|
Dec. 1.
Calais. | 92. Lord William Howard to the Council. Yesterday two
Englishmen, Thomas Goldwell and Seth Holland, arrived here from
Rome. The former, having been a servant to Cardinal Pole, he has
detained, until he shall have their Lordships' pleasure. Holland,
both by his own confession and the saying of Goldwell, having
never been in the Cardinal's service, he has allowed to pass to
England with this his letter. Meanwhile requests their speedy
answer whether he shall permit Goldwell to cross or not. [One
page. Indorsed by Petre.] |
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Dec. 1.
Gnisnes. | 93. Lord Grey to same. Has received information that the
French are in camp on the frontiers of Hainault, minding to
invade that way; and that to resist them all the Imperial troops,
both foot and horse, on the frontiers have in speed repaired towards
them, so that in the town of St. Omer, it is said, there is not a
single man of war left beyond the very ordinary retinue. They say
if the French do tarry their coming, they will give them the battle.
[Half a page. Indorsed by Petre.] |
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Dec. 2.
Venice. | 94. Peter Vannes to same. Confirms the account of the recovery
of Vercelli by the Imperialists. News from Rome and elsewhere
mention the arrival of Strozzi at Sienna, and that certain pieces of
ordnance, great and small, are coming after him from Marseilles.
His coming, it is supposed, will be a great furtherance to the enterprises of the French King, and a great annoyance to the Duke of
Florence, for he is of high reputation among soldiers and is accompanied with many banished men of some importance. The Duke,
however, is very vigilant in all his states, and loses no time in fortifying and supplying all places meet and necessary. He has about
him in readiness divers bands of chosen soldiers, as well subjects as
strangers, and entertains several valiant and expert captains. He
is reckoned to be greatly stored of money, and able to defend himself, equally ready to assault or to be assaulted; it is generally
thought he will spend most part of the winter in his defence, and
that neither side will much enter into the wars of Tuscany, but
abide first the result of the matters in Corsica and see who shall be
superior there. News from Corsica of the 20th ult. mention that
on the 16th the Genoese army arrived there at San Fiorenzo, which
was kept by a valiant captain called Signor Giordano Ursino with
2,000 men; and that De Thermes was encamped nigh there with
6,000 men, minding to attack the Genoese as soon as they should
approach the town. It was reported by some that the French had
killed 200 Spaniards who had gone to view the town: by others
that the Genoese had taken a galley and a ship of the French laden
with ordnance and munitions on its way from Marseilles to Corsica,
but of these there is no certainty. The people of that country are
reckoned most assured to the French King, and as many as are
encountered not having the white cross are slain. [Two pages.] |
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| [Dec. 7.] (fn. 1) | 95. The Council to Dr. Wotton. Have received his letter of the
23d inst. and communicated its contents to her Majesty, who commends his wise and discreet answers to the French King and Constable. Since their last despatch by Francisco, the French Ambassador has had audience of the Queen and delivered his credentials:
on which occasion he discoursed on the subject of the marriage in
terms similar to those employed by the French King and Constable
to Wotton, dreading eventually marital influence notwithstanding
her Majesty's present assured determination to preserve amity and
peace. Her Majesty answered in few words, like as she had already
declared, that whatsoever husbands may otherwise persuade their
wives, if this marriage should take place it would rather be a mean
to bring good agreement and concord to Christendom than more
wars, and that God would never suffer her to forget her other promise made to her first husband on the day of her coronation. The
Ambassador had then suggested a special treaty or assurance for the
free continuance of traffic to be made, in order to remove all doubts
or fears from the subjects of his master; to which the Queen asked,
what assurance could he have more than her word, which she trusted
never to break? and, repeating her determination to keep the amity
with France as her father and brother had, she remitted him to confer more amply of this matter with her Council. In this further
conference, the Ambassador pressing for such treaty, was informed
that he should have no other assurance than the Queen's word, that
if the marriage took place the government of the realm should always
remain in her Majesty and not in the Prince, and if the nation had
listed to take occasion to enter the wars for the Emperor's sake, both
occasions had been ministered and request made, and yet no ear
given to such. The Ambassador prayed the Council to communicate
what had passed to Wotton, which they engaged to do, and it is
her Majesty's desire that he will on an early opportunity declare
the preceding details to the French King. As he had written that
Cardinal Pole had put the French in some hope that this marriage
should take none effect, her Majesty desires that he will mention in
his next letter whether he heard such statement upon any certain
grounds; and to endeavour by all means in his power to ascertain
whether any such thing had been done by the Cardinal or not, as
she desires much to know. [Four pages. Minute. Autograph of
Petre.] |
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Dec. 4.
Calais. | 96. Lord William Howard to the Council. A Scotsman, arrived
here out of France, was brought to him this morning. There was
found upon him two packets of letters which he was charged to carry
into Scotland. Considering the state of the world has thought it
expedient to forward these packets to their Lordships in case they
should think meet to peruse them and thereafter to give them to
Secretary Petre, to whom he has addressed the said Scotsman with
his private letter, and from whom he will receive them again.
[Half a page. Indorsed by Petre.] |
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Dec. 4.
Calais. | 97. Same to same. This day heard from Mr. Drury, at Brussels,
that the Ambassadors are appointed to be here this week and
to remain three days. Desires to know what order he shall
take for the lodging and transporting of them, since if the French
have got any intelligence of their going over, it is possible there
may be some danger in it. Drury also writes, that on the
last of November, news were received at the Emperor's Court
of the winning of Vercelli, the chief town of the Duke of Savoy,
where the late Duke did accustomably lie. It was taken thus: the
French, during the night, planted their ladders, so that some entered
before the alarm was given. The first who were ready in the town
resisted, but were unable to withstand the numbers. The inhabitants
little occupied themselves, either in fighting or defending. Those
who resisted were put to the sword, among whom was one M. Chastelard, in great favour with the Duke, to whom before he was as a
governor. The Captain of the town, being of the Order of Savoy,
was, with his wife and children, carried away with them, who, after
having the spoil, departed. Hearing of this, Don Ferdinando
Gonzaga marched towards them with his power. The Duke's own
loss amounts to 200,000 crowns. In the town was a citadel, which
was valiantly defended by its Captain, a Spaniard. While writing,
has received another letter from Mr. Stukeley, at Brussels, stating,
that immediately after the arrival of this intelligence, news came,
that the town had been recovered by the Imperialists, but the great
loss of the spoil remained to the Duke. It is deeply lamented in
the Court, especially by the Emperor and the Queen. The Duke is
so courteous a Prince that all the States lament him. Stukeley
mentions that her Majesty's Ambassador is very extremely sick,
and refers also to the coming of these Ambassadors. [One page
and a quarter. Indorsed by Petre.] |
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Dec. 6.
Antwerp. | 98. Thomas Gresham to same. Has received their letter of
30th November, with bonds of her Majesty and the City of
London for 113,000 florins taken up by Dawntesey of Lazarus
Tucker. Has delivered their letter to Tucker, and will see the
money paid. Tucker adheres to his bargain with Dawntesey, which
was for 200,000 florins, and showed the latter letter to Gresham
confirming it, a copy of which is sent herewith. Countersigned the copy of Dawntesey's bargain. Begs for the honour
and credit of the Queen and for the sake of Dawntesey, that
the bargain may be kept, for Tucker is a very extreme man and
very open mouthed, has divers partners in the bargain, and grounds
himself not a little upon the Council's acknowledgment that
Dawntesey was her Highness' servant. Doubts not that he himself
will be able to repair the Queen's loss within two months, and to
get money at an easier rate; but he must have time. In his letter
to Lord Paget has further explained his plans for carrying out the
great trust committed to him. Has changed his mind with
reference to buying pepper, and thinks the purchase of 1,000 demilances harness would be preferable and to the great strength of the
realm. Has conferred with Sir John Masone at Brussels, who will do
his best to get him an Emperor's passport in his own name or that
of some other person, but will not meddle with the passport for
bullion without a commission. The Queen's stuff shall be packed
in harness in great driffats; requests commission to put 3,000l.
in each driffat, and to lay three driffats on each waggon, in order to
save the great charge of waggon and man's hire if he should only
send 3,000l. in a waggon at one time. To courage their Lordships,
he has in one year conveyed 100,000 marks after this sort in his
own name and it was never touched. Sends herewith Tucker's letter
and the bonds by his own servant in post. Will see the merchants
paid the 16,969l. 12s. 11d. The exchange at present is at 25s.
and 8d. to pay at usance. |
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| P.S.—Her Majesty's letter commands him to follow his commission
in regard to the surplus received from Tucker. Finds that he will
have to pay 302l. 19s. 7d. more than he will receive, but trusts to
see the same accomplished. Is in doubt whether her Majesty
desires that he shall pay the merchants here but half, "as you do
pay the merchants in London." Has not yet commenced with the
merchants, and shall pay them no more until he hears from the
Council. [Three pages.] Inclosing, |
| 98. I. Copy of Tucker's bargain with Dawntesey, Antwerp, Nov.
16. [French. Certified by Gresham. One page. Partly
printed by Burgon, Vol. i., p. 138.] |
Dec. 6.
Antwerp. | 99. Lazarus Tucker to the Council. Has received their letter of
30th November requesting him to pay to Thomas Gresham, agent of
the Queen of England, the sum of 100,000 florins. Is willing to
do so. Dawntesey, however, had agreed with him on two occasions,
three or four days apart, for that sum, which together makes
200,000 florins. Hopes this agreement will be adhered to. [French.
Two pages.] |
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Dec. 11.
Arras. | 100. Edward Blonkett to Lord William Howard. On the 3d
inst. M. Benincourt with other noblemen and captains, having with
them 45 ensigns of foot and 2,000 horse, entered into the French
pale towards Peronne, and so marched within a mile of St. Quentin,
and on the 9th they arrived with in the Burgundian pale. During
their progress they burned upwards of 500 villages, and about 60
windmills, and gutted many piles and churches, and in one church
were taken 150 peasants. The Spaniards also took Captain
Thomas Crayer and some of his men, who are now here in Arras.
[One page.] |
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Dec. 11.
Harburg. | 101. Otho, Duke of Brunswick and Lunenburg, to Queen Mary.
Congratulates her Majesty on her accession, and sends as his
Envoy Florence à Diaceto. [Latin. Holograph. Two pages.] |
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Dec. 14.
Calais. | 102. Lord William Howard to the Council. Sends letter received
to-day from one Blonkett [antea, No. 100] who served the Emperor
during all the last wars as Captain of 100 light horse, and from time
to time transmits accounts of their proceedings. Requests they will
communicate its contents to her Majesty, if she is not already
apprised of the news. Hears nothing further of the Ambassadors,
and so has written to the Lord Warden. [One page. Indorsed by
Petre.] |
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Dec.
(Before 20.) [Westminster.] | 103. Queen Mary to Thomas Gresham. Thanks him for his foresight and diligence used in the charge committed to him, as shown
by his letter to the Council of 26th ult. Requires him to proceed
with as much speed as he can for taking up the money. Wishes he
may shortly so take up 100,000l. sterling at 12 per cent. at the
utmost, notwithstanding some ill-husbandry heretofore used in these
matters. If he cannot have the whole 100,000l. for a whole year,
he may take a portion not exceeding 100,000 crowns for six months,
and would have as much thereof as conveniently may be sent by Sir
John Masone at his return. Has given commission to the Bishop of
Norwich to move the Emperor for licence to transport 10,000 marks
weight of fine silver; the answer to which will be communicated
to him by the Bishop. Sir Philip Hoby, Master of the Ordnance,
having sent Peter Van Collen to the parts beyond seas to bargain
for Collen cleves, he has bought 10,000, which are to be delivered
at Dort between this and Christmas at 1s. 6d. a piece, the same
having heretofore cost eight groats. Her Majesty desires Gresham
will go or send to Dort to receive them, and if they be good ware
to pay for them. [Minute, autograph of Petre. Two pages.] |
|---|
| Memorandum as to these Collen cleves to same effect as above.
[Half a page.] |
Dec. 20.
Antwerp. | 104. Thomas Gresham to the Council. Has not written since the
6th, as, waiting the Queen's further pleasure, he could do nothing in
his commission. Has received from Tucker a thousand guilders, all
in silver Spanish rials, and has paid the merchants in full. Has
also paid to Dawntesey 111l. 12s. 9d., and to Harry Creed 10l. 18s.,
which were not entered in the remembrance sent to him or in that
of the payments to be made at London. As for the 100,000l. which
her Majesty would have him to take up, he finds that several men
have sums of 40,000 or 50,000 guilders to lend for a twelvemonth;
but when they come to the price, they are not ashamed to ask
15 per cent. and when he offers 10 or 11 per cent. then they burst
out and say "Think you that we do not know that the Queen's
Majesty gave Lazarus Tucker 13 per cent. for an 11 months, which
is now above 15 per cent., and is not our money as good as his?"
Some, too, said that they had commission from their masters to let
out their money at the same rate as Tucker, or else keep it in their
chests. Knows that the rich merchants have consulted and agreed
that if they keep up the price now with her Majesty the price will
not fall again. Had gone no further, which astonished the rich
merchants, as he doubted not but in time things would have framed
according to the Council's expectations. Now that he knows the
Queen's pleasure will proceed to the best of his ability; he has
difficult persons to deal with, but keeps watch and ward, so that no
time is lost. Arte Van Dalle and Christopher Chrewen offered him
16,000l. for six months at six per cent., but having no commission
to borrow for that term had declined it; now, however, having
authority, he finds that the Emperor has taken it up. This Bourse
of Antwerp is strange,—one day there is plenty of money, and the
next none,—because there are so many good takers and deliverers,
that if one will not, another will. Fugger and Jasper Schetz are
bare of money, and no good can be done with them at present,
as the Emperor owes above 300,000l. Received the Queen's
bonds for the other thousand florins last night at six o'clock, his
man having had to tarry a day and a night at Dover for passage,
and was on the seas the same space of time. Shall deliver them to
Tucker to-day. Cannot send the money in crowns of the sun, as
they cannot be had here at any price. Already they are worth
20s. the 100, and Dawntesey's open seeking for them did mar all
here, as people suppose they wish to rob them of all their gold and
silver, which indeed has been asked by some of the best merchants
on the Bourse. If he can accomplish Tucker's matter in crowns as
nigh as Christmas, he shall send or else come himself with it. Will
do his best to serve her Majesty, and has already written to them,
that it is a small matter to bring the Queen in debt, but the greatest
matter will be to bring her out again. Requests that ere he proceeds
further he may have his quietus est for the sum of 260,000l. in
which he found the late King indebted, and for which he is still
countable; this being his chief object in coming home during
the holidays, when and for ten days after, there will be nothing
done here. Went to-day to Brussels to confer with her Majesty's
Ambassador as to the demi-lances and other parts of his charge.
Desires to know their further determination as to packing the
harness. There is no kind of gold stirring, which is the strangest
matter ever seen on the Bourse of Antwerp; the whole payments
are in silver Spanish rials, no angels and sovereigns to be got, the
exchange being so high. At present it is 22s. and 9d., and likely to
rise, which he prays God may continue. Gives a practical illustration of the effect of operations in the money market. Will
see the matter of the Collen cleves speedily dispatched. [Five
pages.] |
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Dec. 20.
o'clock p.m. Antwerp. | 105. Thomas Gresham to the Council. Had written to them at
10 o'clock this morning. On arriving at the Bourse he found divers
of the merchants had advice that the crown was to be proclaimed
at 6s. 3d. or 6s. 4d., whereby such a demand for crowns will be
created that he fears in a short time they will not be attainable at
any price. Points out the effect of this. If the Council proclaim
the crown above 6s. it will cause the exchange suddenly to fall.
He was the founder of the raising of the exchange, the effect of
which has been to arrest the export and create an import of gold
and silver into the realm. Advises that the crown be proclaimed
at 6s., and not to be current from merchant to merchant, but to be
brought into the Queen's mints, sure payment being promised
within six days; and that the French crowns be melted down and
turned into English crowns valued at 6s. 8d., by which means the
exchange would be brought down, and the demand for crowns
stayed. Gives lengthened details as to his experience in financial
matters, and the benefits that will follow from his advices being
followed. [Three pages.] |
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Dec. 21.
Fontainebleau. | 106. Henry II., King of France, to Queen Mary. Acknowledges
her Majesty's letter of the 8th inst., and reciprocates her amicable
sentiments and desire for peace. [French. One page. Signed by
his Majesty and countersigned by Bourdin.] |
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| Dec. 22. | 107. "The effect of the letters sent to Mr. Gresham 22d December 1553." Knowledge given to him of the Emperor's consenting
to the Queen's request for 10,000 marks' weight of bullion before
the coming of the Bishop of Norwich, who was charged to
open the same and to request Gresham to prepare his things
accordingly, and to call upon the Ambassador there for the
Emperor's passport for the same, and to send money with all
diligence. Letters to the Bishop of Norwich or, in his absence,
to Mr. Masone at the same time to thank the Emperor most
heartily for the granting of the licence, to procure the passport
speedily, and deliver it to Gresham. [Quarter of a page. Autograph
of Petre.] |
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Dec. 23.
Brussels. | 108. Commission by the Emperor Charles V. to Count Egmont,
Lalaing, M. de Courrieres, Philip Nigri, and Simon Renard, to treat
of the marriage between Queen Mary and his son the Prince of
Spain. [Latin. Copy. Two pages.] |
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| Dec. 23. | 109. The Council to Dr. Wotton. Yesterday the French Ambassador being with the Queen, had referred to the prevalent report of
her Majesty's intended marriage with the Prince of Spain, with
whose father his master being in open hostility, did occasion his said
master to remember her Highness of his former good words and
affirmations in behalf of peace. To which her Majesty replied, that
he might assure his master that she still remained of the self same
mind as heretofore, from which neither husband, father, kinsman,
nor any other person alive should, God assisting her with His grace,
cause her to change; and that she should strive to observe the
treaties of peace both with the Emperor and the French King. The
Ambassador's conversation leads them to infer that the French desire
a peace should be negotiated, and instruct him to sound the Constable thereon. Hear that there are naval preparations in Brittany
and Normandy, and desire him to ascertain the truth of the report,
and what enterprise is intended. The Ambassadors from the Emperor, of whom they formerly wrote, are this day at Calais and will
be here shortly; if he can procure any intelligence touching the
peace will be glad to hear from him before their departure. [Draft,
partly autograph of Petre. Seven pages.] |
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Dec. 23.
Melun. | 110. Dr. Wotton to the Council. On the 13th inst. had received
their letter of the 7th. Audience of the King, appointed for the 17th,
was deferred till the following day by reason of his Majesty's severe
cold. Long details of his conversation with the King and the Constable on the subject of her Majesty's intended marriage. The Pope
has been dangerously ill. The son of the Grand Turk has been
murdered in his father's presence and by his command. The Scots
say that the Governor of Scotland is at last content to meddle no
further in the management of that country than shall be appointed
to him by the young Queen when she has attained the age of 12.
The French fleet on its way to Corsica has been overtaken by a
great storm, and several of the gallies driven back. The French
King seeks money by all means, and is said to borrow every man's
plate to coin money therefrom. His Majesty declares that he will
not be taken tard, as he was last year, and therefore makes great
preparation to be stirring with the beginning of the fair month of
March. He says he shall lack no money to distribute his troops
where he likes for six whole months. It is thought he will divert
the war into Italy as much as he can, to relieve his people at home
from the great dangers of it. It was for some time said that Marquis
Albert was reconciled to the King and should serve him again; but
that talk begins to wax cold. The Protestant Count of Mansfeld
still remains here; does not know wherefore. Captain Poulin is said
to have come to the Court, and to report the safe arrival of Pietro
Strozzi and the gallies at Corsica; but some doubt this, for the
Genoese have 36 gallies lying before a haven town in Corsica, and
if they had knowledge of their coming, the French if they have
escaped, must have done so with great danger. It is now said that
the Prince is going as commander of the army in Italy, which
before had been reported was to be generalled by Strozzi; also that
Marshal Brissac had taken the town of Vercelli, but by reason of the
diligence of Gonzaga had been unable to retain it. On the 7th inst.
had received their letter of the 20th ult. concerning the robbery by
Francis Kelwaye and Robert Drury, and immediately dispatched
one of his servants to Paris and Rouen to make diligent inquisition
for them and the plate among the goldsmiths and in all places where
Englishmen commonly resort, but without success. On his way to
Rouen, on this side of Pontoise, the messenger met some Englishmen,
one of whom bore so strong a resemblance to the description of
Kelwaye, that he returned and followed them to Paris, where
he learned that the individual was not Kelwaye, but a brother
of Sir John Thynne, of that stature, making, and face, which their
Lordships write Kelwaye to be of. He then proceeded to Rouen
with equal want of success; but the English merchants there are to
be on the outlook for the delinquents and plate. Has just heard
that Poulin has gone back, and that the King has heard of Strozzi's
arrival at Sienna, and the return to Marseilles of all the missing
gallies. [Thirteen pages. The greater portion printed by Tytler,
Vol. ii., p. 261.] |
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Dec. 24.
Antwerp. | 111. Thomas Gresham to the Council. Repeats the recommendations of his letter of the 20th. Has sent them 9,000 crowns by his
servant Francis de Tomazo, whom he requests they will move the
Queen to take into her service as post. He is a very fit man for
the purpose, having all languages, trusty and secret, and has
been four years and a half in his service. Will not be in quiet
until he has brought things round to the state in which he left
them when commanded home. At that time the proudest merchants on the Bourse prayed him both by mouth and letters to
England to take their money; now it is no small grief to him to
find all things out of order and to the contrary; for it is a great
difference for a man to seek money, and may have it offered him.
Trusts ere three month are over to bridle the merchants well
enough, who now are not ashamed to ask 15 per cent. On the
23d concluded a bargain with Jasper Schetz and his brothers for
60,000 florins at 13 per cent., amounting with the interest to 67,800
florins, at 20 stivers the florin, to be paid on the 1st of January
next and re-paid on the same day, 1554–5. The bonds for this
are to be drawn in the same manner as those to Tucker were;
the broker to the bargain is Thomas Down. Has also taken up
the same sum and on similar terms, from Andrew Lixsalls and
Thomas Flechamer and Co., for the like period. Has desired his
servant to make all the haste he can with the letter, that he may
have the bonds by the aforesaid day. Wishes to know how much
they will have sent by the Ambassador, and how to load the harness.
Sir John Masone has got him licence for 200 demi-lances. Has
also purchased 500 more to be delivered at Whitsuntide at the
furthest. Van Collen can give no answer as to the Collen cleves
until he hears from his merchants, because the bargain has been so
long in hand; if it is to go forward licence must be procured for
them passing through this country. Hopes to be at Brussels on
Christmas-day to confer with the Ambassador on this and other
matters. Desires to know if the 33,000l. now to be sent home will
suffice, and requests licence to come home to settle his account.
Requires warrants for the payment of such money as from time to
time he shall send home, and for such bonds as he has delivered
at home in the time of the late and present Sovereigns. [Three
pages.] |
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Dec. 28.
Richmond. | 112. The Council to Thomas Gresham. Acknowledges his letters
of the 20th and 24th. Her Majesty thanks him for his diligence
and the payment of the money by Francis Tomazo. Sir Edmund
Peckham is ordered to receive all other money sent by Gresham
to the Queen's use, and to indent with him therefor, which indenture shall be his discharge. The rumour of the valuation of the
French crown is unfounded; neither that nor anything else contrary
to his advices is intended. If upon talk with Tomazo they find
him meet to occupy the place of a post they will be suitors to the
Queen for Gresham's request in his favour. He is to send as much
money as he can by Masone and follow his former instructions for
the rest. Not to forget to call upon the man for the Collen cleves,
for the conveyance of which the Bishop of Norwich has commission
to find a passport. He will receive herewith the bond of her
Majesty and the City of London for the 120,000 florins last received.
He is to take up 60,000 more, and as soon as this is done and their
conveyance arranged for, the Queen will permit him to come home
for a time. [Minute. Two pages.] |
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Dec. 28.
Antwerp. | 113. Thomas Gresham to the Council. Repeats the bargains
made with Schetz and others. They will receive by the bearer
9,000 crowns French and Imperial. Trusts they approve of his
scheme for valuing the French crown. Advises them not to meddle
with the Imperial crown, because, as it is the cheapest gold to be
had here, it will be said that they seek to rob them of their gold.
The alteration of the French crown is of less consequence, as most
of them are spent here and carried into England. On the 27th
inst. received their's of the 22d, whereby he perceived that the
Emperor had granted her Majesty passport for the 10,000 marks'
weight of bullion. Has sent their letter to the Bishop of Norwich
and written to him to send the passport with all speed. The exchange has fallen to 22s. by reason of the news of the intended
proclamation of the crowns and the silver Spanish rials. There is
also a rumour that the base money is to be called down in England;
this will injure his devices. [Two pages. Indorsed by Petre.] |
|---|
Dec. 28.
Canterbury. | 114. Lord William Howard to same. On arriving at Canterbury on Thursday, the Emperor's Ambassador was informed by
Count Egmont and the other Ambassadors that there was only one
lodging at London prepared for the whole four; and at supper
the Count having mentioned this to Lord William, stating that
one house would not be sufficient, as his own train was large, comprising many servants of the Emperor of great estimation, and
that M. Lalaing had more gentlemen than he, thinks it right to
suggest to their Lordships the appointment of two other houses,
one for M. Lalaing and the other for M. de Courrieres and the
Chancellor. [Two pages.] |
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Dec. 28.
Melun. | 115. Dr. Wotton to same. Although the King has already
dispatched M. D'Oysel to Scotland with renewed commission, he is
sending thither the Vidame of Chartres with a number of soldiers.
This and the talk of the intended marriage of her Majesty with the
Prince of Spain, makes the people here believe that France is going
to war with England. If the King had at first only intended
D'Oysel to go, and now on the news of the marriage sends the
Vidame, it would seem either that the French stand in fear of war,
or make use of this occasion to occupy the forts in Scotland, and so
to keep them; which troops peradventure the Scots would else be
loth to receive into their country, and less into their forts. Whatever is their meaning, if words could satisfy him, he never had
fairer nor gentler ones. neither spoken nor written to him, than he
has now of the chief of this Court. [One page.] |
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Dec. 31.
Antwerp. | 116. Thomas Gresham to the Council. On the 28th, sent
them a letter and 9,000 French and Imperial crowns by one of
his servants, John Sprytewell. Trusts in God they be safely
arrived. By this bringer, his servant William Bendlowes, sends
8,211 philippines, which he received from Lazarus Tucker in the
payment of his money, and which are as good to be melted as the
French or Imperial crowns, whereby they may see that no gold
shall come into his hands worthy and meet to be sent, but it shall
be dispatched with all possible expedition. Awaits the arrival
of the bonds. The whole 20,000l. will be with them shortly.
Requests licence to return home. |
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| P.S.—Moreover send by Bendlowes 2,819 French and Imperial
crowns, which amounts to 939l. 13s. 4d., and with the philippines
makes in all 2,787l. 2s. 10d. [One page. Indorsed by Petre.] |
| 117. Memorandum in modern writing that Gresham was employed by the Queen of England to take up large sums of money
from the merchants in Flanders upon interest and good security, for
her Majesty's use. [Half a page.] |
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| 118. Heads of Agreement between Henry II., King of France,
and the Marquis of Brandenburg, for services to be performed by
the Marquis against the Emperor. [Latin. Copy. Two pages.] |
|---|
| 119. "Summa privilegiorum Hanzæ Societatis de Concessionibus
Regum Angliæ ab anno 44 Hen. III. Regis usque ad annum 1553,
tempore Mariæ Reginæ." [Latin. Twenty-seven pages.] |
|---|
| December. | 120. Articles proposed by the Emperor Charles V. with reference
to the marriage between the Prince of Spain and Queen Mary.
[Latin. Copy. Thirteen pages.] |
|---|
| [December.] | 121. Articles for the treaty of marriage between Queen Mary
and King Phillip. [Latin. Twenty-two pages. Draft. The
treaty itself is printed by Rymer, Vol. xv., p. 393, 2d Edition,
1728.] |
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| [End of year.] | 122. Notes as to the succession of the issue of the marriage
between Queen Mary and King Philip. [Latin. One page.
Autograph of Petre.] |
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