is very strong upon
the borders. The Emperor expects 40 ships out of Spain with
treasure, which Schetz, the Emperor's factor, tells him amounts
to 300,000l., besides the treasure which the merchants will convey,
and which will be as much. Money scarce, because the Germans
take up all the gold for Germany, while the great towns pay 12
per cent. for it upon their bonds for repayment; so that it is
thought there will be much ado next summer. [Three pages. Indorsed by Petre.] |
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Nov. 21.
Guisnes. | 78. Lord Grey to Queen Mary. Presumes to trouble her Majesty,
as his case touches his poor credit and honesty. Of late a little
discord has arisen between him and the Bailiff of Guisnes, who has
not only written against him to her Majesty and the Council, but
has without leave gone to England to prefer his complaint in person
to heap and aggravate the matter more than either is true or can be
proved. Requests to be heard in self defence, and if ought can be
shown against him will willingly submit to correction. Beseeches
that the Bailiff for his contumacy and disobedience may be rewarded
accordingly, and refers it to her Majesty whether, being so necessary
an officer here, he has done his duty in thus secretly departing without licence. As it would be too tedious to discourse the occasions of
this variance, has sent his servant and attorney to open the truth in
every point to the Council. [One page and a quarter. Indorsed
by Petre.] |
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| Eod. die. | 79. Lord Grey to the Council. Whereas the Bailiff of Guisnes,
and by his only procurement the freemen of the law there, have not
only of late complained against him by their letters to her Majesty
and their Lordships, but since then the Bailiff, in way of further
vehemence and for his better prevaluation, has repaired to England
meaning most sinisterly to allege to his discredit, although in the
matter shall appear no cause of truth; requests they will examine
the bearer his servant, together with his attorney, a man seen in the
laws here and who can enlarge the certainty in this behalf, and that
his answer may be heard to the Bailiffs objection and indifferent
justice administered to both. [One page. Indorsed by Petre.] |
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Nov. 24.
Venice. | 80. Peter Vannes to same. The fleet conveying the Genoese
troops and supplies for the recovery of Corsica had been detained
for some days by tempest and contrary winds, but sailed with
favourable weather on the 10th inst. in good hope, the rather that
Calvi still holds out, notwithstanding its being hardly besieged by
the French. On the other side, M. de Thermes writes that he has
well fortified all the places he intends to keep, and has 10,000 men
ready to encounter the Genoese in plain field, seeming to have a
certain hope to conquer Calvi, if it be not shortly succoured, and
that the inhabitants there are most assured on the French King's
side. Also that much diligence is used at Marseilles, in increasing
the number of gallies by ten; but it is supposed they will scantly
be ready to assist this enterprise of Corsica unless they are already
prepared. These continuous preparations of gallies will at length
make the French independent of the Turks, from whom they have
for many years received small furtherance, notwithstanding the very
great charge for entertaining them. Besides, the Turks are of a
proud and suspicious nature, and not easy to be commanded or
employed as the French would and the occasion of wars so require.
The French also are said to have got much evil will of the inhabitants
of all the sea-coasts for bringing into Christendom the Turk's army,
which is very cruel and fearful wheresoever they come. It is said
that the French King is greatly offended with the Duke of
Florence for assisting the Genoese, and therefore to have sent Pietro
Strozzi, his great enemy, to Sienna so near his nose to do him whatsoever displeasure he can from time to time. Of Strozzi's arrival
there is yet no certainty. On the 17th M. Brissac, having an intelligence with the inhabitants of Vercelli, on pretence of going against
Ferrante, 40 miles from thence, took out of his company 500 horse
and foot and sent them with diligence to Vercelli, which, with the aid
of the townsmen, he took, and slew a number of the Imperialists.
But Ferrante and his lieutenant at Milan, called Capitano di Giustizia, being advertised thereof, went suddenly in haste with 100
horse and entered the fortress, of which the French had not yet got
possession. Meanwhile 1,000 horse sent by Ferrante made their
appearance, whereupon the French, being fewer in number, abandoned the enterprise and the Imperialists easily recovered the town.
Vercelli belonged to the Duke of Savoy, and is a noble, strong, and
plentiful city, of a good largeness, situate in the confines of Lombardy,
30 miles from Milan, on the very high way thither from Piedmont,
and not far from the French frontiers; wherein if they had been
able to establish themselves they should have been most hurtful to
the state of Milan and the Emperor's affairs. The French deny the
recovery, and the Imperialists affirm it; but the truth will be known
shortly. [Three pages.] |
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| Nov. 25. | 81. Names of persons, chiefly merchants, who have agreed, out of
good will to her Majesty, though to their own great detriment and
damage, to receive the sums lent by them to the Queen in Antwerp,
provided payment be made at sight of their bills by her agent there,
at the rate of 22 shillings Flemish for every pound sterling. The
amount so consented to be received by these loyal subjects (108
in number) is 15,426l. 19s. 1d. sterling, equal in Flemish money at
the rate aforesaid to 16,969l. 12s. 11d. Among these names occurs
that of the father of Thomas Lodge the dramatist. [Three pages
and a half.] |
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Nov. 25.
Guisnes. | 82. Lord Grey to the Council. Has received their letter of the
20th mentioning that the French Ambassador had, on the information of M. de Senarpont, complained that some of the English soldiers
here had lately fought with some Frenchmen in a wood near Guisnes
or Sandingfeld, and seemed to lay the blame on the English. Has
not heard of such fight or anything tending to the matter. But he
remembers that when commanded by her Majesty to send over some
wild boars, knowing that he could neither take them on English
ground, nor make so great a hunting there but that the hounds
should fly upon the French pale and they be forced to follow, and
considering the relative position of the French and the Imperialists,
he thought some disquiet might ensue to either unless they had foreknowledge that he would hunt. He therefore, by writing, communicated his intention to Senarpont, the Captain of Ardres, and the
Captain of Gravelines, also requesting permission to hunt on their
pale if necessary. This they all willingly granted, praying him not
to spare, as the letter from Senarpont's lieutenant, which he has, can
testify. In this case he hunting several times without prevailing, the
captains and gentlemen here eftsoons following the game were fired
upon sundry times by some French peasants lying in the woods,
who chased his hunts and killed certain of his hounds. This continuing, it fortuned the said captains, as they were one day hunting
in the same place and in like doings, to take half a dozen of these
peasants, dealing more like thieves and murderers than honest men,
and cut off a piece of the ear of one who was the ringleader, on consideration that they having licence so to hunt were thus vilely used
and put in danger by the peasants. Of this Senarpont's lieutenant
writing to him a month ago, had replied so reasonably as he
reckoned to have satisfied him: nevertheless, on Senarpont's coming
home, he had written on the same matter and received an equally
reasonable reply as might has satisfied him also. Incloses copies of
Senarpont's letter and his reply. This is all that has happened on
the English part since he came here, and yet this of which they
complain is not to be compared to the least of a number of the acts
done by the French and by no means redressed by Senarpont or
others. Since his coming he has frequently complained to him of
most notable murders, probable thefts and intolerable injuries done
by the French most audaciously to the subjects here, even at home
at their own doors. Among others, of a murder committed by 20
or 25 of them upon a substantial farmer dwelling at Caussey, whom
they murdered within a flight shot of his house, and would have
slain some of his neighbours if they had not fled. After that they
killed three Englishmen in the woods. Then they came in plain day
to a subject at Scales [Calais], and beating him took away a number
of his sheep. Also they beat another at Sandingfeld, threatening on
him that he had cut the woods there, with which they had nothing
to do. Recently they passed over her Majesty's ground here, and
most cruelly beat another whom they found and would have had him
prisoner. Another time a band of them on the same ground took from
two of her Majesty's subjects a horse and a mare, the former of which
by earnest pursuit of its owner they were forced to leave, but the
latter was carried to Boulogne and it cannot be recovered. Finally,
finding a partridge-taker of his to whom at his, Lord Grey's, request
the Captain of Ardres had given passport to take partridges on the
ground of his government, exercising this occupation on Madame de
Riesque's ground, they took from him (notwithstanding his passport,
which they rent) his nets, worth a dozen crowns, his purse and his
coat, at the same time cruelly beating him, and had undoubtedly
cut his throat if the people of the village had not seen them. These,
and many more cases which it were tedious to relate, are continually
used by the French of their own naughtiness and without occasion;
yet although such and the perpetrators have been denounced, no
justice has ever yet been done by Senarpont, with whom some
of the offenders are even in good credit with him, and are daily in
his presence bearing themselves as though they had done no such
things, or else were supported in their doings, as it really would
seem they are. Is glad to have this opportunity of mentioning
these proceedings, wherewith had been unwilling to trouble their
Lordships, having already notified these outrages when they occurred.
That of which they now complain appears, upon strict inquiry, to be
the only matter of offence on part of the English since his coming
hither. [Three pages and a half. Indorsed by Petre.] Incloses, |
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| 82. I. Copy letter from Senarpont to Lord Grey, Boulogne, 16th
November. [French. One page.] |
| 82. II. Same from Lord Grey to Senarpont, Calais, 20th November. [French. One page and a half.] |
| Nov. 26. | 83. Gresham to the Council. Refers to his letter of the 18th
inst. Assures the Council that the Queen had better have given
Dawntesey 10,000l. than have proceeded in this matter. Dawntesey
has been trying to buy up all the crowns he can get, and has offered
one upon the hundred. This has raised a suspicion among the
foreign and English merchants that the money was to be sent to
England, of which Gresham has disabused them. Lazarus Tucker
met him this day on the Bourse, when Gresham expressed his
astonishment at Dawntesey's offer of interest at so high a rate, as
the Queen's commission did not extend so far, and plenty of money
could be had at 10 and 11 per cent. Tucker replied that he had
made a bargain and wished to keep it, for he knew the Council
had written to Fugger for money, that he had advanced only
100,000 florins at first to Dawntesey, and that Dawntesey prayed
him to make a further advance of the same amount, which he was
forced to borrow. If the bargain be concluded, no money will be
got under 13 per cent. Some merchants are willing to lend for
six months at six per cent. Desires to know what he shall do. (fn. 1)
As the payments will be made to the Queen in Spanish rials, which
are very massive, it will be necessary to provide for their secure
conveyance. Wishes he had a commission to buy pepper, as it
would be a good mode of conveying some of the money in the bags.
It would be well to send some money over by Sir John Masone, who
is going home, the Bishop of Norwich coming over. (fn. 2) The Queen
should get a passport of the Emperor for conveying 10,000 marks
weight of fine silver. [Four pages. Indorsed by Petre. Partly
printed by Burgon, "Life of Gresham," Vol. i., p. 136.] |
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Nov. 28.
Brussels. | 84. Sir John Masone to the Council. It is now settled that the
Count of Egmont, M. Lalaing (elder brother to M. de Hochstraet),
M. de Courrieres and Nigri, Chancellor of the Order, are to go as
Ambassadors to England. The Prince of Orange, M. de Bures and
M. de Hochstraet had been in the election, but the preceding were
nominated, yet both those that tarry and the Duke of Savoy merely
say that those shall be the avant couriers, and they will follow in
the bataille. The wife of the Prince of Orange is brought abed,
and Hochstraet has charge of the finances of these Low Countries,
which are the causes of their stay. The Ambassadors will leave
seven or eight days hence, very honourably accompanied by many
gentlemen, and, as he is informed, by not much under 200 horses.
M. de Bossut, Master of the Horse, and M. de Bures, are likely soon
to go to England, not to join the others, but to pass the seas into
Spain, and to conduct the Prince hither. Hears in different ways
that the young English at Antwerp use their talk very wildly, both
in showing their dislike of the proceedings in matters of religion
at home, and of the other great matter which at this Court is taken
as a thing utterly concluded. They have lately had a bickering
with the Spaniards, which has so tickled them that they hesitate
not everywhere to express their discontentation with the whole
nation. Thinks the Council should speedily send some at whose
hands they might receive some such threatening lesson as should
teach them hereafter how to temper their tongues. There are news
here of five millions of gold having arrived at Seville; prays God
it be half so much, but whatever it be it makes them all merry in
the mean season while the certainty is a learning. The Duke of
Florence having sent a force for the recovery of Corsica induces the
French King to make account as if he had declared himself against
him, and therefore he has sent the Duke's mortal enemy, Pietro
Strozzi, into Italy, while M. de Thermes shall remain in Corsica,
and has sent to Algiers to hire 20 gallies. Knows that if the Devil
were to be treated with he would entertain him. Prays that the
Lord may put into him a better and more Christian mind. It is
reported that the Sophi has met with a flote of the Turk laden with
spice. From Hungary are uncertain reports of a great overthrow
of the Turks by the Christians. God send the said Turk ill luck
against the Persians, else the matters of Hungary will soon be
revenged ! Count Egmont wishing to have some English gentlemen in his company for divers services, has desired Mr. Drury to
take that place. Drury is loth to refuse this request, but being so
behindhand with his creditors is afraid of their rigorous dealing
with him when in England, and has requested Masone to solicit
their Lordships' protection for him, as going in the capacity of the
Queen's servant he may be saved from being impeached of them,
minding before it be very long to satisfy them all accordingly.
[Two pages.] |
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Nov. 28.
Guildhall. | 85. Bond by the City of London to Lazarus Tucker for repayment of 56,000 florins, altered from 113,000. [Copy. Three pages.
Indorsed by Petre.] |
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Nov. 29.
Calais. | 86. Lord William Howard, Deputy of Calais, to the Council.
To-day there has arrived here an Ambassador from the King
of Portugal to her Majesty, who brings a letter from Masone
specifying that he is in great estimation both with his master and
the Emperor, with whom he had formerly been Ambassador, and
desiring he should be used accordingly. This trusts to have fully
accomplished. In the evening has received another letter from
Masone declaring what other Ambassadors were coming and their
trains, and who would leave for England in six or seven days. As
they will be here shortly, requests with all speed to know after
what sort he shall entertain them, for it is possible that the wind
and weather may be such as they shall be forced to remain here a
good space. Is sorry that he shall not be able to entertain them as
he would, because his plate and the most part of his best stuff is
already sent into England. However he will show them as much
courtesy and attention as lies in his power. [One page. Indorsed
by Petre.] |
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[Nov. 30.]
[Westminster.] | 87. Queen Mary to Thomas Gresham. He is appointed to receive
the money from Lazarus Tucker, which the said Lazarus has agreed
with Christopher Dawntesey to advance to her Majesty's use, and
out of this he is to make payment to the merchants adventurers
who are named in the bill herewith sent [No. 83, antea], as being
willing to receive the amount of her debts to them at Antwerp.
The residue of the debt to the remaining merchants, who desire to
be paid in London, is to stand over and to be received from Tucker.
[Minute, autograph of Petre. One page and a quarter.] |
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Nov. [30.]
Westminster. | 88. The Council to Thomas Gresham. Have received his letter of
the [26th inst.] with regard to the bargain between Tucker and
Dawntesey. Though the interest is higher than was expected or
will be allowed in future, it is to proceed, both for saving of his
credit and other considerations. Send her Majesty's assurance
and the bond of London to be delivered to Tucker, from whom
Gresham will receive the money. [Minute, autograph of Petre.
One page.] |
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Nov. 30.
Westminster. | 89. Bond by Queen Mary to Lazarus Tucker for repayment of
113,000 florins. [Draft. Indorsed by Petre. Three pages.] |
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Nov. 30.
Westminster. | 90. The Council to same. Her Majesty accepts the loan of
113,000 florins negotiated by Christopher Dawntesey, although the
sum might have been obtained elsewhere at a lower rate of interest.
[French. Copy. Half a page.] |
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Nov. 30.
Brussels. | 91. John Scheyfue to the Lord Great Master of the Household.
Requests a passport for his friend the bearer. [Latin. Half a
page. Indorsed by Petre.] |
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